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TravelID Helper
TSA Acceptable ID Checker
Discover which forms of identification are accepted for domestic air travel in the United States, including alternatives to REAL ID.
REAL ID Enforcement Notice
Starting May 7, 2025, travelers 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license/state ID or another acceptable form of identification to fly domestically within the United States.
REAL ID Enforcement Begins In:
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Check if your ID will be accepted for domestic air travel after the May 7, 2025 REAL ID enforcement deadline.
Your ID Status
Based on TSA requirements for domestic air travel
Select an ID to check
Pending check
What This Means
Use the form on the left to check if your ID will be accepted for domestic air travel after the REAL ID enforcement deadline.
Next Steps
Select an ID type to see recommended next steps.
Disclaimer: This tool provides general guidance based on TSA rules as of April 2025. TSA policies can change. Always check the official TSA website before traveling and arrive at the airport early if you have any concerns about your identification.
TSA Accepted Forms of Identification
The following forms of identification are accepted by TSA for domestic air travel as of April 2025:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card (has a star)
- U.S. Passport Book
- U.S. Passport Card
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense IDs (for active duty, retired military, dependents, DoD civilians)
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Border Crossing Card
- State-Issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
- Federally Recognized Tribal 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)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Important: After May 7, 2025, standard non-REAL ID compliant driver's licenses and state IDs will no longer be accepted for domestic air travel.
What If You Don't Have an Acceptable ID?
If you arrive at the airport without an acceptable form of identification, you might still be allowed to fly, but it's not guaranteed. Here's what to do:
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Arrive Extra Early
Get to the airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight to allow time for the identity verification process.
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Complete Identity Verification
A TSA officer will ask for information such as your name, current address, and date of birth to verify your identity using publicly available databases.
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Bring Supporting Items
While not primary acceptable IDs, having items with your name on them might help support the verification process (credit cards, mail, prescriptions, etc.).
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Additional Screening
If your identity is confirmed, you'll be allowed to enter the checkpoint but will likely undergo additional screening procedures.
Important: If TSA cannot verify your identity, or if you decline to cooperate with the verification process, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint and will not be able to fly.
Note: Photocopies or digital photos of your ID on your phone are generally NOT accepted as valid identification.
ID Requirements for Children
TSA does not require children under 18 traveling with a companion within the United States to provide identification. However, there are some important considerations:
TSA Rule: Travelers under 18 years old do not need to provide identification when traveling domestically with a companion.
Important Considerations:
- Airline Requirements: While TSA may not require ID for minors, individual airlines might have their own policies. Check with your airline before traveling.
- International Travel: For international travel, ALL passengers regardless of age need a passport or other acceptable travel document.
- Unaccompanied Minors: If a child is traveling alone, airlines typically require some form of identification, and many have specific "unaccompanied minor" programs with additional documentation requirements.
- Proof of Age: In some cases, having a form of ID for your child can be helpful to prove their age for boarding purposes or fare eligibility.
Recommendation: Even though TSA doesn't require ID for children under 18, it's a good idea to have some form of identification for your child when traveling, such as a birth certificate, school ID, or passport if available.
About the REAL ID Act
The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. Starting May 7, 2025, federal agencies, including TSA, will only accept REAL ID-compliant licenses and identification cards for official purposes, including boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.
How to Identify a REAL ID:
REAL ID-compliant licenses are generally marked with a star at the top of the card. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes.
How to Get a REAL ID:
- Visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to get a REAL ID. Typically, you will need documentation showing:
- Full Legal Name
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number
- Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence
- Lawful Status
- Gather all required documentation before visiting your state DMV or licensing agency.
- Make an appointment if your state offers this option to reduce wait times.
- Visit your state's DMV or licensing agency in person to apply for your REAL ID.
- Pay the fee for a new license or ID card. Fees vary by state.
Note: REAL ID is only required for domestic air travel if you don't have another form of acceptable identification, such as a passport or passport card.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the REAL ID requirement go into effect?
The REAL ID enforcement deadline is May 7, 2025. Starting on this date, every air 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.
This deadline has been extended several times since the original REAL ID Act of 2005, most recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic which delayed implementation.
How do I know if my license or ID is REAL ID-compliant?
