Sachin Walls
As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards will be accepted as valid forms of identification at US airports. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted. Passengers without a REAL ID must present an alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID. If you are on a domestic flight in the US, you may not need to present a photo ID to board the plane. However, some airlines may require it. TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. Children under 18 travelling within the US are not required to provide identification. In the case of a lost or stolen wallet, it is recommended to file a police report and carry the paperwork with you. TSA agents may also accept other forms of identification, such as a credit card, checkbook, or Costco card, but these are not guaranteed to work.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TSA-accepted IDs | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID), U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID, Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs) |
| TSA-accepted IDs for under 18s | None required for travel within the U.S. Unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show acceptable ID |
| TSA-unaccepted IDs | Library cards, fishing licenses, school or university IDs, workplace IDs, expired IDs, weapons permits |
| International flights to/from the U.S. | Passport required for all passengers, including infants |
| Domestic flights within the U.S. | TSA does not require IDs for travelers under 18. Adults may use a driver's license or state-issued ID |
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What You'll Learn
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
As of May 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses will be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted. Passengers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
To be REAL ID-compliant, a driver's license must meet the minimum security standards established by the REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005. The Act prohibits federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting noncompliant driver's licenses and identification cards for certain official purposes, including boarding commercial aircraft and accessing federal facilities.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, individuals must provide proof of identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) for non-U.S. citizens. They must also provide proof of a Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or Form W-2, and proof of residency, such as a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement.
In addition to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, there are other acceptable forms of identification that can be used at the airport. These include a U.S. passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID, and photo IDs issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations/Indian Tribes, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs). For international travel from the US, airlines may require additional documentation, such as a visa, to confirm that passengers are allowed to fly to their destination.
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State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are a valid form of identification at airports. They are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and are currently available to residents of certain states, including New York and Washington. EDLs are also available to Canadian citizens in four provinces: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.
EDLs serve as proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when crossing the U.S. border by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, or some countries in the Caribbean. They are equipped with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip that facilitates easy travel by signalling a secure system to pull up the holder's biographical information. This RFID chip does not store any personally identifiable information (PII) and instead uses a unique identification number linked to a secure DHS database.
In addition to their use at land and sea ports of entry, EDLs are accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as valid identification for air travel within the United States. TSA requires adult passengers (aged 18 and older) to present valid identification, such as an EDL or other acceptable forms of ID, to pass through security checkpoints and board their flights. It is important to note that TSA requirements for acceptable IDs may change, and passengers are advised to check the latest accepted forms of identification before travelling.
For domestic air travel within the U.S., the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. Starting in May 2025, U.S. travellers must possess a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, such as a REAL ID driver's license or another acceptable alternative like an EDL, to board domestic flights. This means that non-REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports for domestic flights.
To obtain an EDL, individuals must meet specific requirements, including providing proof of lawful status, identity, and residency. There is an additional fee associated with acquiring an EDL, typically around $30.00, which is added to the standard fees for a driver's license or non-driver ID transaction. It is important to note that the application process and specific requirements may vary depending on the state of residence.
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Credit cards
- A business card with your photo on it
- Mail or prescription medication with your name and address on the label
- Voter registration
- Library card
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Therefore, it is recommended to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure you have the necessary documentation.
In the United States, adult passengers (18 and older) are required to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint. For TSA checkpoints, acceptable IDs include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued photo identity card, U.S. passport, U.S. Department of Defense ID, or an acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe. For international travel from the US, airlines typically require a passport, visa, or other documents confirming that you are allowed to fly to your destination.
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Marriage license
As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant identification will be accepted at TSA checkpoints in US airports. 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. Passengers will need to 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 your identity document is in a different name, you will need to provide a certified name change document, such as a marriage license or court document. Photocopies will not be accepted. If your name has changed multiple times, you will need to bring multiple name change documents. For example, if your birth name was Jane Jones and your current name is Jane Wilson due to marriage, you will need to bring certified copies of your birth certificate and your marriage license.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. The TSA strongly encourages travelers to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have the correct documentation.
In addition to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID, other acceptable forms of identification for US domestic flights include:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Military ID
- 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)
For international flights from the US, airlines typically require a passport, visa, or other documents to confirm that you are allowed to fly to your destination.
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DHS trusted traveler cards
The DHS Trusted Traveler Cards include Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST cards. Global Entry is available for US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and Mexican nationals. It provides expedited clearance for pre-approved travellers upon their arrival in the US by land or sea. NEXUS is a similar program that facilitates expedited processing for pre-screened travellers entering the US or Canada. SENTRI is designed for expedited clearance of pre-approved travellers upon arrival in the US, while FAST is a commercial clearance program for low-risk shipments entering the US.
To obtain a DHS Trusted Traveler Card, individuals can apply through the Trusted Traveler Programs website, which helps applicants find the most suitable program for their needs. It is important to note that these cards are not the only acceptable form of identification at airport security. Other commonly accepted IDs include passports, driver's licenses, and state-issued photo identity cards. However, it is always recommended to check the specific requirements of the airport and airline before travelling, as the list of acceptable IDs may vary and change without notice.
In the case of domestic flights within the US, some airlines may not require passengers to present a photo ID at all, as long as they have a valid boarding pass. Nevertheless, it is still essential to carry acceptable identification when travelling, as security personnel may request it during identity verification processes. Starting May 2025, US travellers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, such as a REAL ID driver's license or state-issued ID, to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
A driver's license or other state photo identity card issued by a department of motor vehicles (or equivalent government agency) is accepted at the airport. A Global Entry card is another alternative.
In the US, TSA does not require IDs for travelers under the age of 18 on domestic flights.
If you don't have an acceptable ID, you should come 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 can use documents such as a utility bill or a magazine with your name and address. A police report if your wallet or identification was stolen may also be accepted.
For international flights to or from the US, all passengers, including infants, must have a passport.
