Navigating airport security can be a stress point for many travelers, and understanding the necessary identification is crucial for a smooth journey. To ensure you’re prepared, it’s essential to know exactly What Form Of Id Do I Need To Fly within the United States. This guide breaks down the identification requirements set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) so you can breeze through security and catch your flight without any hiccups.
REAL ID: The Standard for Domestic Flights
Starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to fly within the United States. REAL ID compliance is indicated by a star marking on your state-issued driver’s license or identification card. If you’re unsure whether your current ID is REAL ID compliant, it’s best to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. Planning ahead and securing a REAL ID ensures you meet federal security standards for domestic air travel.
Learn more about REAL ID requirements.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
Even before the REAL ID enforcement date, or if you already have a REAL ID, it’s helpful to know the range of documents TSA accepts. While a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID is common, other forms of identification are also valid. Here is a list of acceptable forms of ID to fly:
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and other state photo IDs issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- 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
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Border crossing card
- federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- Immigration and Naturalization Service Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766)
Note: Weapon permits and temporary driver’s licenses are not acceptable forms of identification.
What About Expired IDs?
If your identification has recently expired, you might still be able to fly. TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to one year past the expiration date for all acceptable forms of identification listed above. Keep in mind that while TSA has this policy, it’s always better 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 well before this date.
Find out more about REAL ID on the TSA website.
Flying with Children: ID for Young Travelers
Traveling with children? The good news is that TSA doesn’t require children under 18 years old to provide identification when flying domestically within the United States. However, it’s always wise to check with your specific airline, as they may have their own requirements for verifying the age of young travelers. For international travel, passports are generally required for children of all ages.
What If You Don’t Have Acceptable ID at the Airport?
Arriving at the airport without your required identification can be stressful, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t fly. If you find yourself in this situation—whether your ID is lost, stolen, or simply forgotten—TSA has a process to verify your identity.
A TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process. This could involve answering questions to confirm personal information such as your name and current address. If your identity can be verified, you will be allowed to proceed through the security checkpoint, though you may be subject to additional screening.
However, it’s important to note that if you choose not to provide acceptable identification, refuse to cooperate with the identity verification process, or if your identity cannot be confirmed, you will not be permitted to enter the security checkpoint. To allow extra time for potential identity verification, TSA recommends that individuals without acceptable identification arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flight departure time.
Name Suffixes on IDs and Boarding Passes
Minor discrepancies in names, particularly with suffixes, are generally not an issue. TSA understands that suffixes may appear differently or not at all on boarding passes and IDs. For instance, if your ID includes “Jr.” but your boarding pass does not, or vice versa, this is considered an acceptable variation and should not cause problems at security. Suffixes are not mandatory on boarding passes, making travel smoother for individuals with them in their names.
Remember, if your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to proceed through the security checkpoint. Being prepared with the correct form of ID needed to fly is the best way to ensure a hassle-free airport experience.
