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Meet your new ID. The one that's ready to fly.

Be your REAL ID self by May 7, 2025.

Countdown to REAL ID Enforcement

Are you real id ready.

On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

Find out if you’re REAL ID ready with our interactive tool!

• Are you planning to fly domestically or visit a Federal facility after May 7, 2025?
• Does your Drivers License / ID have a star (and/or flag) or say "Enhanced"?

You're REAL ID ready! You will need this ID to board domestic flights and may need this or another acceptable form of identification to visit federal facilities.

• Do you have a passport?

A passport is an acceptable form of identification and may be used in lieu of a REAL ID Drivers License or ID to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities.

• Click here to see if you have one of these acceptable forms of identification that may also be used to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities (link will open in a new window). Do you have one of these?
• These alternate forms of identification may be used in lieu of a REAL ID Drivers License or ID at the airport to board domestic flights and when visiting federal facilities.

You're not REAL ID ready! Important: if you want to board domestic flights or visit federal facilities beginning May 7, 2025 you must have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. Click on your state or territory in the map below to visit your local DMV to learn more.

You might not need a REAL ID. Click on your state or territory in the map below to visit your local DMV to learn more.

Map out your path to REAL ID readiness by May 7, 2025.

Click on your home state or territory to make a plan with your local DMV to be REAL ID ready.

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Deadline: May 7, 2025

Can You Fly Without an ID?

By Jessica Puckett

Can you fly without an ID? If you have to ask, you're probably finding out the hard way. But what really happens if you lose your ID before a domestic flight—or show up to the airport, only to realize it isn't in your wallet? How about the too-late epiphany that your driver's license has officially expired?

The first step is to avoid panicking. You have a few options to still get through the security checkpoint and onto your plane for flights within the US.

There are several types of IDs that will work for boarding a domestic flight. Chances are, you have at least one of them at home or in your wallet, even if your driver's license mysteriously goes missing. If those aren't an option—or you're already at the airport—you can explain your situation to the TSA representatives at security, and they will likely work with you to get your identity verified through alternative means.

Here, we break down what types of IDs are allowed for domestic trips , how to get through security without an ID, and how the forthcoming Real ID law will change some of these protocols.

Read on for your complete guide to ID requirements for domestic flights.

Which IDs work for a domestic flight?

A driver’s license is the most commonly used ID to get through security on a domestic flight. But there are several other IDs that are valid at the TSA checkpoint as well.

The TSA has a full list of all the IDs it will accept for domestic flights on its website. Many of the alternatives are federal IDs, like a US passport or passport card (yes, they work to board domestic flights, too!). You can also use an ID card from a federal “trusted traveler” program. These include Global Entry cards or those for the NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST programs. Permanent resident cards, foreign government-issued passports, and federal IDs issued by a Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe are also accepted.

If you’re in the process of renewing a driver’s license, however, be aware that the TSA does not permit temporary driver’s licenses to be used as an acceptable form of ID.

What happens if you lose your ID or forget to bring it to the airport?

If you don’t have your ID with you when you get to the airport, TSA officers can likely work with you to confirm your identity in another way. Explain your circumstances to the TSA officer at the podium—and be sure you are polite and clear.

The officer will likely ask you to provide personal information that they’ll check against databases they have access to. This could include your name and current address, as well as other data specific to you. If the officers feel they have enough information to confirm your identity, they’ll allow you into the screening area. Once there, however, you will be subject to additional screening protocols, including a pat-down and a look-through of through any carry-on items.

The whole process—from confirming your identity to completing the screening—can be quite lengthy (yet another reason to get to the airport early).

If you’re habitually forgetful and would like a trusty fallback for your physical ID, there’s new technology rolling out that can help. “If your state allows you to use a digital ID, you can do that as well for backup,” says Brett Snyder of Cranky Concierge .

TSA has also partnered with Apple Wallet to allow certain travelers in some states to use a digital ID on their iPhone or Apple Watch. The technology is currently available to TSA PreCheck passengers in Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, and, most recently, Georgia. Although the system is designed to authenticate IDs in the Apple Wallet app, there’s a chance TSA officers might still need to view your physical ID, which could cause a snag in the process if it’s lost.

How will the Real ID regulations change these rules?

Real ID is a forthcoming requirement that all passengers must have new and enhanced federally compliant IDs when traveling on domestic flights—these are updated versions of state IDs and driver's licenses that require more documentation to acquire—and, as part of that, many existing IDs will no longer serve as valid identification. (Read the full rules and requirements for Real ID here .)

After several delays during the pandemic, the regulations are set to go into effect on May 7, 2025. Once in place, the stricter ID rules could mean more complications for travelers who lose or forget their IDs. According to the TSA, passengers who show up at the airport without a Real ID-compliant form of identification after May 7, 2025, will not be allowed through the security checkpoint.

That means that, in theory, TSA officers will no longer work with travelers who forget their ID to confirm their identity in other ways. "TSA has no plans to provide an alternate verification process to confirm a traveler’s identity," TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said in a past statement about the Real ID rules. "Counting on TSA to provide that option to travelers who do not have a Real ID-compliant driver license or identification card is not a good strategy."

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Planning to Fly? You’ll Need This ID.

For years, the government has warned travelers they will need a security-enhanced Real ID to board domestic flights, and for years the requirement has been delayed. Now they mean it.

By Debra Kamin

It’s a change nearly 20 years in the making: a post-Sept. 11 law requiring that U.S. travelers carry more than a standard driver’s license to board a domestic flight. Now, after years of delays, it is finally kicking into gear.

