Whether you're traveling with an expired license, misplaced your ID, or recently changed your name, you can still fly. Here are a few tips you should know before you fly.
Do you know what a valid TSA ID is?
While booking your flight, be sure to fill out your name as it is printed on your ID. Doing this will save you time and will help alleviate any likely delays at the TSA checkpoint. Find the complete list of valid identification:
TSA Approved ID. Your verification process at the airport will be easier if you have TSA PrecheckAdult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. TSA Approved ID
- Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- Beginning May 3, 2023, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
- 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
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
- 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)
In coordination with its DHS counterparts, TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for use in special circumstances at the checkpoint.
- A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification.
- A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
Beginning May 3, 2023, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
Learn more about flying with a REAL ID.
TSA Checking ID at Gate: Exemptions
Learn about temporary exemptions when traveling with an expired license.
TSA Approved ID: Children
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
Forgot Your ID?
In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity.
If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You will be subject to additional screening, to include a patdown and screening of carry-on property.
You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, you choose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.
TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours in advance of your flight time.
TSA id requirements 2021: Names With Suffixes
TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and ID. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass, and there is not one on the ID or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.
What awaits me at the security checkpoint?
You should arrive as early as possible, at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure to allow enough time to complete the screening process. The TSA officer will ask for your boarding pass and an acceptable form of ID prior to entering the security checkpoint. Our officers will review your travel document(s) and ID to ensure that the information presented matches. Once your information is compared and your identity is verified, you will be allowed to continue through the security checkpoint.
If you're traveling with an expired license or passport you may still be able to fly. Acceptable forms of ID cannot be more than 12 months past the identified expiration date.
If you have misplaced, lost, traveling with an expired ID, or simply do not have an acceptable form of ID, our officers will ask you for two secondary forms of identification, with the following information:
The TSA officer will review all documentation provided in order to verify your identity. To minimize any potential delays, you are encouraged to provide as much information and documentation as possible. If your identity cannot be verified with the provided documentation, you may be required to go through an alternative identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information, and asking personal questions to help confirm your identity.
What can I expect during TSA screening?
Once the TSA officer confirms your identity you can proceed through security screening. You will be screened by the Advanced Imaging Technology or a walk-through metal detector. You may be subject to additional screening, which will include a pat-down and a bag search. Watch what to expect during a pat-down.
However, if your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.
Your verification process at the airport will be made easier if you comply with the TSA Medication Rules
The TSA ID requirements are changing?
The Real ID Act improves the reliability and accuracy of state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and deters terrorists' ability to use fake or fraudulently-obtained IDs. Beginning October 1, 2021, if you plan to use your state-issued ID, be sure it is Real ID compliant. If you are not sure if your license is REAL ID compliant, check with your state department of motor vehicles. You can also present any other valid identification such as a U.S. military ID, U.S. passport or passport card. For more information on REAL ID and to check if your state is real ID compliant, please visit DHS.gov
For additional questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at a checkpoint, contact the TSA Contact Center before your next flight or send a tweet or direct message on Facebook to AskTSA.
Categories Tags America, Do you know what a valid TSA ID is?, Forgot Your ID?, The TSA ID requirements are changing?, TSA Checking ID at Gate, What can I expect during TSA screening? National Military Park, National Monument, National Park, TSA, United States, US National Parks
Whether you're traveling with an expired license, misplaced your ID, or recently changed your name, you can still fly. Here are a few tips you should know before you fly.
Do you know what a valid TSA ID is?
While booking your flight, be sure to fill out your name as it is printed on your ID. Doing this will save you time and will help alleviate any likely delays at the TSA checkpoint. Find the complete list of valid identification:
TSA Approved ID. Your verification process at the airport will be easier if you have TSA PrecheckAdult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. TSA Approved ID
- Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- Beginning May 3, 2023, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
- 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
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
- 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)
In coordination with its DHS counterparts, TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for use in special circumstances at the checkpoint.
- A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification.
- A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
Beginning May 3, 2023, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
Learn more about flying with a REAL ID.
TSA Checking ID at Gate: Exemptions
Learn about temporary exemptions when traveling with an expired license.
TSA Approved ID: Children
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
Forgot Your ID?
In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity.
If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You will be subject to additional screening, to include a patdown and screening of carry-on property.
You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, you choose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.
TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours in advance of your flight time.
TSA id requirements 2021: Names With Suffixes
TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and ID. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass, and there is not one on the ID or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.
What awaits me at the security checkpoint?
You should arrive as early as possible, at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure to allow enough time to complete the screening process. The TSA officer will ask for your boarding pass and an acceptable form of ID prior to entering the security checkpoint. Our officers will review your travel document(s) and ID to ensure that the information presented matches. Once your information is compared and your identity is verified, you will be allowed to continue through the security checkpoint.
If you're traveling with an expired license or passport you may still be able to fly. Acceptable forms of ID cannot be more than 12 months past the identified expiration date.
If you have misplaced, lost, traveling with an expired ID, or simply do not have an acceptable form of ID, our officers will ask you for two secondary forms of identification, with the following information:
The TSA officer will review all documentation provided in order to verify your identity. To minimize any potential delays, you are encouraged to provide as much information and documentation as possible. If your identity cannot be verified with the provided documentation, you may be required to go through an alternative identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information, and asking personal questions to help confirm your identity.
What can I expect during TSA screening?
Once the TSA officer confirms your identity you can proceed through security screening. You will be screened by the Advanced Imaging Technology or a walk-through metal detector. You may be subject to additional screening, which will include a pat-down and a bag search. Watch what to expect during a pat-down.
However, if your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.
Your verification process at the airport will be made easier if you comply with the TSA Medication Rules
The TSA ID requirements are changing?
The Real ID Act improves the reliability and accuracy of state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and deters terrorists' ability to use fake or fraudulently-obtained IDs. Beginning October 1, 2021, if you plan to use your state-issued ID, be sure it is Real ID compliant. If you are not sure if your license is REAL ID compliant, check with your state department of motor vehicles. You can also present any other valid identification such as a U.S. military ID, U.S. passport or passport card. For more information on REAL ID and to check if your state is real ID compliant, please visit DHS.gov
For additional questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at a checkpoint, contact the TSA Contact Center before your next flight or send a tweet or direct message on Facebook to AskTSA.
Adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. TSA Approved ID
- Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- Beginning May 3, 2023, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
- 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
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
- 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)
In coordination with its DHS counterparts, TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for use in special circumstances at the checkpoint.
- A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification.
- A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
Beginning May 3, 2023, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
Learn more about flying with a REAL ID.
TSA Checking ID at Gate: Exemptions
Learn about temporary exemptions when traveling with an expired license.
TSA Approved ID: Children
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
Forgot Your ID?
In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity.
If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You will be subject to additional screening, to include a patdown and screening of carry-on property.
You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, you choose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.
TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours in advance of your flight time.
TSA id requirements 2021: Names With Suffixes
TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and ID. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass, and there is not one on the ID or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.
