AS technology continues to evolve, there are different ways a traveler can prove their identity while standing in airport security lines.
Gone are the days of just showing a passport or drivers license to the agent.
There are now alternative options available where travelers can keep their Real IDs or passports firmly in their pockets.
But, this has sparked confusion particularly among travelers who prove their identity via online security tools before heading to the airport.
One traveler, who used the service CLEAR, revealed how they could upload a picture of their passport to comply with the required identity checks.
“Can I use that method instead of bringing my physical passport or is the physical passport required to be present?” they asked on Reddit.
A representative for the Transportation Security Administration clarified the confusion that seemed to arise.
They told The U.S. Sun that physical IDs are used to prove a traveler’s identity if there is an issue with biometric technology used at an airport.
“All passengers must still carry an acceptable compliant physical ID for verification,” the spokesperson said.
Travelers can use digital forms of ID at more than 250 airports across the US.
Americans wanting to go down the digital ID route must scan their QR code on their cell phone on the reader.
However, not all states have rolled out digital ID measures at airports.
For example, in Florida, passengers still have to show physical forms of identification.
But, in California, passengers can store digital identity cards in their Apple and Google Wallets.
Some states, like Virginia and West Virginia, have their own in-house tool.
Travelers that have subscribed to services like CLEAR should look out for lanes with the company’s branding on it when at the airport.
On average, Clear+ users save four hours a year at the airport compared to travelers who don’t use the service.
Acceptable identification at TSA checkpoints
All passengers 18 years and older must show valid identification at airport checkpoints in order to travel. The following is a full list of identification accepted at TSA checkpoints.
- Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the US, it must be REAL ID compliant. If you’re not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
- A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
- US passport
- US passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- US 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
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Clear subscribers can apply for PreCheck for $77.95 over five years.
One of the perks of PreCheck was that users didn’t have to remove their shoes at checkpoints.
Around 99% of PreCheck users wait less than 10 minutes while in security.
Over 90 airlines, including American, Delta, Emirates, and Southwest offer PreCheck services.
Travelers don’t have to take their electronic devices out of their hand luggage.
And, liquids following TSA’s 3-1-1 rule can stay in their bags.
However, Kristi Noem, Donald Trump’s Homeland Security Secretary, has phased out the rule for all travelers at airports.
The rule had been phased out after 20 years.
“This initiative is just one of many the Trump Administration is pursuing to usher in the President’s vision for a new Golden Age of American travel,” she said.
A new security line has also been announced for families.
This policy is known as Families on the Fly and these are reserved for parents with small children and military personnel.
And, the measure is now being trialled at major airports such as Orlando.
Noem has also teased that further security changes could be on the way.
She admitted she was mulling over whether to change the rules on liquids, per The Hill.
The changes come as the US prepares to welcome tourists for the 2026 World Cup, and America 250 celebrations.