Beginning May 3, 2023, U.S. travelers flying within the United States will need to show Transportation Security Administration agents either a security-enhanced driver’s license that’s Real ID-compliant or another T.S.A.-approved form of identification like a passport. A state driver’s license that does not contain the Real ID seal will no longer be accepted.

What is Real ID, anyway?

Real ID is a driver’s license or identification card that bears a special seal, which signifies that the bearer of the card has been screened and approved according to a standard set by the federal government, rather than just by the state issuing the license.

Why is this change taking place?

In the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, the U.S. government realized that nearly all of the hijackers who boarded commercial planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a field in Shanksville, Penn., were carrying U.S. driver’s licenses and state IDs, and most of those documents had been obtained fraudulently.

In the years that followed, the federal government began an effort to tighten national standards for state-issued documentation, and in 2005, Congress passed the Real ID Act. The act sets minimum standards for driver’s licenses and other types of identification cards. Once the law kicks into gear, any traveler who wishes to use a driver’s license or state-issued ID at a T.S.A. checkpoint must make sure that it is Real ID-compliant.

“The findings of the 9/11 Commission clearly identified gaps in security management of state-level procured identity cards and driver’s licenses,” said Frank Harrison, the North America regional security director for World Travel Protection , a risk management company. “The Real ID Act provides a national framework of screening and approval to ensure consistency and integrity of programs. In other words, each state will maintain authority over their ID issuances, but they collectively will adhere to one standard of practice.”

The Real ID Act was initially set to be enforced in 2008 and has been delayed a number of times.

“It’s remarkable how long it has taken for this to come into effect,” said Scott Keyes, the founder of the travel platform Scott’s Cheap Flights . “It’s been decades in the making.”

How do I know if my license is a Real ID?

The easiest way to tell is just to look at it. Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses have a star, usually in gold or black. The stars look slightly different on each state’s licenses — in California, it sits on top of an image of a bear, which is the state animal.

A license that is not Real-ID compliant will not have a star in the corner, and some will also have the words “federal limits apply.”

Can I get a Real ID regardless of where I live?

Real ID-compliant licenses and identification cards are now being issued in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia and the majority of U.S. territories. American Samoa is not yet issuing them.

What do I need to get a Real ID?

Each state has a different process for applying for a Real ID, so applicants should check requirements online. New Yorkers can visit a special Department of Motor Vehicles page detailing the process; many other states, including California and Texas, offer similar sites either through their D.M.V. or government portals. In most instances, you can get a Real ID by visiting your local D.M.V., either as part of a standard license renewal or by filling out a special application.

But no matter where you live, to apply for a Real ID or change your license over, you’ll need to provide a Social Security number, prove your address through documents like a utility bill or bank statement, and verify your identity through a handful of additional documents like a birth certificate or passport.

In many instances, there is no additional cost to receive a Real ID if you’re already renewing your license, although some states charge extra — in Pennsylvania, for example, it’s an additional $30 on top of the renewal fee.

If I don’t get a Real ID, can I still fly?

Yes. There are a number of other forms of identification that T.S.A. agents will accept for domestic air travel starting in May. These include a passport, a permanent residency card (also known as a Green Card), or the card for trusted traveler programs, including Global Entry and NEXUS , which allows pre-screened travelers to transit quickly across the United States-Canada border.

In addition, a handful of states — Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Washington and Vermont — offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses , or E.D.L.s. Some travelers may prefer to opt for these over a Real ID because they can also be used at some land or sea border crossings. They provide proof of U.S. citizenship, much like a passport, and are equipped with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip that can display biographic and biometric data on the owner, including facial image, gender, date of birth and citizenship status, to U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.

E.D.L.s are Real ID-compliant, as well, although instead of a star, they have an American flag. The flag’s location varies by state.

E.D.L.s can be used by travelers crossing land and sea borders to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, but they can’t be used in lieu of a passport if you’re traveling anywhere by air.

Do children need a Real ID?

No. The T.S.A. doesn’t require kids under the age of 18 to show any identification right now when they’re traveling domestically with an adult.

For international travel, children of all ages are required to carry passports and that will continue.

Can a Real ID be used as a replacement for any other form of identification, like a passport?

It can’t. For the vast majority of travelers, becoming Real ID-compliant will be a matter of simply updating their driver’s licenses. Real IDs cannot be used at any international border, including land crossings with Canada and Mexico, and they can’t be used for sea travel on a cruise, either. International travelers will still be required to carry a passport.

Should I be concerned about my personal privacy?

Maybe. Many organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union of New York, have decried the Real ID Act as a threat to personal privacy and an overstep of information gathering on the part of the federal government.

“A lot of the security and privacy concerns revolve around the fact that it’s pushing every state’s D.M.V. into a national database,” said Anaya Robinson, a senior policy strategist for the A.C.L.U. of Colorado. “If someone were to hack that singular database, they could get the personal information of anyone.”

For undocumented immigrants who seek out driver’s licenses so they can legally operate a motor vehicle, the shift to Real ID also presents a threat, Mr. Robinson added. “There’s a severe privacy concern in the immigration space of the federal government, Homeland Security and I.C.E. being able to access that information,” he said.

In addition to centralizing personal data like addresses and citizenship status into a federal database, the cards also carry a machine-readable zone that can be scanned for information on the card owner’s identity, which detractors say also presents a risk of identify theft.

But only 37 percent of Americans have a passport, according to estimates from the U.S. State Department, so if you plan to fly after May 2023 and don’t want to scramble with alternative documentation, you’ll need to update your driver’s license.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places for a Changed World for 2022.

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the American flag on Enhanced Driver’s Licenses. While the flag often appears in either the upper right corner or the bottom right corner of a driver’s license, in some cases it appears elsewhere on the license, depending on the state.

