Real ID Travel in US: Accepted Documents
- Travelers preparing for domestic flights should be aware of updated identification requirements from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
- The TSA maintains a list of acceptable identification for adults seeking to pass through airport security.
- Notably, the TSA may accept expired documents for up to two years past thier expiration date, provided they are on the official list of accepted ids.However, travelers should...
REAL ID Not Required for US Flights Until May 7, 2026; TSA Outlines Acceptable Identification
Table of Contents
- REAL ID Not Required for US Flights Until May 7, 2026; TSA Outlines Acceptable Identification
- REAL ID and Airport Security: Your Questions Answered
- Is a REAL ID Required for Flights in the US?
- What Identification Documents Are Accepted by the TSA?
- Can I Use an Expired ID to fly?
- What Happens If I Don’t Have Acceptable Identification?
- Do Children need Identification to Fly?
- Are there Other things I Should Know About Identification and air Travel?
- Summary of Key Identification Documents
Travelers preparing for domestic flights should be aware of updated identification requirements from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). While the REAL ID Act compliance deadline was initially set for May 3,2023,the Department of Homeland Security has extended the full enforcement date to May 7,2026.Until then, a variety of identification documents will be accepted at airport security checkpoints.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
The TSA maintains a list of acceptable identification for adults seeking to pass through airport security. This includes, but is not limited to:
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards
- State-issued enhanced driver’s licenses
- U.S. passports
- U.S. passport cards
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, SENTRI, NEXUS)
- Permanent resident cards
- Military IDs
Expired Documents and TSA Discretion
Notably, the TSA may accept expired documents for up to two years past thier expiration date, provided they are on the official list of accepted ids.However, travelers should be aware that this is at the discretion of the TSA agent.
Individuals without acceptable identification may still be allowed to fly, but they will face additional screening. TSA agents may attempt to verify a traveler’s identity by asking questions to confirm facts such as their name and current address. If the identity is confirmed, the traveler will be subject to additional security measures. If the TSA is unable to verify a traveler’s identity, or if the traveler refuses to cooperate, access to the boarding area will be denied.
Special considerations
Children under 18 are not required to present identification for domestic air travel.However, accompanying adults are still subject to all TSA identification requirements.The TSA advises travelers to check with their airline for any specific identification requirements the airline may have.
the TSA also clarified that minor discrepancies in suffixes (e.g., “Jr.”) between a passenger’s ticket and identification document will not invalidate the identification. Suffixes are not mandatory on airline tickets.
The TSA cautions that the list of accepted documents is subject to change without notice and advises travelers to review the current requirements before arriving at the airport.
REAL ID and Airport Security: Your Questions Answered
Is a REAL ID Required for Flights in the US?
No, not yet. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has extended the REAL ID enforcement date. The deadline is now May 7, 2026. Until then, you can use various forms of identification to pass through airport security for domestic flights.
What Identification Documents Are Accepted by the TSA?
The TSA accepts several forms of identification. Here’s a list:
REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards
State-issued enhanced driver’s licenses
U.S. passports
U.S. passport cards
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, SENTRI, NEXUS)
Permanent resident cards
Military IDs
Can I Use an Expired ID to fly?
Possibly. The TSA may accept expired documents, but ther are caveats. Expired documents can be accepted for up to two years past their expiration date, but, this is at the TSA agent’s discretion. The expired ID must also be on the official list of accepted documents.
What Happens If I Don’t Have Acceptable Identification?
If you don’t have a valid ID, you may still be allowed to fly. However, you will be subject to additional screening procedures. TSA agents may ask questions to attempt to verify your identity. If they can confirm your identity, you will be subject to additional security measures. If your identity cannot be verified, or if you refuse to cooperate, you will be denied access to the boarding area.
Do Children need Identification to Fly?
No, children under 18 are not required to present identification for domestic air travel. However, the accompanying adult must still meet all TSA identification requirements.
Are there Other things I Should Know About Identification and air Travel?
Yes, here are a few more points to note:
suffixes: Minor discrepancies in suffixes (e.g., “Jr.”) between your ticket and your identification document won’t invalidate the ID. Suffixes are not mandatory on airline tickets.
Airline Specifics: The TSA advises travelers to check with their airline for any specific identification requirements the airline may have.
Changes: The TSA can update their list of accepted documents. They also caution that the list of accepted documents is subject to change without notice. Always review current requirements before you go to the airport.
Summary of Key Identification Documents
Here’s a quick reference guide:
| ID Type | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| REAL ID-compliant Driver’s License | Accepted | Required after May 7, 2026 |
| State-Issued Enhanced Driver’s License | accepted | |
| U.S. Passport | Accepted | |
| U.S. Passport Card | Accepted | |
| DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, etc.) | Accepted | |
| Permanent Resident Card | Accepted | |
| Military ID | Accepted | |
| Expired Documents (within 2 years of expiration) | Perhaps Accepted | at TSA agent’s discretion; must be on the accepted ID list. |