Planning to fly within the United States? Understanding the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) identification requirements is crucial for a smooth airport experience. You might be wondering, Does Flying domestically require a specific type of ID? The answer is yes, and it’s important to be prepared, especially with the upcoming REAL ID enforcement deadline.
REAL ID and the Enforcement Deadline
Beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. If you are unsure whether your current state-issued ID is REAL ID compliant, it is recommended to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Making sure you have a REAL ID well in advance of the deadline will prevent any potential travel disruptions.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
While a REAL ID will soon be mandatory for domestic flights, there are various forms of identification currently accepted by the TSA. These include:
- U.S. driver’s licenses and state-issued IDs
- REAL ID compliant cards
- U.S. passports
- U.S. passport cards
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, TSA Pre✓®, SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST)
- U.S. military IDs
- Permanent resident cards (Green Card)
- Border crossing cards
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
- HSPD-12 PIV cards
- Foreign government-issued passports
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®)
Please note that weapons permits and temporary driver’s licenses are not acceptable forms of identification.
Expired Identification
If your ID has expired, TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to one year past the expiration date. This policy applies to the forms of identification listed above. However, it’s always best to travel with a valid, unexpired ID to avoid any potential issues. Remember that the REAL ID enforcement deadline is May 7, 2025, so ensure your ID is compliant before this date.
Children and Identification
For families traveling with children, TSA does not require children under 18 years old to provide identification when flying domestically. However, it’s always advisable to check with your specific airline as they may have their own identification requirements for younger travelers.
What if You Don’t Have Acceptable ID?
Even if you arrive at the airport without an acceptable form of identification due to loss, theft, or any other reason, you may still be permitted to fly. In such cases, a TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process. This process involves collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is successfully verified, you will be allowed to proceed through the security checkpoint, although you may be subject to additional screening measures.
However, it’s important to note that if you refuse to provide identification, decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or if your identity cannot be confirmed, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint. TSA strongly recommends that individuals without acceptable identification arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flight departure time to allow for the identity verification process.
Name Suffixes on IDs and Boarding Passes
TSA understands that there can be variations in name suffixes between boarding passes and IDs. Suffixes are not mandatory on boarding passes. If a suffix appears on your boarding pass but not on your ID, or vice versa, it is considered an acceptable variation and should not cause any issues during the security screening process.
Having the correct identification is a key component of air travel. Understanding what does flying domestically require in terms of ID and being prepared with the appropriate documents will help ensure a smoother and less stressful journey through airport security. Always refer to the official TSA website for the most up-to-date information and any changes to these regulations.