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the star that indicates a driver’s license is Real ID-compliant. While the star is usually in the top upper corner of the license, occasionally, as in the instance of Alabama licenses, it is not.

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How to get a REAL ID and use it for travel

The REAL ID Act is a law that sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards (IDs).

Why upgrade your license to a REAL ID?

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you have not upgraded your driver’s license or state-issued ID to be REAL ID-compliant, you will not be able to use it to:

• Board federally regulated commercial aircraft
• Access federal government facilities or military installations
• Enter nuclear power plants

Visit the REAL ID website for more details and frequently asked questions .

Check to see if your license or state ID is already REAL ID-compliant

If your driver's license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, it is already REAL-ID-compliant. There is nothing more you need to do.

How to get a REAL ID

When you apply for or renew your driver’s license or state identification card, you can choose to make it REAL ID-compliant. Find and visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see what documentation you will need. Your new card will have the REAL ID star marking at the top right.

Using REAL ID and other ID options to board a plane

If you do not upgrade your license or state ID, you can use a passport or one of these other acceptable forms of identification to fly . 

Can you still get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID?

You will still be able to get a driver's license or state ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant. But you will not be able to use it for air travel or to get into federal facilities or military installations. Find and visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see how to get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID.

LAST UPDATED: December 18, 2023

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Real IDs, explained

Millions of Americans who have driver’s licenses still haven’t upgraded to a Real ID.

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Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic , the Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline for Americans to acquire a Real ID, a new type of identification card required to fly domestically.

While the new deadline — October 1, 2021 — is roughly a year away, the US Travel Association recently called upon the federal government to push back the date once more . The nonprofit association, which advocates for the travel industry, cited concerns that only a little more than a third of Americans currently have a Real ID and that “full compliance is not realistically within reach in time for the October 1, 2021 deadline.”

When that date arrives, most current driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted by the Transportation Security Administration, which means travelers will need to show another form of federally accepted ID, like a US passport or permanent resident card, to make it past security and onto their flight. The rule also affects people looking to access federal facilities and nuclear power plants.

The result of this impending change? Overcrowded DMVs, long lines and waits, and mass confusion. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, stories of bureaucratic chaos at local DMVs had emerged, and airports were bracing for October 1, 2020. Headlines like “Get in line now. California’s DMV is really, really behind in issuing Real IDs” and “Need a new driver’s license to fly? Prepare for a real wait” sent people scrambling to schedule appointments to secure a new ID. As of January 2020, DHS reported that 95 million driver’s license holders have been issued Real IDs. That means there are still 181 million people who need to upgrade their licenses, and as the pandemic spreads across the country, obtaining one will likely be a distant priority for most people.

The Department of Homeland Security has spent years trying to implement federally standardized identification at the state level. As of 2016, 32 states were still not compliant with Real ID requirements, which led DHS to extend the time frame for the program. If you choose to not get a Real ID this year, your driver’s license is still valid for other things besides plane travel, like driving, age verification, or voter registration.

According to a survey by the US Travel Association in September, most Americans are confused about the Real ID requirements. More than half said they didn’t know about the previous October 1 deadline, and 39 percent said they didn’t have an alternative like a passport. Still, despite Americans’ uncertainty surrounding these new ID requirements, the law is on track to be implemented in about eight months — nearly 15 years after the original legislation was approved in Congress. Here are some answers to the questions you might have about the Real ID.

What’s the purpose of a Real ID?

In response to the 9/11 terror attacks, the House of Representatives passed the Real ID Act in 2005 to establish a federal standard for driver’s licenses and identification cards. The legislation aimed to effectively change how these documents are issued and produced to reduce the possibility of forgery and fraud. (Some of the 9/11 terrorists obtained state licenses through fraudulent documents by taking advantage of certain loopholes to prove their identity and residency.) As DHS writes on its website, “The purpose of Real ID is to make our identity documents more consistent and secure.”

While the act was signed into law more than a decade ago, most states didn’t get around to creating and issuing compliant IDs until 2018. The original act was packaged with an $82 billion spending bill that authorized funds for the Iraq War and tsunami relief in Southeast Asia.

After the law was passed, about half of the 50 states objected to the program, and some even passed laws to stop their DMVs from caving to federal pressure, the Washington Post reported. Over the years, DHS has steadily extended the deadline of the program’s rollout, seemingly settling on October 1, 2020, as the date that every air traveler will need a compliant license to board a domestic flight. Now the deadline has been extended again.

Is there anything wrong with a noncompliant license?

No. Your driver’s license is still valid until its expiration date unless you’re flying domestically, accessing a federal building, or entering a nuclear power plant. You’ll still be able to drive, verify your age and identity, and vote with a regular ID.

The Real ID isn’t physically very different from the current state licenses. (There’s the addition of a star in the top right corner of the card.) The biggest change is the process of how someone gets an ID card, which makes it more secure by federal standards.

Before the Real ID program, states had varying rules and document requirements for how someone acquired a driver’s license. All states are now subjected to the same guidelines, which require a person to show up to a local DMV with documents that show their legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two forms of proof of address, and citizenship or immigration status. (The DHS website suggests you check your state’s document requirements before going to the DMV.)

Residents of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington who have an enhanced driver’s license will still be able to use these cards to pass through airport security. Enhanced licenses are only available in those five states and allow holders to easily enter the US from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean.

What will happen if a person shows up for a flight with a regular ID?

Travelers, even those with TSA PreCheck, won’t be allowed to board a flight without a Real ID or an equivalent form of documentation like a passport or military ID. After the deadline, if a person shows up with only a regular driver’s license, TSA won’t allow them to board.

