Navigating airport security can be a stressful part of traveling. Knowing what forms of identification are acceptable is crucial for a smooth and efficient screening process. If you’re wondering What Do You Can use as valid identification at airport security checkpoints, this guide will clarify the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements and ensure you are prepared for your next flight.
REAL ID and What You Can Use
Starting May 7, 2025, 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. It’s important to check if your current state-issued ID is REAL ID compliant. Look for a star marking on your license; this indicates compliance. To be certain about what do you can present, you can always verify with your state department of motor vehicles.
For detailed information, you can learn more about flying with a REAL ID.
Expired IDs: Are They Acceptable?
Currently, TSA is understanding of situations where IDs might be slightly past their expiration date. They accept expired IDs for up to one year after the expiration date, for the forms of identification they typically accept. Keep in mind that the REAL ID enforcement deadline, requiring compliant IDs, is May 7, 2025. You can find more information about this on the TSA’s REAL ID webpage.
Identification for Children
Traveling with children? TSA has different rules for younger passengers. Children under 18 years old are not required to provide identification when traveling domestically within the United States. However, it’s always wise to confirm specific ID requirements for travelers under 18 directly with your airline, as airline policies may vary.
What If You Don’t Have Acceptable ID?
It happens – you might arrive at the airport without your acceptable identification due to loss, theft, or simply forgetting it. In such cases, you might still be permitted to fly.
TSA officers have procedures in place to verify your identity. This process may involve an identity verification process where you’ll be asked to provide information like your name and current address. This information helps TSA confirm who you are. If your identity is successfully verified, you will be allowed to proceed through the security checkpoint. Be aware that you may be subject to additional screening as part of this process.
However, it’s important to understand that choosing not to provide acceptable identification, declining to cooperate with the identity verification process, or if your identity cannot be confirmed, will prevent you from entering the security checkpoint.
To allow ample time for potential identity verification, TSA advises individuals without acceptable identification to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flight departure time. Planning ahead is key when you’re unsure about what do you can use or if you anticipate any ID issues.
Names and Suffixes on IDs
Minor discrepancies in names, particularly with suffixes, are generally accepted by TSA. Your boarding pass doesn’t necessarily need to include a suffix. If your boarding pass includes a suffix, but your ID does not, or vice versa, TSA considers this an acceptable variation and it should not cause issues during screening.
Remember, if your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to proceed through the security checkpoint.
