What ID You Need To Fly: Essential Tips To Prevent Delays [2024]

When you arrive at the airport to catch your next flight, you’ll have probably spent a good portion of time focusing on what to pack for your destination, but don’t forget to consider one of the most important things you need: correct identification!

On peak travel days, the TSA can screen over 3 million passengers in 1 day.¹ Having proper identification is extremely important to keep lines moving quickly and get on your plane as fast as possible.

In this article, we’ll list all the forms of identification that are accepted at the airport, review how the REAL ID Act might impact your upcoming travels, and cover what to do if you arrive at the airport without a valid form of identification.

Acceptable Identification for the TSA

When you arrive at the airport, you need to provide a valid boarding pass and a way to verify your identity.

The forms of identification noted below are standard across U.S. departures, as there is 1 federal agency, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), that oversees the security of transportation systems, including airports.

The TSA has certain passenger ID requirements to ensure that the names on the 2 documents match, with limited exceptions. You must pass through a TSA checkpoint at every public airport before being allowed to board your plane.

If you are over 18, you must provide 1 of the following forms of identification to pass through a TSA checkpoint:

• A driver’s license or photo identity card issued by your state’s department of motor vehicles (or equivalent) — this must be REAL ID-compliant by May 7, 2025
• Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, SENTRI, NEXUS, or FAST)
• Border crossing card
• Canadian provincial driver’s license
• Federally recognized photo ID (such as Tribal Nation or Indian Tribe)
• Foreign government-issued passport
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Indian or Northern Affairs Canada card
• Permanent resident card
• State-issued driver’s license or other state-issued ID
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employment card (I-766)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID
• U.S. Merchant Mariner credential
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• Veteran Health identification card

Requirements for ID for Special Circumstances

There are a few exceptions or clarifications to the ID requirements listed above. This can be due to technological advances, age, or other circumstances.

Digital IDs

The TSA is working on a few different ventures to allow the use of digital IDs at select TSA security checkpoints.

First, there is a partnership with both United Airlines and Delta Air Lines that allows those with TSA PreCheck to use touchless ID at bag drop and TSA checkpoints.

In addition, California and Hawaii offer mobile licenses. These pilot programs allow users to upload their ID to a mobile app and present it in place of a physical ID. However, these can only be used at select TSA checkpoints.

ID Requirements for Children and Unaccompanied Minors

When traveling within the U.S., children under 18 aren’t legally required to provide any form of identification. Your airline may have different requirements, though, so it’s best to contact them directly to confirm. For example, if you’re flying with a lap child, you may need proof of the child’s age in the form of a copy of the birth certificate or passport.

Unaccompanied minors are also not required to provide identification. Typically, airlines accept identification from the adult responsible for the minor when checking in at the airport. There are additional requirements, such as forms, that you need to fill out as well, but this varies by airline.

ID Requirements for the Elderly

There are no exceptions for the elderly. The TSA requires all adults over 18 to have a valid form of identification.

Certain states try to make it easier for elderly individuals to get an identification card. For example, California issues a free Senior Citizen ID card that is valid for 10 years.

Expired Identification

The TSA currently accepts expired forms of identification listed above up to 1 year after expiration.

Name on Boarding Pass Doesn’t Match ID

TSA requires that the name on your booking match the name on your identification. If this is not the case, make sure that you’re discussing your issue with your airline first, not TSA.

If you realize the name on your reservation doesn’t match your ID before arrival at the airport, try to reach out to your airline to see if they can do a name change. While some airlines offer name changes for free, some may charge a fee, and others might have a deadline to submit changes.

If you’ve already arrived at the airport, there may still be additional information you can provide to board your flight. Go directly to your airline’s check-in counter. If your name is misspelled or has been changed recently, they may be able to reissue your boarding pass to you with the correct name.

For example, if you’ve recently gotten a name change after a marriage or divorce, you can bring the marriage certification or court order noting the change. If you’ve accidentally used a nickname (Joe for Joseph, for example), you need to have your identification on hand that shows your legal name.

If you are unable to provide sufficient proof, you will be treated as if you arrived without your identification and must comply with the steps below.

Lost, Stolen, or Forgotten ID

If you have arrived at the airport without a valid form of ID, you may still be able to fly. The TSA has a process in place to confirm your identity in other ways, including collecting your name and address. If your identity is confirmed, you will likely also be subject to additional levels of screening at the security checkpoint.

These additional steps take time, so the TSA recommends arriving at the airport 3 hours before your flight time if you don’t have your ID.

It is not guaranteed that the TSA will be able to confirm your identity, so it is still possible you might not be allowed to board your flight. But it is nice to know that there are still options if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.

REAL ID Considerations

If you plan to fly using only your state-issued ID, it will need to be REAL ID-compliant. While the date has been moved backward multiple times (because of COVID-19 and other state-specific delays), the current date of compliance is May 7, 2025. This means that if you want to use your REAL ID to get you through TSA checkpoints, you need to get it before this date.

The REAL ID Act increased the minimum standards that states need to comply with when issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards. When obtaining or renewing your ID, you may be asked to provide more information than in the past, such as proof of your Social Security number (such as your Social Security card, a W-2, or pay stubs), an identification document, and proof of residency.

While there are no differences as far as TSA-accepted identification, the processes for obtaining REAL IDs may vary slightly from state to state. Check out our article below to learn everything you need to know about REAL ID.

International Requirements

A passport is required for all customers traveling internationally. It’s also important to note that many countries require passports to be valid for at least 6 months when you visit.

Another difference is that international travel is overseen by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, a law-enforcement arm of the Department of Homeland Security that is separate from the TSA. Depending on where you travel and your residency status, you may also need a visa and/or approved travel authorization (such as an ESTA or ETIAS).

When traveling internationally, it’s always a good idea to check the Department of State’s website for country-specific travel requirements.

Final Thoughts

Plan ahead and make sure you have the appropriate form of identification before you arrive at the airport. This can save you time and a huge headache!

If you’ve found an error or have even arrived at the airport without an ID, you may still be able to board your flight! Just be sure to arrive early enough to resolve any issues.