Airport officials are worried that passengers will arrive for their flight without a Real ID or proper credentials. In the past, a person could undergo “more enhanced, very intrusive type of screening” to verify their identity, Frank Miller, executive director of the Hollywood Burbank Airport, told the Los Angeles Times . This won’t be allowed anymore.

How will this affect non-US citizens, undocumented immigrants, and other vulnerable populations?

Since the Real ID’s proposal in 2005, critics have argued that it would be another roadblock for undocumented immigrants and noncitizens to receive identification. The documents needed to verify a person’s identity and residence for a Real ID — things like a passport, birth certificate, and Social Security card — are tangentially related to their citizenship, immigration status, and even economic security.

“One of the things Real ID does is that it turns motor vehicle officials into immigration enforcements,” Jay Stanley, a policy analyst for the American Civil Liberties Union, told Vox. “Immigration law is very complicated, and this puts motor vehicle clerks into a position where they’re making judgments about people’s immigration status.”

If a person wasn’t born in the US and wants to register for a Real ID, they will have to provide a permanent resident card (green card), an immigrant visa, or a foreign passport with temporary evidence of their permanent residence. States can also issue temporary Real ID cards to anyone who provides “valid, documentary evidence that they have ‘approved deferred action status,’” according to the DHS website .

This applies to immigrants who qualify under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, provided they have a Social Security number and employment authorization documents. However, this policy disqualifies a majority of undocumented immigrants who aren’t protected under DACA.

While undocumented immigrants will still be able to apply for standard driver’s licenses from the 15 states that provide them (plus Washington, DC), these cards will be clearly different from the state’s Real IDs. DHS requires these noncompliant licenses to have “a unique design or color” and to clearly state that they’re not an acceptable alternative to a Real ID.

Critics have voiced concerns over these proposed differences. As the Los Angeles Times’s David Ulin wrote in a 2018 op-ed, “Equally troubling is the further development of what we might call a two-tier America, based on immigration status and economic opportunity. Even the Department of Homeland Security acknowledges that noncompliant IDs could be a red flag for discrimination.” He cited an FAQ from the DHS website that “cautions against assuming that possession of a noncompliant card” indicates that a person is undocumented.

The program is at risk of placing undue burden on not just immigrants but citizens — particularly low-income or older people who are unable to obtain the proper documents to prove their identity, the ACLU has argued. This issue, which has been raised when it comes to voter registration, affects about 11 percent of Americans across the country, who don’t have government-issued photo ID cards (like a driver’s license or a passport). These documents often require a person to pay fees (an application for a passport is $110, in addition to a $35 execution fee) and potentially have to take time off work to visit the DMV.

What are the privacy implications of this act?

Privacy and civil liberties advocacy groups, including the ACLU, Electronic Frontier Foundation, and Center for Democracy and Technology, have opposed the Real ID program since its passage in 2005. Some have called for its repeal or a major amendment to the act, arguing that the Real ID moves the US one step closer to establishing a national identity card and database.

On its website, DHS established that Real ID “does not create a federal database of driver license information,” meaning that each state or territory will continue to have its “own unique license, maintain its own records, and control who gets access to those records and under what circumstances.” However, the law still requires a state to “provide electronic access to all other states to information contained [in its] motor vehicle database.”

While many countries around the world have a national ID card, especially in Europe and Asia, US lawmakers and the general public have been skittish about adopting a program that could affect Americans’ civil liberties. A national ID system could infringe on citizens’ freedom of privacy, critics say , if law enforcement and other government agencies could potentially have access to and monitor people’s private information.

In a blog post, the Electronic Privacy Information Center called for an “alternative model of a system of decentralized identification,” writing that DHS has not made the Real ID system safe enough against security breaches and misuse of personal information.

“Instead of having a centralized identity database, what Real ID has done is create a distributed identity database with pointers to all the state DMVs,” said Stanley of the ACLU. The program he’s referring to is called the State-to-State data sharing system , which is the easiest way for states to comply with the Real ID Act (although they’re not required to).

The biggest concern for privacy advocates is whether these IDs could allow for broader surveillance of individuals. According to Stanley, there are still a lot of unanswered questions: “Will ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] have access to people’s information? Will there be identifiers between people who have Real IDs and people who don’t? The purpose of the state DMV is to protect safety on the highway, not to be an identity provider.”

How do you get a Real ID?

The process of applying for a Real ID varies depending on the state, but most require residents to make an appointment online before showing up at their local DMV. DMVs across the country had reported a surge in wait times before the pandemic became a national priority. Residents, even those who have made appointments, have said the process took much longer than their previous ID renewals.

According to DHS, a person should check the requirements on their state’s DMV site to make sure they have the necessary paperwork, but at a minimum, they must provide documents showing full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two forms of proof of address of principal residence, and citizenship or immigration status.

On February 19, DHS announced it will allow states to accept documents for Real ID applications electronically , in an effort to expedite the registration process. However, applicants are still required to show up in person at the DMV. Some states are doing a slow rollout of the Real ID program: New Jersey started with only a handful of DMV offices and gradually expanded. It’s also testing walk-ins at some offices, since demand has outstripped the number of Real ID appointments available.

Remember, if you have a passport or other TSA-approved documents , there’s really no rush to get in line for a Real ID. But if you’re antsy to get one early, the best thing to do is to make a reservation. Chances are, you’ll probably have to wait.

Update October 9, 2020: This article has been updated with information about the Real ID deadline extension, and the US Travel Association’s call to extend it further.

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Table of Contents

What is a REAL ID?

Do i need real id to fly in 2024, what is the real id act, how will real id affect your travels.

The deadline to get a REAL ID has been extended several times, and for many reasons. The initial deadline was towards the tail end of 2020, but the global pandemic derailed people from taking trips to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get a fresh identification card.

