Sachin Walls
As of May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. This means that passengers traveling after this date should either carry an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID. This rule applies to both TSA PreCheck passengers and regular passengers. While REAL ID-compliant states issue IDs with a star in the top right corner, it is recommended that travelers contact their local government for more information. Importantly, children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Additionally, some countries require passports to be valid for at least six months from the arrival date and may also mandate a minimum of four blank pages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Domestic flights | A passport is not required for domestic flights within the US. |
| From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID card is required for domestic air travel. | |
| REAL ID-compliant IDs have a star in the top right corner. | |
| Some states may offer enhanced IDs or enhanced driver's licenses. | |
| Other TSA-acceptable forms of identification include DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, and U.S. Merchant Mariner Credentials. | |
| Children under 18 do not need to provide identification when traveling within the US. | |
| International flights | A passport is required for international flights. |
| Some countries require passports to be valid for at least six months from arrival and to have a minimum of four blank pages. | |
| U.S. territories | U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel to U.S. territories like the U.S. Virgin Islands. |
| A passport or certified birth certificate is required for American Samoa. |
Explore related products
$5.06
What You'll Learn
Domestic flights and REAL ID compliance
In the United States, you need a valid government-issued photo ID or a passport to travel through security. Starting on May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. This means that passengers traveling after this date should either carry an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
It is important to note that TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and IDs. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass and not on the ID, or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID requirements, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. However, a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) is acceptable. Other acceptable forms of identification include:
- 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)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Passengers without a REAL ID or another TSA-acceptable form of ID can expect delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint, even if they are TSA PreCheck passengers. In such cases, a TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may still be subject to additional screening.
Airport Express Setup: A Quick Guide to Hooking Up
You may want to see also
Explore related products
International flights and passports
As a general rule, you must have a valid passport to enter or exit most foreign countries. However, specific passport requirements depend on the country you are visiting and your country of origin. For example, U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel between the U.S. and the U.S. Virgin Islands, but they do need a passport or a certified U.S. birth certificate to enter American Samoa.
It is important to note that some countries may have additional entry and exit requirements, such as visas or health requirements. For example, most people travelling to Canada need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), but U.S. citizens may only need a valid passport. Similarly, all travellers entering Cuba will need to provide additional information, including a visa and proof of health insurance.
In addition to a valid passport, some countries may require you to have a certain amount of blank pages and validity on your passport. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documents to enter and pass through any countries during your trip and to make your way back home. Failure to do so may result in you being denied boarding and held responsible for any resulting costs.
When travelling, it is always a good idea to carry your passport with you, as it is the most widely recognised form of identification. However, some countries may require you to present additional forms of identification, such as a driver's license. Furthermore, some countries have specific requirements for travellers under 18, so it is important to check with the relevant authorities before your trip.
Airport Dogs: Sniffing Out Scents to Keep Us Safe
You may want to see also
Explore related products
TSA-acceptable forms of ID
As of May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at US airports. Passengers will need to present a TSA-acceptable form of ID, such as:
- A REAL ID-compliant, unexpired US state-issued driver's license.
- A REAL ID-compliant, unexpired US state-issued photo ID card.
- A US passport or passport card.
- A US Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID).
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
- A 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).
- A US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
- A US Merchant Mariner Credential.
- A Permanent Resident Card (I-551), often referred to as a "Green Card".
- An unexpired Foreign Passport with an immigrant visa with an I-551 annotation of "Upon Endorsement Serves as Temporary I-551 Evidencing Permanent Residence for 1 Year".
- A US Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197).
- An expired US passport within 12 months of expiration can be used as proof of citizenship, but not as a standalone form of identification.
Children under 18 travelling within the US do not need to provide identification, but airlines may have their own specific ID requirements for minors, so it is best to check with the airline.
Babies and Airport Travel: What Documents Are Needed?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
ID requirements for children
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, the TSA strongly encourages children to carry some form of ID when travelling. The specific ID requirements for children may vary across airlines, so it is best to check with the airline before travelling.
Children under the age of 2 can fly for free as a lap child on domestic flights as long as they are accompanied by an adult. While you won't need to show an ID for the child when passing through security, the airline may require you to prove the child's age at check-in. Unless your child has a passport, you may need to bring a copy of their birth certificate. Some airlines, like Southwest Airlines, always require a copy of the birth certificate or a government-issued photo ID at check-in for lap children.
Children between the ages of 5 and 14 are not required to show ID at check-in. However, they are encouraged to carry some form of identification during travel. If your child already has a passport, it is advisable to carry a copy of it in case of an emergency.
Children between the ages of 15 and 17 may be required to provide some form of identification, preferably a photo ID. If your child is travelling alone, it is best to send them with some sort of ID, preferably with their photo on it.
In addition to ID requirements, if a child is travelling with only one parent or guardian, some airlines may require a notarized parental consent form signed by the non-travelling parent. A copy of the non-travelling parent's passport or valid identification should also be provided. If a parent has deceased, a copy of the death certificate may be required.
Drone Integration at Airports: The Future of Aviation
You may want to see also
Explore related products
ID validity and expiration
ID Validity:
When travelling within the United States, it is essential to have a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID or a passport from your country of origin. This applies to both adults and children, although children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling domestically. It is important to note that a driver's license may not always be accepted as a valid form of identification. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005, established new security standards for state IDs and driver's licenses. As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant identification cards, including driver's licenses, will be accepted at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel. To identify a REAL ID, look for a star in the top right corner. If you are unsure about the compliance of your ID, it is recommended to contact your state department of motor vehicles.
Passport Requirements:
When crossing international borders, a passport is typically required. Some countries, such as China, Thailand, Singapore, Egypt, and Turkey, have specific requirements regarding passport validity. It is always recommended to check the requirements of your destination country to ensure a smooth travel experience. Additionally, for domestic travel within the US, a passport is not required. However, it can be used as a valid form of identification if it is unexpired and accompanied by other supporting documents, such as a driver's license.
Alternative Forms of Identification:
Besides a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID, there are alternative forms of identification accepted by the TSA for domestic air travel within the US. These include:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change, so it is recommended to check with the TSA or your airline company before travelling to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
Destinations Accessible from Cancun Airport
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, but you do need a valid ID and your driver's license may no longer be acceptable. From May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports.
A U.S. passport or passport card, a DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST), a U.S. Department of Defense ID, and a U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.
No, children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the US.
It depends on your destination. U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands but do need a passport or a certified U.S. birth certificate to enter American Samoa.
The easiest way to spot if your state ID is a REAL ID is if there's a star in the top right corner. The availability of REAL ID varies from state to state, so it is recommended to contact your local government for more information.
