Roberta Aguirre
For identification at the airport, adult passengers aged 18 and above must present valid identification at the airport checkpoint. The list of acceptable IDs varies across countries and is subject to change without notice. In the US, TSA-compliant IDs include a state-issued driver's license, a REAL ID, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, a US passport, a US passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards, and more. Outside of the US, a passport, visa, or other such documents are required to confirm that you are allowed to fly to your destination. It is always advisable to carry acceptable identification to avoid delays, additional screening, or even denial of entry into the security checkpoint.
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What You'll Learn
Identification for adults and children
For adults, there are several types of identification that are typically accepted at airports. These include:
- Passports
- Driver's licenses
- State-issued ID cards
- Military ID
- Global Entry cards
- NEXUS cards
- SENTRI cards
- FAST cards
- Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL)
- Enhanced ID (EID) cards
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. Passengers traveling after this date should either use an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID.
In the event that you do not have any of the standard forms of identification, there are some less conventional forms of ID that may be accepted, such as a credit card, checkbook, or Costco card. Additionally, producing a utility bill or a magazine with your name and address may help prove your identity when combined with other types of identification.
For children, the rules for identification may vary depending on the airline and the destination. In general, children under 18 travelling within the United States are not required to provide identification. However, for international travel, even infants must go through the same verification process as adults and will need a passport. When a child travels as an unaccompanied minor, the adult dropping them off and picking them up at the airport will need to show identification. It is recommended to carry proof of your child's age, such as a birth certificate, while travelling.
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Acceptable forms of ID
For airport security, adult passengers aged 18 and above must provide valid identification. The list of acceptable IDs may change, so it is important to check before travelling. Generally, an acceptable ID is one that is current and contains the name, date of birth, gender, photograph, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature. Here are some of the most common forms of acceptable ID:
- Passport
- Driver's license
- State-issued ID card
- Military ID
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- US passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
In some cases, other forms of identification may be accepted, such as a credit card, checkbook, or Costco card. However, these are not guaranteed to work and are only considered in exceptional circumstances. It is always best to carry a valid form of ID to avoid delays or additional screening.
For international travel from the US, a passport, visa, or other acceptable documents are required to confirm that you are allowed to fly to your destination. It is recommended to check with the airline or the appropriate authorities within the country of your destination to ensure you have the necessary identification.
Children travelling with adults on domestic flights may not need a photo ID, but airlines may ask for proof of age, such as a birth certificate. For international travel, even infants must go through the same verification process as adults and will need a passport.
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Unacceptable 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 airports. Passengers traveling after this date should either 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.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, and it is recommended to check the list before traveling to ensure you have acceptable ID. While TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration, this may change in the future.
If you do not have an acceptable form of ID, you may still be able to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but may be subject to additional screening. It is recommended that travelers without acceptable ID arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight to allow for this process.
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Identification for international travel
When travelling internationally, you will need to go through a strict identification process at the airport before boarding your flight. This is true for both adults and children. Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth journey:
Identification Documents:
Firstly, ensure that you have a valid form of identification. Most countries require adult passengers (18 and older) to present a government-issued ID card or document, such as a passport, driver's license, or other state-issued photo ID. It is important to check the specific requirements for your destination country, as some countries may have additional or different acceptable forms of ID. For example, in the US, a state-issued driver's license or ID must be REAL ID-compliant to be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports starting May 7, 2025.
Visa Requirements:
In addition to a valid ID, you will need to ensure that you have the appropriate visa or travel authorisation for your destination. This is typically in the form of a stamp or sticker in your passport, but it can also be an electronic visa or authorisation, depending on the country. Check the visa requirements for your destination well in advance, as obtaining the necessary visas can sometimes be a lengthy process.
Travel Itinerary and Supporting Documents:
Having a copy of your travel itinerary, including flight details and accommodation bookings, can be helpful during the identification process. Additionally, having supporting documents such as proof of travel insurance, proof of funds, or an invitation letter (if visiting someone) can further strengthen your identification and the purpose of your travel.
Children's Identification:
If you are travelling with children, they will also need to go through the same verification process as adults when travelling internationally. This includes infants, even if they are not yet born. Ensure that you have obtained passports or other acceptable forms of identification for all children. Some countries may have specific requirements for minors, such as a birth certificate or other proof of age, so be sure to check with the relevant authorities.
Keep Identification Secure:
It is important to keep your identification documents secure at all times during your travels. In the unfortunate event that your identification is lost or stolen, immediately file a police report and carry the paperwork with you. This can help you verify your identity at the airport, and you may still be allowed to board your flight after undergoing additional security checks.
Remember to always check the specific identification requirements for your destination country and allow extra time at the airport in case of any unforeseen delays during the identification process.
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Identification for domestic travel
For US domestic air travel, adult passengers aged 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint. 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 US airports. Passengers flying within the US after this date must use a REAL ID-compliant state-issued ID or license, or an acceptable alternative such as a passport.
The TSA recommends that passengers without a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID arrive early and bring whatever documentation they have. The TSA and the airline can work together to verify a passenger's identity and get them through security. Passengers without acceptable ID can expect delays and additional screening and may not be allowed into the security checkpoint.
Acceptable forms of ID for domestic US travel include a current document with the bearer's name, date of birth, gender, photograph, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature. The most common acceptable forms of ID are a passport or a driver's license. Other acceptable forms of ID include:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- US Military ID (for active-duty or retired military and their dependents, and Department of Defense civilians)
Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling within the US, although specific ID requirements for minors vary by airline. Typically, airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult travelling with the minor(s).
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Frequently asked questions
Adult passengers (18 and 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, so it is recommended to check the list before traveling. Acceptable IDs include:
- State-issued driver's license or ID that is REAL ID-compliant
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. Military ID
Children traveling with adults on domestic flights may not need a photo ID for identification. However, airlines may ask adults to show proof of their children's age, so it is recommended to carry a birth certificate or any other age proof. Rules for children may vary by airline, so it is best to check with the airline directly. For international travel, children, even infants, must go through the same verification process as adults and will need a passport.
If you don't have acceptable identification, you may not be allowed to enter the secure area of the airport terminal or board your flight. You may also be subject to additional screening and delays while your identity is verified through other means. It is recommended to arrive at the airport early and bring whatever identification documents you have. The TSA and the airline may be able to work together to verify your identity and allow you to pass through security.
Yes, there are some alternative forms of identification that may be accepted in certain situations. These include:
- Credit cards
- Checkbook
- Membership cards (e.g. Costco card)
- Utility bills or magazines with your name and address
- Marriage license
- Educational diploma