At the end of 2022, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it had extended the REAL ID full enforcement date by another 24 months. The deadline is now May 7, 2025.

The DHS cited "the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card" as the primary reason for the delay.

But once May 2025 rolls around (and assuming the deadline doesn't get extended again), U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. That means you'll eventually need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license (or another government-issued REAL ID) to be able to fly domestically, similar to how you need a passport to fly internationally.

While the should come as good news to procrastinators — considering the possible back up with passport applications (which may take as long as six months for you to receive from the time you apply) — it's still a wise move to get that REAL ID sooner rather than later.

REAL ID is an enhanced driver's license that meets newly issued requirements that ensure secure production and issuance of licenses and IDs. The goal is to prevent or severely curb copying or altering.

No, you do not need a REAL ID to fly in 2024. You have until early May 2025 to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.

The REAL ID Act is a federal law that was passed in 2005 in response to the 9/11 attacks. The goal was to set standards for sources of identification used to enter federal facilities and fly on commercial aircraft, which are regulated by the federal government.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) then announced plans to phase in more secure driver's licenses that are compliant with REAL ID guidelines. These require applicants to provide documents that show the following as proof of identity:

Legal name.

Date of birth.

Social Security number.

Primary address (two items).

Citizenship status.

It has taken several years to implement the REAL ID Act because driver’s licenses are issued by states' departments of motor vehicles, so each state had to comply with the requirements outlined in the act before issuing new IDs to residents.

There are a few things contributing to the confusion surrounding REAL ID. Some states have started issuing Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL), and they work the same as REAL ID. Those states include New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont and Washington.

To figure out whether your license is compliant, look for a black or gold star in the upper right-hand corner, like this:

Once the new policy goes into effect, domestic airline passengers who are older than 18 will need to have a REAL ID or other acceptable identification (this could be a passport) to get past TSA security. There are a few other forms of ID beyond a REAL ID, passport or EDL that can be used to board a domestic flight, including:

DHS trusted traveler ID.

Passport card.

Border crossing card.

Permanent resident card.

Check the Transportation Security Administration rules to see if you have an acceptable alternate form of ID. But in other words, if you're procrastinating on getting your REAL ID but have a flight scheduled after May 7, 2025 (and you don't anticipate updating your ID in the meantime), you could present something like a passport, and be able to fly.

And with that in mind, go ahead and apply for that REAL ID anyway. You likely don't want to carry your valuable passport on a domestic trip, as it's annoying to replace should you lose it. Get that REAL ID now, and leave your passport at home.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

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Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

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2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Lost your ID before a flight? Here’s what to do so you can still fly.

Internationally, you’ll still need a passport. but for flights within the united states, there are other solutions..

After a night out in Chicago, Traci Fox woke up to discover that her wallet was missing. And she panicked.

“I was supposed to fly home to Delaware two days later,” says Fox, a college professor.

Afraid she wouldn’t be allowed on the plane, Fox phoned her father, who overnighted her passport .

“The next morning, my passport and credit card arrived, plus $40 my father threw in,” she says. “I got on the plane just fine.”

There it is, one of the most enduring post-9/11 air-travel myths: If you don’t have a driver’s license or passport, you can’t fly. And although that’s certainly true for international trips, where you need a passport to cross a border, it’s not that way for domestic flights.

If you lost your ID, you’ll probably freak out, much like Fox did. But the good news is that you can still travel. And in the remote chance that you can’t, there are still options.

Pssst. Mobile Passport is the best-kept secret in air travel.

Can you fly without an ID?

If you show up at the airport without a driver’s license or passport, you may still be able to board your flight, according to the Transportation Security Administration .

TSA accepts several forms of ID, including a passport or a passport card; a trusted traveler card, such as Global Entry or Nexus; and a Defense Department ID. Also on TSA’s approved list: tribal IDs, foreign passports, Veteran Health Identification cards and even Merchant Mariner credentials.

If you don’t have any of the accepted IDs, you’ll be asked to show two alternative forms of ID. One of them must show your name and identifying information, such as a photo, address, phone number or Social Security number, according to TSA .

Real ID requirement for air travel delayed again

If you don’t have any acceptable alternate form of ID, a TSA employee will ask you to complete an identity verification process by filling out a TSA Form 415, also known as a Certification of Identity form. It asks for your full name, current address, signature and date. TSA uses that information to verify your identity.

If TSA can verify your identity through alternate IDs or a Form 415, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. But you may also receive a pat-down and a more thorough screening of your property, according to TSA.

What if you’re not let through security?

Even if you’re turned away at the security screening area, you still have options. Most airlines have an unofficial “flat tire” rule, which allows you to get rebooked on the next available flight at no extra charge. The rule, which gets its name from passengers who miss a flight because of a flat tire, could also apply to a lost ID. It would give you more time to find an acceptable ID and continue your journey. If TSA won’t allow you through security because of a lost ID, be sure to mention the flat tire rule to your airline agent when you return to the counter to get rebooked.

5 places to go without a passport

Options for travelers who have lost their IDs

There may be a new way to handle a lost ID: Three states — Arizona, Maryland and Colorado — now allow you to use digital IDs on your Apple devices such as iPhones or Apple Watch via the Apple Wallet app . At least two other states, Florida and Louisiana, have a digital ID option for driver’s licenses. And more states are in the process of adding digital ID choices, including Connecticut, Ohio and Utah.

TSA accepts mobile drivers’ licenses in some airports, including Baltimore, Dallas and Las Vegas , but their use is limited to travelers who are enrolled in TSA PreCheck and opted in to using a digital ID.

