Sachin Walls
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 without a REAL ID-compliant driver's license can use a valid passport or other approved identification cards such as a Global Entry Card, Military ID, or a U.S. passport card. Additionally, the TSA accepts expired IDs for up to two years after expiration and does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Another option is to use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, which is available at most major U.S. airports and allows travelers to submit their travel details ahead of time, speeding up their interaction with customs officers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses | State-issued REAL ID |
| Other forms of ID | U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, Global Entry card, foreign-issued passport, Military ID, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID, federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID |
| Mobile Passport Control | Mobile application for expedited customs clearance at participating U.S. airports |
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What You'll Learn
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an official mobile application created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It streamlines the CBP inspection process at select U.S. entry locations, such as major U.S. airports. The MPC app is available for both Apple and Android devices.
To use the MPC app, users must first download the app and scan their passport. This saves their passport information in the app for future use. Users then take a self-photo and answer questions about their arrival and declarations. This submission is active for four hours. By submitting travel details ahead of time, users can expect a shorter wait time as CBP officers can process travellers more efficiently.
It is important to note that MPC does not replace any required travel documents, such as a passport, and users must still bring their physical passport with them when travelling. MPC is also only available at supported CBP entry locations. Additionally, MPC is a voluntary program that can be used by U.S. citizens, certain Canadian citizen visitors, lawful permanent residents, and returning Visa Waiver Program applicants with an approved ESTA.
The MPC app is particularly useful for parents travelling with children or groups of family and friends as it allows them to stay together when speaking to the CBP officer. Users can add up to 12 people to a submission from one device, and the group can speak to the officer together.
The MPC app has received positive reviews for its efficiency and speed, with some users noting that it made the process of going through customs much faster and more convenient. However, there have been some reports of bugs and issues with the app, particularly when adding individuals from certain countries.
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REAL ID-compliant driver's license
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license is required to board a domestic flight in the US and access certain federal facilities. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license is marked with a star in the top right corner and can be obtained from your state's driver's licensing agency. The process of obtaining a REAL ID may vary depending on your state, but generally, you will need to provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or valid U.S. passport, proof of a Social Security number, and proof of residency.
It is important to note that REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are not the only accepted form of identification at airport security checkpoints. Passengers can also use other approved identification cards such as a valid passport, a Global Entry Card, or a Military ID. Children under 18 travelling within the United States are not required to provide identification.
If a traveler does not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID, they may face delays at the airport. In rare cases, when a passenger's identity cannot be verified, they may be denied entry into the secure area of the airport. Therefore, it is recommended to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling and ensure that you have the necessary documentation.
In addition to the REAL ID-compliant driver's license, Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) and Enhanced Identification Cards (EIDs) are also accepted at TSA checkpoints. These IDs are issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont and can be identified by the image of the U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card.
It is worth noting that the TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date for the listed forms of identification. However, temporary driver's licenses are not accepted as a valid form of identification.
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Passport card
A passport card is a wallet-sized, plastic passport that has no visa pages. It is proof of U.S. citizenship and identity and has the same validity period as a standard passport book. The passport card is designed for U.S. citizens who travel by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean countries. It is not valid for international air travel.
The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book and is more convenient for those who frequently travel across the U.S. land borders. It includes a vicinity-read radio frequency identification (RFID) chip with a unique identifying number tied to government databases. This RFID chip allows border agents to access traveler information before they reach the inspection station, improving efficiency at land border crossings. To protect personal information, the RFID chip does not contain any personal data beyond the identifying number. Additionally, the card comes with a sleeve that blocks radio frequencies when the card is not in use.
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. The U.S. passport card, however, is accepted under the REAL ID Act for domestic air travel and entering federal buildings. This makes it a viable option for individuals whose driver's licenses or ID cards do not meet the REAL ID requirements. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts the passport card as a valid form of identification for domestic flights within the United States.
The passport card is also advantageous in certain countries that require foreign visitors or all adults to carry official personal identification at all times. Carrying a passport card instead of a full passport booklet can provide peace of mind while still meeting the demands of local law enforcement. Additionally, the passport card is formatted according to United Nations ICAO machine-readable document standards, making it more universally recognised than state ID cards or driver's licenses.
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Global Entry card
Global Entry is a program by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. Global Entry members can enter the United States by accessing the Global Entry processing technology at selected airports. At these airports, members proceed to the Global Entry lanes, where processing technology captures a photo to verify their membership. Once the photo has been captured, the member will receive on-screen instructions and proceed to a CBP officer who will confirm that they have successfully completed the process.
To apply for Global Entry, you must have a Trusted Traveler Programs (TPP) account, regardless of your age. A $120 non-refundable fee is required with each completed application. After CBP accepts your completed application, it will conduct a review. If your application is conditionally approved, your TTP account will instruct you to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Centre. Each applicant must schedule a separate interview.
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Military ID
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 without a REAL ID-compliant credential may face delays and may even be denied entry into the secure area of the airport. Thus, it is advisable to travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or a REAL ID.
However, in some cases, a Military ID can be used as a replacement for a passport at the airport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents, as a valid form of identification at TSA checkpoints. This is also known as a Common Access Card (CAC) and is issued to all service members. It is considered a valid form of ID for domestic flights within the U.S. and can be used as an alternative to a passport in some cases.
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 their travel to ensure they have the necessary documentation. In some cases, additional screening or identity verification processes may be required, even with a valid Military ID.
Additionally, there are other forms of acceptable IDs that can be used as alternatives to a passport. These include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST), and certain Tribal IDs.
For international travel, a passport is typically required, and it is recommended to check the specific requirements for the country of destination. In some cases, a Military ID may be accepted for international travel, but it is always best to have a valid passport to avoid any potential issues.
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Frequently asked questions
A state-issued REAL ID, such as a driver's license, can be used as an alternative form of identification at airports. Other approved identification cards include a Global Entry Card, Military ID, or a U.S. passport card.
A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that complies with additional security features to prevent fraud and enhance security.
If you do not have a REAL ID, you may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. You may be denied entry into the secure area of the airport if your identity cannot be verified.
