LISTEN up, holidaymakers as a TSA rule could ruin your travel plans.
TSA have issued a warning over the types of identification they will accept on flights.
REAL-IDs are the preferred method for identification[/caption]
The accepted IDs
Identification is required to fly on TSA flights, and there are certain rules behind each one.
The TSA recommends using REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent).
They advise travellers who are unsure if their ID complies with REAL ID to check with the state department.
A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.
Holidaymakers need to pay attention to the rules to prevent travel disruption[/caption]
Other forms of accepted ID include:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- 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
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- 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)
On the TSA website, they also warn that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice.
As a result, it is strongly advised that passengers check the list before travelling, so they do not arrive at the airport without acceptable ID.
Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States.
TSA currently accepts expired ID up to two years after expiration, for the above listed forms of identification.
Children do not require ID to fly within the US[/caption]
Recent changes
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.
In this case, passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport.
However, the TSA also suggest enrolling for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
Failure to present valid ID
Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area and security screening at airports.
For example, a TSA officer may ask the travelers to complete an identity verification process.
This could include collecting information such as the passenger’s name and current address to confirm their identity.
Passengers are warned that they will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if they choose not to provide acceptable identification, decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or if their identity cannot be confirmed.