“With that said, we strongly encourage travelers to have their actual physical driver’s license with them, in case there is an additional need to verify someone’s identity,” adds TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein.

A photo of your ID doesn’t count. Laura Ericson, a travel planner from Baltimore who specializes in group trips, left her ID at home before a recent flight. She had digital copies of her license and passport, as well as social media apps with photos of her on her phone.

How to replace a damaged passport

“But the TSA agent would not take anything from my phone,” she remembers. “She asked if I had anything printed with my name on it in my luggage, such as mail. I ended up finding a prescription bottle and a rental car reservation with my name, which she accepted.”

TSA escorted her to a screening area, where she received a pat-down. Agents screened every item in her bag for explosives, which took an extra 30 minutes. But she made her flight.

The agency’s latest face-recognition technology, described by The Washington Post’s Geoffrey A. Fowler in a recent story, would not allow you to bypass the system, at least for now. Its new face scanners compare the image on your ID to your face, so they don’t work without an ID.

Can you check into a hotel or rent a car without an ID?

Even if you board the plane, you might have some trouble checking into your hotel or renting a car when you arrive. Many properties require both a valid government ID and the original credit card used to make the booking to check in.

But there are ways around that, too.

Some chain hotels have fully automated check-in processes. If you’re a member of the hotel’s loyalty program, you can check in without an ID, using a confirmation number or the company’s app. Similarly, being a member of a car rental company’s loyalty program means your driver’s license and credit card are stored in its system, so there’s no need to show your license to anyone. If you have a digital license, you can legally drive the car.

Want to check into your hotel early? Good luck.

“If you don’t have an ID to check into your hotel, give the hotel front desk a call,” says Lauren LaBar, a travel and experience lead at the travel app Upaway . “Hotels are typically flexible in allowing alternative forms of identification for check-in, especially for prepaid and prebooked stays.”

I’ve seen hotel receptionists quickly dismiss ID requirements as I fumbled for my passport during check-in. I can recall only one case in three decades of consumer advocacy where someone was turned away at a hotel because they didn’t have the right ID. Technically, they didn’t have the original credit card used to book the reservation. I negotiated an apology and a full refund for their hotel stay, so if it happens to you, you know whom to call.

The future of ID requirements

If you travel outside of the United States, it doesn’t take long before you see that there’s a better way. Passports and IDs are easy to damage or lose. Some countries are working on electronic versions, as I reported recently.

When I traveled from Cyprus to Israel this fall, a kiosk in Tel Aviv scanned my U.S. passport, and I passed through customs without even talking to an agent. Israel runs its threat assessments before you show up at the airport, allowing you to avoid the security hassle of domestic air travel. It was the easiest trip through customs ever — and in a country with a reputation for super-strict security.

More spring travel tips

Trends: Cheaper spring break | Cool all-inclusives | Let ChatGPT plan your day | Is it safe to go to Mexico? | Book a free night in Sicily

The basics: Tip without cash | Traveling with kids | Decide where to stay | A pre-trip checklist of house chores | How to get your passport | Plan a ski trip | Eat without feeling terrible | Budget for your next trip | Plan a cheaper Disney trip

Flying: Fly like a decent human being | How to set airfare price alerts | Flying with an injury | PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR | Can I fly with weed? | AirTag your luggage | Airport parking 101 | Deal with airport crowds | Why Stalk airfare after booking

Driving: 9 tips for road tripping with a baby | Try the Airbnb of rental cars | Rent an EV | Do I need an international license to drive abroad? | Avoid big rental car fees

Greener travel: Bike to the airport | How environmentalists travel | How to find ‘greener’ flights | Make your travel better for the planet

Pets: How to travel with pets | Why the pet fee? | Pet flying 101 | Alternatives to flying with your pet

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Travel Within the U.S.

In the United States, you need a valid U.S. government-issued photo ID or a passport from your country of origin to travel through security. You must show that the name on your boarding pass matches the legal name on your unexpired government-issued ID.

Acceptable forms of ID include

Driver's License

Military ID

Other Government-Issued Photo ID Card

See TSA Guidelines for Travel Documents

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UponArriving

Can You Get Through TSA and Fly with No ID? [2024]

Okay, so you messed up and don’t have an ID but you need to catch a flight. What can you do? Well, you might be surprised to find out that you still can board the plane even without an ID .

In this article, I will break down everything you need to know about getting through TSA without an ID. I’ll talk about both domestic and international flights and explain what the process is like for verifying your identity.

Table of Contents

Can you get through TSA with no ID?

Yes, you can get through a TSA security checkpoint and board your plane without an ID. However, you will be subject to an identity verification process which could require you to show two forms of secondary ID and these include:

• Library card
• Business card
• Social Security card
• Credit cards
• Photo of an ID
• Voter registration card
• Prescription with your name on the label

In addition, you will likely subjected to heightened security screening, which could take you more time to get through security than normal. Keep reading below, and I will break it all down for you in more detail.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

IDs accepted by TSA

Before jumping in to the steps of what to do when you don’t have a standard ID (e.g., a driver’s license), first you should make sure that you don’t have an alternative form of ID that is accepted by TSA. TSA accepts over a dozen different types of identification , so chances are you might have one of these on you already.

Below is a list of IDs accepted by TSA:

• Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)**
• 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
• Federally recognized , tribal-issued photo ID
• 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)

Make sure that your name used for your booking matches your ID since changing your name on a ticket can be a challenge.

**Be aware that beginning May 7, 2025 , if you plan to use your state issued ID or license to fly within the US, it needs to be REAL ID compliant . They extended the REAL ID deadline many times in the past but it appears that this time, there will be no extension so make sure you are ready.