REAL ID-compliant cards are generally marked with a star at the top of the card. Some states have used other symbols or markings to indicate REAL ID compliance, but a star is the most common indicator.
Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards, even though they may not have a star marking.
If you're unsure whether your ID is compliant, contact your state's driver's licensing agency.
Can I fly with an expired license or ID?
Generally, TSA requires a valid (unexpired) form of identification. However, TSA currently accepts IDs that have expired within the past 12 months. This is a temporary policy and could change, so it's always best to travel with a current, unexpired ID.
After May 7, 2025, expired non-compliant state IDs will likely not be accepted regardless of how recently they expired.
If your only ID is expired, consider bringing additional supporting identification and arrive at the airport with plenty of extra time for possible additional screening procedures.
Are digital or mobile driver's licenses accepted by TSA?
Some states offer digital driver's licenses (mDLs) through platforms like Apple Wallet or state-specific apps. TSA has begun accepting these at select airports, integrated with their Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) scanners.
However, acceptance of digital IDs is not universal yet. Even if you have a digital ID, you should always carry your physical ID as a backup when traveling.
Note that simply having a photo of your ID on your phone is NOT acceptable as a valid form of identification for TSA purposes.
Do I need a REAL ID to fly if I have a passport?
No, you do not need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID if you present another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport or passport card. These remain acceptable for domestic flights even after the REAL ID enforcement deadline.
Many travelers who fly infrequently choose to use their passport for domestic flights rather than updating to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.
Are temporary paper licenses accepted by TSA?
Temporary paper driver's licenses or temporary IDs issued by states are generally NOT accepted by TSA as a standalone form of identification. If you only have a temporary license, you should bring a second form of identification, such as a passport, military ID, or credit card.
If a temporary license is your only form of ID, you may need to go through the additional identity verification process at the airport, which can take extra time. Arrive at least 2-3 hours before your flight if this is the case.
What if my name on my ticket doesn't exactly match my ID?
TSA recommends that the name on your airline ticket matches the name on the ID you present at the checkpoint. However, minor differences in the names (like middle initials, name order, or hyphenations) should not be an issue.
If you've recently changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons, and your ID and ticket have different names, it's advisable to bring documentation of the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).
For significant discrepancies, contact your airline before traveling to update your reservation information.
Important Information About Traveling Without REAL ID
REAL ID Basics
The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards used for federal purposes, including domestic air travel.
- Enforcement begins May 7, 2025
- Applies to travelers 18 and older
- Compliant IDs typically have a star in the upper portion
- Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are acceptable alternatives
- Several other forms of ID remain acceptable regardless of REAL ID status
Domestic Air Travel
For domestic flights within the United States, you'll need appropriate identification at TSA checkpoints.
- After May 7, 2025, standard non-REAL ID compliant licenses won't be accepted
- Alternative IDs like passports and military IDs will still be accepted
- Children under 18 don't need ID when traveling with a companion
- Airlines may have their own ID requirements beyond TSA rules
- Flying with no ID is possible but not guaranteed and requires extra verification
If You Don't Have a REAL ID
If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant license by the enforcement deadline, you still have options:
- Use an alternative acceptable ID like a passport
- Apply for a REAL ID at your state's DMV/licensing agency
- Consider a passport card ($65) as a more affordable alternative to a full passport
- Check if you qualify for a DHS Trusted Traveler card
- Carry multiple forms of identification when traveling without a REAL ID
Planning Ahead for the REAL ID Deadline
With the May 7, 2025 REAL ID enforcement deadline approaching, it's important to plan ahead to ensure smooth travel experiences.
- Check Your Current ID: Look for a star in the upper portion of your license or ID to determine if it's already REAL ID-compliant.
- Plan for DMV Visits: If you need to get a REAL ID, make an appointment at your DMV well in advance of the deadline.
- Consider Alternatives: A U.S. passport or passport card is an excellent backup that works for both domestic and international travel.
- Keep Up with Changes: The REAL ID deadline has been extended several times. Stay informed about any future changes to implementation dates.
- Allow Extra Time: When traveling near the enforcement deadline, arrive at the airport earlier than usual in case of confusion or delays.
Remember that REAL ID requirements only apply when passing through TSA checkpoints at airports or accessing certain federal facilities. You do not need a REAL ID for driving, voting, accessing hospitals, or receiving federal benefits.