Sachin Walls
As of May 7, 2025, certain forms of identification are no longer accepted at airports, including state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant. REAL IDs are marked with a star in the top corner and are required for boarding domestic flights and entering secure federal facilities. REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include a US passport, passport card, permanent resident card, border crossing card, Veteran Health Identification Card, and more. If you don't have a REAL ID, you may still be able to fly but will likely face additional screening and will need to provide supporting documents to confirm your identity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| REAL ID-compliant forms of identification | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, REAL IDs, state photo identity cards, Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL), Enhanced ID (EID), DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID, IDs issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations/Indian Tribes (including Enhanced Tribal Cards) |
| Alternative forms of ID | Passports, Veteran Health Identification Cards, Permanent Resident Cards, Border Crossing Cards, birth certificates, old driver's licenses, Social Security cards, Global Entry membership cards, military IDs, tribal-issued IDs, government-issued IDs |
| Non-acceptable forms of ID | Temporary driver's licenses, marriage licenses |
| Age requirements | Children under 18 are not required to show identification when traveling within the U.S. |
| Expiration | TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration |
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What You'll Learn
REAL ID-compliant forms of ID
As of May 7, 2025, all state and territory residents in the US must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification for boarding commercial aircraft, entering nuclear power plants, and accessing federal facilities. REAL ID-compliant cards will have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have a star marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity at TSA checkpoints.
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent).
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID), which can be identified by an image of the U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card.
- A U.S. passport or passport card.
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID standards, check with your state department of motor vehicles. You can also use the Department of Homeland Security's interactive tool to check if you're REAL ID ready.
To obtain a REAL ID, you must visit a DMV office in person and present proof of identity, name change(s), your Social Security number, and two residency documents. These documents must be valid originals or certified copies. A REAL ID license or ID card must have your physical address printed on the card.
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Passports and passport cards
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices. Passengers who present a state-issued ID that is not REAL ID-compliant at TSA checkpoints and do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.
TSA officers may ask travellers to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as their name and current address to confirm their identity. If the identity is confirmed, they will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where they may be subject to additional screening. It is important to note that TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. For specific ID requirements for travellers under 18, it is recommended to contact the airline.
A U.S. passport or passport card is an acceptable form of identification for airport security checkpoints. For international travel, a passport is required, while for domestic travel within the U.S., a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable alternative form of identification, such as a passport, is needed. The REAL ID Act establishes minimum standards for proof of identity, and residents must meet these standards to obtain a compliant license or ID. For those who are citizens of Freely Associated States, an unexpired passport with an approved I-94 is also acceptable, along with other specified documents.
It is always a good idea to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure you have the necessary identification. This list can change without notice, and being prepared avoids the inconvenience of arriving at the airport without acceptable ID. Additionally, TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration for the listed forms of identification.
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Permanent resident cards
- A foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp or a temporary I-551 printed notation on a machine-readable immigrant visa (MRIV) with a DHS admission stamp, within the stated validity period (usually one year from the date of the DHS stamp).
- A DHS Form I-94 or other specified documents.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice. Therefore, it is recommended to check the TSA website or with the relevant authorities before travelling to ensure that a Permanent Resident Card is still a valid form of identification for air travel.
In addition to Permanent Resident Cards, other acceptable forms of ID for airport security checkpoints include REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, U.S. passports, passport cards, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, and more. For those under the age of 18, TSA does not require identification when travelling within the United States, but specific ID requirements for this group should be confirmed with the airline.
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Government-issued IDs
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports in the US. REAL IDs are marked with a star in the upper right-hand corner, no matter which state issued the ID.
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- REAL ID-compliant state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- Permanent resident card or alien registration receipt card (Form I-551)
- U.S. military ID card
- U.S. military dependent's ID card
- U.S. Social Security card (not laminated)
- Original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority, or outlying possession of the United States with an official seal
- U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner card
- Certificate of U.S. citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
- Certificate of naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
- Veteran Health Identification Card
The TSA strongly encourages travellers to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling, as the list is subject to change without notice.
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TSA PreCheck and Clear memberships
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers should present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable forms of ID, such as a passport or Permanent Resident Card.
If you frequently travel within the United States, you may find it beneficial to enrol in TSA PreCheck® and Clear memberships to expedite the security screening process. Here's some information about these memberships:
TSA PreCheck®:
TSA PreCheck® is a trusted traveller program offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It allows members to expedite the security screening process at over 200 airports nationwide. With TSA PreCheck®, you can keep your shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and your electronics and 3-1-1 liquids can remain in your bag. The enrolment process for TSA PreCheck® is straightforward and can be completed online or at select airports. You can locate the nearest enrolment location on the TSA website. The cost of TSA PreCheck® is $77.95, and it is valid for five years. Children under 18 can accompany an adult with TSA PreCheck® at no additional cost when indicated on the child's boarding pass.
CLEAR:
CLEAR is a separate membership program that further expedites the airport security process. It uses biometric technology to verify your identity, allowing you to move through security even faster. CLEAR is currently available at select airports, and the membership renews at $199 annually. By enrolling in CLEAR, you can also renew your TSA PreCheck® membership and may qualify for discounts on other CLEAR travel products. Additionally, children 17 and under can join their parent or guardian's CLEAR reservation at no extra cost.
Combined Benefits:
You can enrol in both TSA PreCheck® and CLEAR simultaneously, enjoying a seamless airport security experience. The combined cost for the first year is $200, offering a significant discount on the CLEAR membership. This option is particularly advantageous if you frequently travel within the United States and value time savings during security screenings.
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Frequently asked questions
As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant identification is accepted at airport security checkpoints. This includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, passports, passport cards, permanent resident cards, border crossing cards, Veteran Health Identification Cards, and DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
To obtain a REAL ID, you must visit a DMV office in person and present proof of identity, name change(s), your Social Security number, and two residency documents. A REAL ID license or ID card must have your physical address printed on the card.
Yes, TSA also accepts various forms of military ID, tribal-issued ID, government-issued ID, and Global Entry membership cards for domestic flights. For international flights, a valid passport and other documents may be required.
TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration for the above-listed forms of identification.
Yes, TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. The companion of a minor, however, needs to have a valid form of ID. Contact the airline for specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