If you’ve gone through all of those possibilities and you still do not have any qualifying form of identification then it is time to go through the identity verification process with TSA. Don’t worry — it’s usually not that bad!

TSA Identification verification process

If you have not arrived to the airport yet, do your best to arrive to the airport extra early because the verification process could take a long time.

The standard recommended time for arriving before a domestic flight is two hours so logically you would want to arrive at least two hours prior to your departure. (I would shoot for 2.5 to 3 hours prior to the flight.)

But the time required might also depend on the type of airport you are at.

If you are at a well-equipped, larger airport with lots of resources the agents there probably have more experience with this identity verification process and so the process could be much more streamlined.

That may not be the case at a much smaller, regional airport. You could imagine how long the process described below could take if you are dealing with a TSA agent who has never had to deal with the verification process before.

If you are already at the airport and just realized that you do not have your ID, hopefully you are not in a rush. If you have very limited time (30 minutes to get to boarding) there’s a chance that there will not be enough time for them to verify your identity and you may want to go ahead and just reschedule your flight if possible.

But if you do have time to spare then it could be worth it to go through the identity verification process.

Related: TSA Checklist (Tips & PDF)

Identity Verification Call Center (IVCC)

If you realize that you do not have an ID your first step is to approach a TSA agent and let them know that you do not have an ID and that you would like to go through the verification process so that you can still board your flight.

They are likely going to ask you for the following:

• Phone number
• Social Security Number
• Date of birth

They will also request for you to supply two forms of secondary ID . The secondary form of ID can take a lot of different forms and these include:

If your wallet or ID was stolen then it would be very helpful for you to have a police report to back up your claim. If you are traveling with family members who do have an ID and you have photos of you together with them that can also help bolster your case.

The more documents you can supply, the better.

In some cases, showing some of the above documents may be enough for your identity to be verified but in other cases it might not be enough.

TSA states that, “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.”

You may also be asked to fill out a special form .

If your identity cannot be verified then a TSA agent may resort to the Identity Verification Call Center (IVCC).

In this situation, an agent on the other side of the phone will attempt to verify your identity and possibly ask you some personal questions. They will accomplish this by running your name against a database and looking for you to confirm answers to questions.

These questions could be similar to those identity verification questions that pop up when you attempt to do something like check your credit score on Credit Karma. But they also could be more random or a little bit deeper so be prepared to jog your memory as best you can.

If you are not able to answer the questions accurately or if you simply refuse to then you will not be able to proceed through the TSA security checkpoint and therefore you will not board your flight.

It’s worth pointing out that if you are traveling with an outstanding arrest warrant and you have to go through the identification verification process there is a good chance your warrant will be discovered and you could be arrested.

Get through security

After you have verified your identity, your journey is not complete. You will still need to go through the airport security checkpoint but you can expect to have to go through heightened security.

Most likely, a TSA agent will ask you to step aside while they go through the extra security steps with you. The exact process that you will have to go through will depend on the discretion of the TSA agents but some things that you can expect to encounter include:

• Invasive pat down
• Thorough search of all your belongings which means you will likely have to remove objects from your luggage
• Extra x-ray scans

The process will likely be similar to what you would experience if you were to have SSSS on your boarding pass .

I’m not sure what happens if you don’t have an ID but you have TSA Pre-Check , which normally allows you to bypass the main security line. I highly doubt that they would allow you to get in the Pre-Check line but stranger things have probably happened.

Related: TSA No Fly List Explained 

Boarding the plane

Once you get through the security checkpoint, you can finally make your way to the gate for boarding. Your boarding pass should have a note that you do not have an ID on you and that should be enough to substitute for your ID to get you on a plane.

If you want to visit an airport lounge like a Centurion Lounge typically they will ask to see your identification. It’s not clear to me if airport lounges will allow you to enter without a valid ID. But you would think that if your TSA authenticated identity is good enough for boarding an airplane, it should be good enough to stroll into a lounge.

Once you arrive at the gate area, I would recommend to quickly check in with an agent at the gate and let them know that you have a boarding pass with no ID but that you have been verified by TSA.

That should help prevent any confusion at the time of boarding just in case the agents are not familiar with how to deal with the process.

Don’t try anything “funny”

If you don’t have your ID with you or any other secondary forms of ID, you might be tempted to try to sneak your way through security or try some other type of “funny business.”

This is a very bad idea because in addition to a potential criminal violation, you could also get hit with a civil fine from TSA .

So even if you are under stress trying to figure things out, don’t make any false statements or do anything that could be construed as you trying to circumvent security.

International flights

The situation is much different for international flights. You must have a passport to leave the country in almost every circumstance. Therefore, if you do not have a passport then you will almost certainly be grounded.

If you are currently abroad and you do not have a passport you should contact the local embassy or consulate and they will be able to help you based on your needs.

In some cases, they can issue you a limited-validity passport that allows you to gain entry back into the US but does not come with full travel privileges to visit other countries. If you don’t have an ID and there is an urgent emergency you should be able to get your request expedited.

TSA ID FAQs

Unfortunately, most airlines will not refund your ticket if you simply lost your ID. You may be able to negotiate with them so that you can board a later flight.

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion that has acceptable identification.

Acceptable forms of ID cannot be more than 12 months past the identified expiration date. However, TSA has made exceptions and you can read more about expired IDs here .

There are a lot of different types of documents that can qualify as a secondary form of ID and some of these include: Library card Business card Social Security card Student ID Mail Credit cards Photo of an ID Prescription with your name on the label

Getting through TSA without an ID requires you to jump through a few extra hoops. As long as you give yourself enough time and comply with the process, you should still be able to board your plane without major issues. However, if you are departing on an international flight you likely will not be able to board your plane without a valid passport.

