Jazmin Li
When it comes to airport security, identification is a crucial aspect. While the specific requirements may vary across different countries and airports, it is generally mandatory to present a valid photo ID at airport security checkpoints. In the case of the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandates a federal or state-issued photo ID for passengers above 18 years of age. This could include a driver's license, a passport, or even digital IDs stored on mobile devices. It's important to ensure that your identification documents are up to date and compliant with the latest regulations, such as the REAL ID requirements for domestic flights in the US. Understanding the specific ID requirements for your travel itinerary can help ensure a smooth and stress-free airport experience.
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What You'll Learn
REAL ID compliance
As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's licenses and IDs will be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that passengers travelling within the United States must present a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to board commercial aircraft. Children under 18 travelling within the US are not required to provide identification.
REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- US passport
- US passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- US 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, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
If a passenger presents a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant and does not have another acceptable alternative form of ID, they will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. The TSA officer may ask the passenger to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as their name and current address to confirm their identity. If their identity is confirmed, they will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where they may be subject to additional screening.
TSA also accepts digital IDs for identity verification through platforms like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app. Digital IDs are more secure and private than physical credentials, as passengers can control the access to and use of the digital ID kept on their mobile device. Facial recognition technology is voluntary, and passengers can decline to participate.
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Digital IDs
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts digital IDs for identity verification at more than 250 airports in the US. Digital IDs are available through platforms like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app. They are considered more secure than physical credentials, which can be counterfeit or fraudulent. They also offer more privacy, as you only share the information TSA needs to verify your identity and nothing more.
To use a Digital ID at the airport, you must first add your acceptable state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card to your phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or your phone's digital wallet. Once you reach the TSA checkpoint, you can scan your Digital ID QR code or tap your mobile device on the digital ID reader. It is important to note that passengers must still carry an acceptable, compliant physical ID for verification as a backup.
Facial recognition technology is currently voluntary at TSA checkpoints. If you choose to participate, your picture will be taken and compared to your physical or digital ID. If you do not wish to participate, you can notify a TSA officer, and they will use the standard ID verification process. Your photo and personal data will be deleted after your identity is verified.
It is worth noting that TSA has strict guidelines for REAL ID-compliant identification. 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 ensure they have an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a state-issued REAL ID.
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Facial recognition technology
The CAT-2 units, a type of Credential Authentication Technology, are currently deployed at nearly 84 airports in the United States and will expand to over 400 federalized airports in the coming years. The CAT-2 units are used to conduct an operational assessment of digital IDs, including mobile driver's licenses. The TSA posts signs at checkpoints using facial recognition technology, informing travellers that participation is voluntary.
Digital IDs are more secure than physical credentials, which can be counterfeit or fraudulent. They are also more private as travellers can choose what information to share. The TSA only receives a passenger's digital identification information at checkpoints with the passenger's consent. Passengers control access to and use of the digital ID kept on their mobile device. The TSA does not copy or store the digital ID unless it is in a limited testing environment for evaluating the accuracy of facial recognition technology.
However, there are concerns about the use of facial recognition technology. A 2019 study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology showed that facial recognition algorithms can misidentify people, especially in certain demographics, with higher rates of false positives for Asian and African American faces. Biometric data is particularly sensitive, and its processing can create significant risks for individuals, including identity fraud or impersonation.
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Identification for children
Children under the age of 18 do not need to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, children over the age of 15 may be required to provide some form of identification. If your child will be travelling alone, it is best to provide them with some form of ID, preferably with their photo on it. A passport is the most common form of photo ID for children. However, if you do not want to bring your child's passport, you can bring a copy of it instead.
If the child has a deceased parent, the living parent or guardian will need to sign a consent form and attach a copy of the late spouse's death certificate. This may only be required for international travel. It is also important to note that if there is a suffix on the child's boarding pass, it is not required to be on their ID and vice versa.
It is always encouraged for children to have some sort of identification on them during travel. The specific ID requirements for travellers under 18 vary depending on the airline, so it is recommended to contact the airline for more information.
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ID photos on your phone
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States accepts digital IDs for identity verification at TSA checkpoints in 27 airports across the country (including one in Puerto Rico). This means that eligible travellers can use a mobile ID stored on their phones as a valid form of identification when passing through security.
To use a digital driver's license at a TSA checkpoint, your flight must be departing from one of the airports where the agency's Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) is available. This technology allows travellers to scan their mobile IDs with a CAT-2 reader to validate their identity. These devices snap a real-time picture of the traveller and compare it with their digital ID using facial recognition technology. This technology is voluntary, and travellers can opt to use the standard ID verification process if they prefer.
Digital IDs are stored on mobile devices through platforms like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app. They are more secure than physical credentials, which can be counterfeit or fraudulent, and they also offer more privacy, as travellers only share the information needed to verify their identity.
It's important to note that not all digital driver's licenses are compatible with TSA technology. They must be issued by a state that is interoperable with TSA systems. As of 2024, only eight states, including Louisiana and Arizona, issue such IDs.
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Frequently asked questions
The TSA requires a federal- or state-issued photo ID to get through the checkpoint. This includes a driver's license or a passport. The TSA also accepts digital IDs for identity verification through platforms like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app.
No, the TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States.
If you arrive at the airport without a proper ID, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address.
