Roberta Aguirre
For those wondering what counts as ID at the airport, this paragraph should help clarify. In the US, adult passengers (18+) must show valid identification to travel. This can include a driver's license, state-issued ID, passport, or military ID. From May 7, 2025, US travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights. For international travel, a passport is typically required, and a visa may also be necessary. Minors under 18 may not need ID for domestic US travel, but it is recommended they carry some form of identification. If you lose your ID, you may still be able to fly by completing an identity verification process, but you will be subject to additional screening.
Characteristics of what counts as ID at the airport
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | Passangers above 18 years of age must show a valid ID. Children under 18 years of age are not required to provide identification when traveling domestically. |
| ID type | Passport, driver's license, state-issued ID, military ID, birth certificate, student ID, school ID, visa, etc. |
| Flexibility | TSA allows some flexibility when it comes to alternative forms of identification. |
| REAL ID | From May 7, 2025, US travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. |
| International travel | International travel requires a passport. Depending on the country, a visa or other documentation may also be required. |
| Loss/theft of ID | In case of loss/theft of ID, the TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process by collecting information such as name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. |
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What You'll Learn
Passports and visas
For air travel, the type of identification document you will need depends on where you are travelling. For international travel, you will typically need a passport. For travel within the US, a passport, driver's license, or other state photo identity card issued by a department of motor vehicles (or equivalent government agency) is sufficient.
If you are travelling internationally to or from the US, all passengers, including infants, must have a passport. If you are travelling domestically within the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require children under 18 to provide identification. However, when travelling internationally, a passport or equivalent is required for all passengers.
In the event that you do not have a valid identification document, you may still be allowed to fly. A TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but will be subject to additional screening.
Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the US, it must be REAL ID-compliant. A passport is an acceptable form of identification and may be used in place of a REAL ID driver's license or ID to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities.
In addition to a passport, some countries may require a visa or other documentation for entry. It is important to check with both your airline and the appropriate authorities in the countries you wish to visit to find out the specific requirements.
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Driver's licenses
A driver's license is one of the most common forms of identification and is widely accepted as a valid ID at airports. However, there are certain requirements and variations that individuals should be aware of when using a driver's license as airport identification. Firstly, it is important to note that not all driver's licenses are created equal, and there may be restrictions or limitations depending on the issuing state or country.
In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts driver's licenses as valid identification at airport checkpoints for passengers 18 years of age and older. However, it is crucial to ensure that the driver's license is REAL ID-compliant, especially for domestic flights within the U.S. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), beginning May 7, 2025, travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This means that individuals with a non-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID will need to present an alternative form of identification, such as a passport, to comply with the REAL ID requirements.
It is worth mentioning that TSA has specific guidelines for acceptable identification. For example, temporary driver's licenses are not considered valid identification. Additionally, TSA recommends that individuals without acceptable identification arrive at the airport at least three hours in advance of their flight time. This buffer allows for additional identity verification processes to be carried out, ensuring that travelers can still board their flights despite the lack of standard identification.
For individuals under the age of 18, the requirements for identification at airports are typically more relaxed. In the U.S., TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the country. However, it is always a good idea to carry some form of identification, such as a school ID or birth certificate, as recommended by airlines. When in doubt, contacting the airline directly can provide clarity on their specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
In summary, a driver's license is generally accepted as valid identification at airports, but it is important to be aware of any specific requirements or restrictions that may apply, especially with the upcoming REAL ID enforcement for domestic flights in the U.S. Individuals should also be mindful of variations in accepted IDs across different countries and territories, as these requirements can vary.
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State-issued IDs
For international travel, a passport is typically required, and in some cases, a visa or additional documentation may be necessary. However, for domestic US flights, a state-issued ID is generally sufficient for adults. It's important to note that the ID should be current and contain essential details such as your name, date of birth, gender, photograph, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature.
If you do not have an acceptable form of identification, you may still be able to fly, but it is important to arrive at the airport early. The TSA and the airline can work together to verify your identity and allow you to proceed through airport security. They may ask for additional information such as your current address and other personal details to confirm your identity.
It is always a good idea to have a valid form of state-issued identification, such as a driver's license, when traveling by air. However, in certain circumstances, other forms of ID may be accepted, especially for domestic travel within the US.
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TSA procedures for those without ID
As per the TSA, adult passengers aged 18 and above must show valid identification at the airport to be allowed to travel. This includes a driver's license, state photo identity card, U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense ID, acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, and more.
However, if you arrive at the airport without proper ID, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA can use alternative methods to confirm your identity, such as using publicly available databases. It is recommended to provide as much additional information as possible, such as a birth certificate, Social Security Card, bank statements, credit cards, and other forms of ID. You may also be asked a series of questions to verify your identity. It is important to note that this process may take additional time, so arriving at the airport earlier than usual is advised.
For those under the age of 18, TSA does not require identification when traveling within the United States. A valid school ID or birth certificate may be sufficient for those under 18, as per the airline's policy.
It is worth noting that certain forms of identification are not accepted, such as weapon permits, temporary driver's licenses, and prescription bottles. Additionally, TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to a year after expiration for the listed forms of identification.
As of March 2023, an example of accepted ID substitutions at Denver International Airport was an insurance card and a credit/debit card.
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Credit cards and other alternatives
Credit cards alone are unlikely to be accepted as a form of identification at the airport. However, they may help verify your identity if used in conjunction with another form of ID. For example, a TSA agent might be willing to pull you aside, call the card's 1-800 number, and allow you to answer your security questions.
If you have lost your ID or had it stolen, you can also use a police report as a form of identification at the airport. It is recommended that you carry this paperwork with you when travelling.
There are several other alternative forms of ID that can be used at the airport. A Costco membership card, for example, features a black-and-white photo of the cardholder, which may enable access through security. Similarly, a business card with your photo on it could be used in conjunction with another form of ID to verify your identity.
If you are under 18, a valid school ID or birth certificate will be enough to satisfy the airline's policy for ID. For adults, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state photo identity card will be required to fly within the US from May 7, 2025. A passport or Global Entry card is another valid form of ID.
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Frequently asked questions
For US domestic travel, acceptable IDs include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued ID card, a US passport, a US passport card, a DHS trusted traveler card, a US Department of Defense ID, a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued ID, a US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card, or a US Merchant Mariner Credential.
International travel typically requires a passport. Depending on the country, you may also need a visa or other documentation in addition to a passport.
If you don't have an acceptable ID, you should arrive at the airport early and bring whatever documents you have. The TSA and the airline can work together to verify your identity and get you through airport security. You may be subject to additional screening, including a pat-down and screening of your carry-on property.
