Navigating airport security can be a stressful part of traveling. One of the most common concerns for air travelers is ensuring they have the correct identification to pass through security checkpoints smoothly. This guide will clarify what forms of identification are acceptable for flying within the United States, based on Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
According to TSA regulations, every passenger 18 years of age and older must show acceptable identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Here is a list of the most commonly accepted forms of ID:
- U.S. Passport: Valid U.S. passports are always an acceptable form of identification for domestic and international flights.
- U.S. Passport Card: While not valid for international air travel, the U.S. Passport Card is accepted for domestic flights.
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards: Including Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST cards. These cards expedite security screening and are valid identification.
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): Form I-551, issued to lawful permanent residents of the U.S.
- Driver’s License or Enhanced Driver’s License: Licenses issued by a state or territory are acceptable. Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) from Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington are also compliant with REAL ID requirements and can be used to cross U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License: Specifically from Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, or Washington.
- Other state-issued IDs: Non-driver identification cards issued by a state or territory are also accepted.
- Military ID: U.S. military IDs are valid forms of identification.
- Emergency Travel Document: Issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
- Foreign Government-Issued Passport: For foreign nationals.
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card: For Canadian travelers.
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®): For transportation workers.
- Native American Tribal Photo ID: Issued by federally recognized tribal nations.
- Airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan): Check with your airline or airport for details.
- REAL ID compliant card: Starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, enhanced driver’s license, state-issued ID, or another acceptable form of identification to fly within the United States.
Ensure your state-issued ID is REAL ID compliant by checking for a star marking in the upper portion of the card.
What About Expired IDs?
TSA recognizes that unforeseen circumstances can occur. Therefore, TSA will accept expired driver’s licenses or state-issued IDs a year after expiration. This temporary measure provides some flexibility for travelers who may not have been able to renew their IDs on time. However, it is always best to travel with a valid, unexpired form of identification to avoid any potential issues. Keep in mind the REAL ID enforcement date is May 7, 2025.
Flying with Children: ID Requirements for Minors
The good news for families traveling with children is that TSA does not require children under 18 years old to provide identification when traveling domestically. However, airlines may have their own specific requirements for minors, particularly for unaccompanied minors. It’s always advisable to check directly with your airline regarding ID requirements for travelers under 18 to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.
What If You Don’t Have Acceptable Identification at the Airport?
Arriving at the airport without acceptable identification can be stressful, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t fly. If you find yourself in this situation due to lost, stolen, or forgotten ID, TSA has a process to verify your identity.
A TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process. This typically involves providing personal information such as your name, current address, and other details to help confirm who you are. If your identity can be verified, you will be permitted to proceed through the security checkpoint, although you may be subject to additional screening measures.
However, it’s important to understand that if you choose not to provide identification, refuse to cooperate with the identity verification process, or if your identity cannot be confirmed, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint. To allow ample time for potential identity verification procedures, TSA recommends arriving at least three hours before your scheduled flight departure if you are traveling without acceptable identification.
Name Suffixes: Do They Need to Match Exactly?
TSA understands that names can be complex, including suffixes like Jr., Sr., III, etc. Variations or omissions of suffixes between your boarding pass and your ID are acceptable. Suffixes are not mandatory on boarding passes. Whether your ID includes a suffix and your boarding pass doesn’t, or vice-versa, it will be considered an acceptable variation and should not cause any issues at the security checkpoint.
Key Takeaways
- Always carry an acceptable form of identification when flying.
- Ensure your state-issued ID is REAL ID compliant, especially as the May 7, 2025 deadline approaches.
- TSA accepts expired IDs up to one year past the expiration date.
- Children under 18 are not required to show ID, but airlines may have their own rules.
- If you don’t have ID, be prepared for an identity verification process and arrive early.
- Minor discrepancies in name suffixes between your ID and boarding pass are generally acceptable.
For the most up-to-date information and any changes to TSA identification requirements, always refer to the official TSA website. Traveling prepared with the correct identification will help ensure a smoother and less stressful airport experience.
