Learn About Airport ID Requirements and Options

Understanding Airport ID Requirements

When you travel by air, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires passengers to show valid identification before boarding any commercial flight in the United States. This requirement exists for security purposes and has been in place since the early 2000s. The type of ID you need depends on several factors, including your age, citizenship status, and whether you're traveling domestically or internationally.

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For domestic flights—those between U.S. cities—you must present a Real ID-compliant driver's license, passport, military ID, or other approved document. As of May 7, 2025, all domestic air travelers need to carry one of these acceptable forms of identification. Real ID is a federal standard that ensures driver's licenses and state ID cards contain specific security features and verification information. If your driver's license doesn't have a Real ID marker (typically a gold or star-shaped symbol in the upper right corner), you may need to bring an alternative form of ID.

For international flights, the requirements are stricter. A valid U.S. passport is the most straightforward option. U.S. citizens can also use a passport card, which is smaller and less expensive than a traditional passport book but serves the same purpose for air travel. Some travelers may also use a NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST card issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, though these are primarily used at borders and have specific travel restrictions.

Children have different identification requirements than adults. For domestic flights, children under 18 do not require government-issued ID if they're traveling with an adult. However, for international flights, all travelers—including infants—need valid passports or travel documents. TSA agents may ask to verify a child's age through birth certificates or other documents when traveling internationally.

Practical takeaway: Check your driver's license for the Real ID marker before your next trip. If you don't have one, consider applying for a real ID-compliant license or gathering alternative acceptable documents such as a passport, military ID, or federal employee ID card.

Real ID Standards and Compliance Timeline

Real ID is a federal security standard established by Congress in 2005. The law requires state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards to meet specific security requirements before they can be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights. Many people confuse Real ID with a specific card—it's actually a standard that state DMVs must meet when issuing driver's licenses and ID cards. States have been gradually implementing these standards, and the deadline for full compliance has been extended several times.

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The Real ID marker appears as a gold or star-shaped symbol on the front or back of your driver's license or state ID card. Not all states issue Real ID-compliant licenses to all residents by default. Some states issue them only by request, while others have phased in the requirement over time. As of 2024, all 50 states and U.S. territories have achieved full compliance with Real ID standards, meaning they can issue Real ID-compliant licenses. However, many people still hold non-compliant licenses that were issued before their state fully implemented the requirements.

If you have an older driver's license without the Real ID marker, you have several options. You can visit your state's DMV and request a Real ID-compliant replacement, though this may involve fees ranging from $10 to $50 depending on your state. You can also choose to keep your current license and use an alternative form of acceptable identification for air travel, such as a passport, passport card, military ID, or federal employee ID. There is no penalty for choosing not to obtain a Real ID-compliant license—you simply need to carry an acceptable alternative document when flying domestically.

The Real ID enforcement timeline has been adjusted multiple times due to public concerns and implementation challenges. The most recent extension pushed the deadline to May 7, 2025. Starting on this date, all passengers on domestic flights must present either a Real ID-compliant license or another federally acceptable form of identification. TSA agents will not accept non-compliant licenses, even with a passport or other document present—you must have one of the approved forms of ID.

Practical takeaway: Visit your state's DMV website to learn whether your current driver's license is Real ID-compliant. If it isn't, determine whether you want to obtain a Real ID license or plan to use a passport or military ID when flying domestically.

Acceptable Forms of Identification for Domestic Air Travel

The TSA maintains a list of documents that satisfy the identification requirement for domestic air travel. A Real ID-compliant driver's license is the most common, but many other documents are equally acceptable. Understanding all your options helps you prepare for travel without unnecessary expense or delays.

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A U.S. passport or passport card meets all identification requirements for domestic flights and is accepted by TSA agents. Passport books cost between $130 and $165 for adults, while passport cards cost $35 to $55. Passport cards are valid for 10 years and are smaller and more portable than books, making them convenient for frequent domestic travelers who want a Real ID alternative. However, passport cards cannot be used for international air travel to all countries—some nations' entry requirements still specify a passport book.

Military ID cards, including those for active-duty service members, retirees, and their families, are fully acceptable at TSA checkpoints. Veterans' health identification cards issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs are also accepted. Federal employee IDs and U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner credentials serve the same purpose. If you hold any of these documents, you can use them indefinitely regardless of Real ID compliance status.

Additional acceptable documents include tribal identification cards issued by federally recognized Native American tribes, permanent resident cards (green cards), employment authorization cards, enhanced driver's licenses issued by certain states (Washington, Vermont, New York, and Michigan), and U.S. Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler program cards like Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. Some states also issue enhanced identification cards that combine Real ID compliance with additional security features.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry cards are trusted traveler program IDs that provide expedited security screening in addition to serving as acceptable identification. These programs require background checks and vetting, and membership fees typically range from $85 to $100 for a five-year period. While these cards won't get you through security faster than regular screening on most days, they can significantly reduce wait times during busy travel periods.

Practical takeaway: Review the complete list of acceptable documents on the official TSA website before your next trip. If you don't have a Real ID-compliant license, consider which alternative documents you already own—you may not need to obtain new identification at all.

International Travel Identification Requirements

International air travel has stricter identification requirements than domestic flights. While a Real ID-compliant driver's license works for flights within the United States, it cannot be used for flights leaving the country. All U.S. citizens traveling internationally by air must present a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or other approved travel document when checking in with their airline and when passing through border security.

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A standard U.S. passport book is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16. The passport book contains visa pages where foreign governments can add entry stamps and visas. Many international destinations require visitors to have a passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond their planned departure date from that country. For example, if you're traveling to Mexico and plan to return on June 15, your passport should remain valid until at least December 15. This requirement varies by destination, so you should check specific countries' rules before booking international flights.

Passport cards, despite being acceptable for some international travel, have limitations. A passport card can be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but it cannot be used for air travel to these destinations. For air travel internationally, you must have a passport book. Some people obtain both documents—using the card for overland border crossings and the book for flights.

U.S. citizens can also hold other international travel documents that serve as identification. A U.S. passport card is smaller and less expensive than a book but only works for certain types of border crossings. Military service members may use military passports in some cases, though these have specific restrictions. Certain diplomatic passports are issued to government officials and their families for official business travel.

Processing times for passports vary significantly depending on demand. Standard processing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, while expedited processing takes 2