Roberta Aguirre
As of May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. This means that passengers intending to use their state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S. must ensure it is REAL ID-compliant. Passengers without a REAL ID or another TSA-acceptable form of ID may face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint. While some sources suggest that a paper ID may be accepted alongside an old expired ID, others claim that a paper ID does not work for TSA.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Paper IDs are not accepted by TSA
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses will be mandatory from May 7, 2025
- Other acceptable forms of ID include passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and more
- Digital IDs are being accepted at select airports
- Biometric data and facial recognition may replace physical IDs in the future
Paper IDs are not accepted by TSA
As of May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept state-issued driver's licenses or ID cards that are not REAL ID-compliant as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that passengers intending to use their state-issued ID or license to fly within the US must ensure that it meets the REAL ID requirements.
Paper IDs are generally not accepted by the TSA as a valid form of identification. While there are reports of individuals being able to use a temporary paper ID along with an old expired ID, this is not guaranteed and may result in additional screening and delays. In some cases, individuals without a valid ID may be denied entry at the security checkpoint.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Therefore, passengers are strongly advised to check the TSA's list of acceptable identification documents before travelling to ensure they have the required documentation. This list includes various federal IDs, such as a US passport, passport card, or DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST). Permanent resident cards, foreign government-issued passports, and federal IDs issued by a Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe are also accepted.
Additionally, TSA has been rolling out digital ID technology at select airports, allowing travellers to use mobile driver's licenses and ID passes saved on their smartphones in apps like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or state-issued apps. This provides an alternative to physical IDs for those who may not have immediate access to a REAL ID-compliant form of identification.
Shanghai Airport: Free, Fast, and Reliable Wi-Fi for Travelers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses will be mandatory from May 7, 2025
From May 7, 2025, all air travelers aged 18 and above will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license or identification card to board a commercial aircraft within the US. This means that a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, enacting a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.
To be REAL ID-compliant, a state-issued driver's license or ID must include a REAL ID-compliant star marking. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are also accepted as alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards. These EDLs can be identified by the image of the US flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card.
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID standards, it is recommended that you check with your state department of motor vehicles. For California residents, the ID will be marked with a bear and star in the top right corner.
If you do not have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, you may experience delays and additional screening at the airport. You may even be denied entry to the security checkpoint. It is important to plan ahead and ensure that you have the necessary identification documents to avoid any issues when traveling by air.
Are Airport X-Ray Scanners Safe for Travelers?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Other acceptable forms of ID include passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and more
As of May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. Passengers will need to present an alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a state-issued REAL ID. Those without a REAL ID or another TSA-acceptable form of ID may face delays and additional screening.
Permanent resident cards, foreign government-issued passports, and federal IDs issued by a Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe are also valid forms of identification. Additionally, a U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents, can be used.
It's worth noting that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, so it's always a good idea to check the TSA's list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure you have the correct documentation.
Exploring Newark Airport: A Guide for Layovers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Digital IDs are being accepted at select airports
As of early 2022, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has started accepting digital IDs for identity verification at select airports in the United States. This move towards digital identification is expected to modernize checkpoint screening procedures, enhance security, and improve the overall travel experience.
Digital IDs are more secure than physical credentials, which can be counterfeited or fraudulently used. They also offer greater privacy as passengers can choose what information they share with the TSA, only disclosing what is necessary for their identity verification. This is made possible through digital identity solutions like mobile driver's licenses or ID passes, accessible on smartphones via digital wallets such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet, or through state-issued apps.
It is important to note that the acceptance of digital IDs is currently limited to specific TSA checkpoints within participating airports. These checkpoints will have signage posted, indicating the availability of digital ID verification. The TSA is actively working with other organizations to expand the capabilities of digital ID technology and ensure its standardization for interoperability with their systems.
Starting May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. Passengers are encouraged to use REAL ID-compliant identification or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport, to avoid potential delays and additional screening procedures.
OKC Airport USO: A Comforting Presence for Military Personnel
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Biometric data and facial recognition may replace physical IDs in the future
Biometric data and facial recognition technologies are increasingly being used to verify identities. This trend is likely to continue, with physical IDs potentially being replaced by biometric alternatives in the future. This evolution in identity verification has significant implications for airports and travel, where physical IDs are currently mandatory.
Biometric data refers to unique physical and behavioural characteristics that can be used to identify an individual. Fingerprints, facial structure, and voice patterns are all examples of biometric data. This data is collected and stored as a digital template, which is then used to verify a person's identity by comparing it to the biometric characteristics presented at the time of identification. The use of biometrics offers several advantages over physical IDs, including enhanced security, improved efficiency, and increased convenience.
Facial recognition technology, a type of biometric technology, has already been implemented in various sectors, including finance, travel, and entertainment. At airports, facial recognition is being used at smart gates to identify passengers, and airlines like British Airways are considering "biometric e-gates" for boarding. This technology increases security while streamlining the identification process, making it faster and more efficient for passengers.
The integration of edge AI and edge computing in biometric systems further enhances privacy and performance. With edge computing, devices can perform facial authentication locally, reducing reliance on cloud servers and lowering the risk of data breaches. Additionally, augmented reality (AR) is being incorporated into facial authentication, providing users with real-time feedback on their biometric interactions and fostering greater security awareness.
Despite the many benefits, there are valid concerns surrounding the use of biometric data and facial recognition, particularly regarding security and privacy. The collection and storage of biometric data present challenges, and centralized data storage systems are vulnerable to breaches. However, the exploration of blockchain technology for storing encrypted biometric data offers a potential solution, enhancing security and giving control back to individuals.
As biometric data and facial recognition technologies continue to evolve, they may eventually replace physical IDs. This shift has already begun, with smartphones and other devices utilizing facial recognition for authentication. While there are challenges to address, the improved security, efficiency, and convenience offered by biometrics make it a promising alternative to physical identification methods.
Copenhagen's Two Airports: Navigating the City's Aviation Landscape
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, a paper ID is not accepted at the airport.
A driver's license is the most commonly used ID to get through security on a domestic flight. From May 7, 2025, your license must be REAL ID-compliant. Other accepted forms of ID include a US passport, passport card, permanent resident cards, foreign government-issued passports, and federal IDs issued by a Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe.
Passengers traveling without a REAL ID-compliant form of identification should travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID.
You may still be able to fly, but you should expect to be subject to additional screening and delays. It is also recommended to bring other forms of identification, such as a bank card or school ID.
Yes, the TSA has been rolling out digital ID technology at select airports. Mobile driver's licenses and ID passes saved on smartphones in apps like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet may be accepted.
