Owais Crawford
There are various forms of identification that are accepted at airports. For US domestic flights, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state photo identity card, or passport are all acceptable forms of ID. For international flights, a passport is typically required, along with other documentation such as a visa. It is important to note that certain IDs, such as library cards, school IDs, and expired IDs, are not considered valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers under 18 years of age are usually exempt from presenting identification when travelling domestically.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| ID Requirements | Passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to travel. |
| REAL ID Compliance | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or state-issued photo identity cards. |
| REAL ID Alternatives | U.S. passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID, federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID, Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs) |
| Non-Compliant IDs | Library cards, fishing licenses, school/university IDs, workplace IDs, expired IDs, and weapons permits. |
| Suffixes | Suffixes on boarding passes and IDs are considered an acceptable variation. They are not mandatory. |
| No ID | TSA officers may use other procedures to confirm identity and allow passengers through security. Additional screening may be required. |
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What You'll Learn
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
As of May 7, 2025, all state and territory residents in the US will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board commercial aircraft. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license will have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card, usually in the top right corner.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you will need to present an alternative form of acceptable identification, such as a passport, passport card, or state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). Enhanced Driver's Licenses and Enhanced Identification Cards (EDL/EID) are also acceptable forms of identification and can be used to board commercial aircraft. EDL/EIDs can be identified by the image of the US flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card.
It is important to note that TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. Additionally, if you arrive at the airport without valid identification, you may still be allowed to fly. The 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 may be subject to additional screening.
The process of obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver's license may vary depending on your state. In most cases, you will need to provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are not a US citizen. You will also need to provide proof of a Social Security number and proof of residency. It is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency website for specific requirements and guidance.
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State-issued IDs
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant state-issued ID, individuals must typically provide documentation that includes their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status. Some states may have additional requirements, so it is recommended to check with the relevant state agency before applying. REAL ID-compliant cards can be identified by a star marking on the upper top portion of the card.
It is important to note that not all state-issued IDs are REAL ID-compliant. As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at TSA checkpoints. Passengers who present non-compliant IDs without another acceptable form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be subject to additional screening.
Acceptable alternative forms of ID include a passport, passport card, or other documents that confirm an individual's identity and their authorization to fly to their destination. It is always recommended to check the TSA's list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure that you have the appropriate identification.
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Passports
For US domestic flights, a valid REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state photo identity card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) is sufficient for passengers over 18 years old. From May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers without a REAL ID-compliant license or ID should travel with an acceptable alternative, such as a passport, or enroll for a REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
For international travel, a passport is required. Airlines require that passengers show a passport, visa, or some other kind of document to confirm that they are allowed to fly to their destination.
TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and IDs. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass but not on the ID, or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.
It is important to note that some common ID cards are not accepted by the TSA, including library cards, fishing licenses, school or university IDs, workplace IDs, and expired IDs.
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DHS trusted traveler cards
Global Entry allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the U.S. The NEXUS programme offers similar benefits for those entering the U.S. and Canada. SENTRI, or the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection, provides expedited clearance for pre-approved travellers upon arrival in the U.S. Lastly, FAST, or Free and Secure Trade, is a commercial clearance programme for known low-risk shipments entering the U.S.
These Trusted Traveler Cards are valid forms of identification for adults 18 and older. It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice, so travellers are encouraged to check the TSA website for the most up-to-date information before their travel. As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers without a REAL ID-compliant ID or an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, may be directed to a separate area for additional screening and identity verification.
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Department of Defense IDs
As per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), adult passengers (18 or older) must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. TSA strongly encourages travellers to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure they have acceptable ID.
A U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents, is currently considered a valid form of identification at TSA checkpoints. However, there have been reports of issues with the use of Department of Defense identification cards at U.S. airports. Military retirees and some spouses or dependents with next-generation Department of Defense identification cards that have an "INDEF" (meaning "indefinite") expiration date have faced problems using their IDs to pass through TSA checkpoints. This is due to the TSA's Credential Authentication Technology reading the "INDEF" date field as "EXPIRED".
As a result of these ongoing issues, there is a possibility that the TSA may drop DoD IDs from their list of accepted identification forms before the REAL ID requirement comes into effect on May 7, 2025. From this date, all travelers and visitors to the U.S. will be required to have a passport, a state-verified REAL ID, or another form of identification designated as acceptable by the TSA. It is recommended that individuals with DoD IDs consider obtaining a passport or REAL ID-compliant identification to avoid potential issues when travelling.
The Department of Defense issues either a Common Access Card (CAC) or a Uniformed Services ID Card (USID) depending on the individual's status. To obtain a DoD ID card, one typically needs to be a sponsor or have a sponsor. These ID cards serve as proof of military status and provide access to services at military bases. They can also be used to obtain discounts offered to veterans at various establishments.
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Frequently asked questions
The TSA accepts a range of IDs at the airport, including:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs)
- US passports
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- US Department of Defense ID
- Photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
State-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports from May 7, 2025. Passengers should travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
If you do not have any acceptable forms of 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 asked to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal information.
