Jazmin Li
As of May 7, 2025, certain IDs will no longer be accepted at airports. To fly domestically in the US, travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license or ID card, or an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are also accepted as alternatives. TSA PreCheck Touchless ID uses facial recognition technology for faster, more efficient identity verification. Digital IDs, such as mobile driver's licenses, are also accepted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Airport ID Card |
| Other Names | REAL ID, REAL ID-compliant card, REAL ID-compliant license, REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license, state-issued identification, TSA PreCheck Touchless ID |
| Governing Body | Federal Government, Congress, TSA, DHS, DMV |
| Applicable States | All states, the District of Columbia, and the 5 territories |
| Requirements | Full Legal Name, Date of Birth, Social Security Number, Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence, Lawful Status |
| Additional Requirements | May vary from state to state |
| Valid Forms of ID | Passport, Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), U.S. birth certificate, Social Security card, Form W-2, pay stub or paycheck |
| Digital ID Platforms | Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, state-issued apps |
| Facial Recognition Technology | Voluntary |
| Expiry | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
TSA ID requirements
As of May 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented REAL ID enforcement measures at TSA checkpoints nationwide. This means that to board a domestic flight, air travellers must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other state photo identity card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
REAL ID-compliant IDs are denoted with a gold star or U.S. flag in the upper right corner. The following are acceptable forms of REAL ID:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. 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)
TSA also accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date. Children under 18 travelling within the United States are not required to provide identification, though specific ID requirements for travellers under 18 may vary by airline. TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and IDs. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a mismatch between the suffix on the boarding pass and the ID, this is considered an acceptable variation.
TSA has implemented strict measures to protect passenger privacy through the anonymity of imaging. Automated target recognition software detects any metallic and non-metallic threats concealed under clothing by displaying a generic outline of a person on a monitor. If there is no alarm, an "OK" appears on the screen with no outline. TSA requires all names used, including current and past names. The name provided on the TSA PreCheck application must be the name used when making airline travel reservations, including middle names.
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REAL ID compliance
The REAL ID Act, passed by the US Congress in 2005, set standards for the issuance of identification documents such as driver's licenses and ID cards. The Act was passed as a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission to strengthen the integrity and security of state-issued cards, reducing identity fraud and terrorism.
From May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant identification will be accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic travel. 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 at airports. Passengers with non-compliant IDs will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
REAL ID-compliant cards will have a marking on the upper top portion of the card, such as a star, a circle with an inset star, or an image of the US flag with the word "Enhanced". These markings indicate that the ID meets the minimum security standards and has additional security features. To obtain a REAL ID-compliant card, individuals must provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status.
It is important to note that a passport may be used as an alternative form of identification in lieu of a REAL ID to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by certain states, such as Michigan, Minnesota, and New York, are also considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards.
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Alternative ID documents
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 ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity for boarding commercial aircraft.
Some alternative forms of ID that may be used in lieu of a REAL ID Driver's License or ID include:
- A passport or passport card
- An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont. EDLs/EIDs can be identified by the image of the U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the 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
Additionally, some less conventional forms of ID may be worth trying in a tight situation, such as:
- Credit cards
- Checkbooks
- Membership cards (e.g., Costco card)
- Business cards with your photo on them, flashed at security in conjunction with another form of ID
It is important to note that none of these alternative forms of ID are guaranteed to work, and it is always best to check with the relevant authorities before travelling to ensure you have acceptable identification.
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Digital ID options
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers several digital ID options to streamline the identity verification process at airports. Here are some of the key digital ID options available:
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is a voluntary programme that uses facial recognition technology to verify the identity of travellers at select airports and security checkpoints. Enrolled travellers with participating airlines can opt in during flight check-in and enjoy expedited security screening without presenting a traditional photo ID. This feature is currently available at airports such as Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Los Angeles (LAX), New York City (LGA, JFK), Salt Lake City (SLC), and Washington, D.C. (DCA).
Digital IDs at TSA Checkpoints
The TSA accepts digital IDs at more than 250 airports across the United States. Digital IDs can be stored in mobile wallets or third-party apps, such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or state-issued apps. To use a Digital ID, travellers must add their eligible driver's license or state-issued identification card to their phone, following the setup instructions provided by the app or mobile wallet. At the TSA checkpoint, travellers can scan their Digital ID QR code or tap their mobile device on the digital ID reader. It is important to note that travellers must still carry a physical and acceptable form of ID as a backup.
Delta Digital ID
Delta Air Lines has partnered with the TSA to offer Delta Digital ID, which is integrated with TSA PreCheck Touchless ID. Eligible SkyMiles members can opt in to this programme and utilise dedicated bag drop and security lines at participating airports. By activating Delta Digital ID, travellers can move through the airport more efficiently without the need for a traditional photo ID.
Biometric Technology
The TSA is rolling out biometric technology, including biometric cameras, at various airports to enhance identity verification. This technology automates the manual procedures and improves the accuracy and reliability of passenger identification. The TSA assures travellers that photos and personal data are deleted after identity verification and are not used for law enforcement, surveillance, or shared externally.
These digital ID options aim to provide a faster, more secure, and seamless travel experience while reducing the risk of fraudulent documents and protecting traveller privacy. It is recommended to check the latest updates and requirements from the TSA and specific airlines before travelling.
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ID for under 18s
As of May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card: a black or gold star, a black or gold bear and star, or a black, gold, or purple star inside a circle. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity for boarding commercial aircraft.
For individuals under 18 who do not possess a REAL ID-compliant card, there are alternative forms of identification that can be used. The TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, it is important to contact the airline for specific ID requirements for travelers under 18, as these may vary.
There are several acceptable alternative forms of ID that can be used by individuals of any age, including those under 18. These include:
- A passport or passport card
- A 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
- 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
It is important to note that some of these alternative forms of ID, such as a passport or state-issued EDL, are also acceptable for boarding commercial aircraft and accessing federal facilities. For individuals under 18 who do not possess a REAL ID-compliant card or one of the alternative forms of ID listed above, it is essential to contact the airline directly to understand their specific requirements and ensure a smooth travel experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It establishes minimum security standards for state-issued IDs and prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs.
You can apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card when you apply for or renew your license or ID. You will need to provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, and proof of a Social Security number.
If you are travelling by air within the United States, you can use a passport or other acceptable form of identification, such as an Enhanced Driver's License, instead of a REAL ID.
