Navigating airport security can be a stressful part of traveling, and understanding the identification requirements is crucial for a smooth experience. With the REAL ID enforcement date approaching on May 7, 2025, many travelers are wondering: Can You Fly Without A Real Id? Let’s clarify the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines and what you need to know about flying with or without a REAL ID compliant identification.
REAL ID and the May 2025 Deadline
The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to be accepted by federal agencies for certain purposes, including domestic air travel. Beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler age 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to fly within the United States.
It’s important to check if your current state-issued ID is REAL ID compliant. Look for a star in a circle, or a star in a gold or black star on your card. If you are unsure, contact your state department of motor vehicles for confirmation and information on how to obtain a REAL ID.
Acceptable Forms of Identification for TSA
Even after the REAL ID deadline, a REAL ID is not the only acceptable form of identification for air travel. TSA accepts a variety of documents to verify your identity at airport security checkpoints. These acceptable forms of identification include, but are not limited to:
- REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent).
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, TSA Pre✓®, SENTRI, NEXUS)
- Permanent resident card (Green Card)
- Airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
- Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- 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.
Flying Without Acceptable ID: What to Expect
What happens if you arrive at the airport and realize you don’t have an acceptable form of identification? Whether your ID is lost, stolen, or expired, you may still be able to fly.
TSA has a identity verification process to handle these situations. A TSA officer may ask you to complete this process, which involves providing personal information such as your name and current address to help confirm your identity.
If your identity is successfully verified, you will be allowed to proceed through the security checkpoint. However, be aware that you may be subject to additional screening as part of this process.
Important: If you choose not to provide identification, refuse to cooperate with the identity verification process, or TSA cannot confirm your identity, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint.
TSA recommends arriving at least three hours before your flight if you are flying without acceptable identification to allow sufficient time for the verification process.
Expired IDs and TSA Policy
Currently, TSA has a flexible policy regarding expired identification. TSA accepts expired IDs for up to one year past the expiration date for the forms of identification listed above. This provides some leeway if your license or passport has recently expired.
However, it is always best practice to travel with a valid, unexpired ID to avoid any potential issues or delays. Remember that this policy is subject to change, and it’s always advisable to check the latest TSA guidelines before your travel date, especially after the REAL ID full enforcement date in May 2025.
Flying with Children: ID Requirements for Minors
If you are traveling with children, you’ll be relieved to know that TSA does not require children under 18 years old to provide identification when traveling domestically within the United States.
However, it’s always a good idea to contact your airline directly for any specific ID requirements they may have for travelers under 18, especially for international flights or when traveling with minors who are not your own children.
Name Suffixes on IDs and Boarding Passes
Minor discrepancies between the name on your boarding pass and your ID are generally not a problem. Specifically, TSA accepts variations in suffixes (like Jr., Sr., III) on boarding passes and IDs. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes.
If your boarding pass includes a suffix, and your ID does not, or vice versa, this is considered an acceptable variation and should not cause issues at the security checkpoint.
By understanding these guidelines, you can be better prepared for airport security and confidently answer the question: can I fly without a Real ID? While a REAL ID or other acceptable ID is required starting May 7, 2025, knowing your options, including the identity verification process, ensures you can navigate air travel even if you encounter ID-related challenges.