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

12 comments

My 15 yo grandson is flying back to his mom. I have to accompany him to the gate and hand him over to a flight attendant. He’s relocating permanently to his mother, but has no ID. Do I have to spend $32 for an ID from Georgia that he’s never going to use again?

I’ve seen conflicting information on this so it’s hard for me to give you a for sure answer. Can you share the airline he will be flying on? And does he not have any type of ID such as a student ID?

Birth certificate

I have two grandsons that I have custody of. I am going to purchase tickets from South West airlines for them to return home from visiting their father in Orlando, FL (well actually Vero Beach). I will picl them up in Columbus, OH. Are they able to fly with no ID? I know they do not have anything with them. They both have library cards I could send him and possibly those missing children photo ids from their school pictures. The older boy is 14 and the younger will turn 12 the day after the flight. Do I have to upload birth certificates to the airline or anything to put with their ticket and boarding pass at the gate?

I just had a death in the family and need to fly 2 states away. I just noticed my DL is expired by 14 months. I have two days to get to the BMV but they only give you an interim paper copy of your ID, then mail it to your home. Will the expired DL, the interim paper ID ( I dont drive anymore), a SS card, birht certificate get me through the TSA? The cost of this flight is outrageous so I want to be prepared in case they wont let me through

Hi Linda, sorry about your situation but I think you’ll be just fine with all of those documents. Just give yourself extra time to get through security.

My son just passed away last night & his 20 year old daughter does not have a drivers license, just an expired permit (2020). She has a birth certificate, prescription meds with her name and an invoice with her name and address. Will she be able to fly to get here for her dad’s service?

I just went to get my ID and I’m not sure if It would come in time. I have the receipt from going to get it and I have birth certificate and social would that be enough if my Id doesn’t come.

My boyfriend is currently in federal prison in California and has to fly home to Oregon soon, he has been told by his counselor they will drop him at the airport if I arrange a flight for him which I have done. They say his federal prison ID is enough, is this correct? He does additionally have his Social security card and birth certificate. I just don’t want him to encounter any problems as he’s nervous enough already.

I’m a US citizen and lost my photo ID while on a domestic trip. Called TSA and they will allow me to fly home with alternative ID. Question- will checking a bag be a problem?

Is it possible to go through the identification verification process before the day of your departure?

I am a French Citizen, I lost my passport and VISA before my flight to go to vacations.

Do you think not being a US citizen will be an issue for TSA?

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How a Passport Can Help You Fly Domestically

The U.S. passport book and passport card are both accepted as REAL ID for domestic flights.

The REAL ID Act requires IDs issued by a state to meet federal security standards. You will need a REAL ID to board a domestic flight and enter a federal facility.

Check  your state’s status to see if your current driver’s license or state ID meets REAL ID standards.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts  several photo IDs  when boarding domestic flights.

If you don't have REAL ID, check with your state on how to apply for one, or consider applying for a U.S. passport book or card. 

You may not have heard about the U.S. passport card before. 

About the Passport Card

The U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized, plastic passport that has no visa pages. The card has the same length of validity as the passport book. The card is a cheaper alternative to the book, and is not valid for international air travel. 

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Facial Recognition and Digital Identity Solutions

Discover new technologies for a faster, easier travel experience..

Digital forms of identity enable the passenger to seamlessly and securely transmit identity information using facial recognition at select TSA checkpoints.

* Travelers must present alternative physical ID if requested by TSA.

** Participation in these pilots is optional. Your photo will be taken if you participate. During the evaluation periods, your photo and limited biographic information will be shared with DHS Science and Technology Directorate to evaluate the technology's effectiveness. Please notify a TSA officer if you do not wish to participate and would like to receive standard ID verification screening.

As TSA continues to integrate new technologies for a faster, easier travel experience, we've collaborated on several innovative digital identity initiatives, which work in place of a physical ID* or boarding pass. Be sure to follow the steps to setup and activate your selected digital identity solution before your trip so it’s ready to present at the TSA checkpoint. Look for your preferred airline or device maker below to find out more!

TSA PreCheck® Touchless Identity Solution

Opt-in at select airports to participate in the TSA PreCheck Touchless Identity Solution program during check-in with participating airlines. Store your participation preference, TSA PreCheck KTN and Passport Number in the airlines mobile app. By opting in, your identity can be verified without presenting a physical ID at bag drop, the security checkpoint, and at the boarding gate.

Participation is Optional

• Delta Airlines TSA PreCheck® bag drop and checkpoint

United Airlines TSA PreCheck® bag drop and checkpoint

Mobile Driver’s License and Digital Identification

Add your state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card to your phone's digital wallet. Or download a TSA approved digital ID app to your mobile device.

Present your ID at select TSA checkpoints by tapping your phone or linked device or scanning the app issued QR code. Your photo will be taken by the TSA reader at security to proceed to screening.

You must still carry your physical ID as needed. 

• Apple Wallet Users
• Google Wallet Users

Samsung Wallet Users

• Utah's GET Mobile ID App
• California DMV Wallet App
• Iowa Mobile ID App

TSA currently accepts, for limited testing and evaluation purposes, Delta Air Lines Facial Identification,  United Airlines Bag Drop Shortcut, CA  State-issued Mobile Driver’s License and identification cards in the California DMV Wallet App,  IA  State-issued Mobile Driver’s License and identification cards in the Iowa Mobile ID app,  UT  GET Mobile Driver's license app,   AZ ,  CO ,  GA ,  MD  State-issued Mobile Driver's Licenses and identification cards in Apple Wallet,   AZ ,  CO ,  GA ,  MD  State-issued Mobile Driver’s License and identification cards in Google Wallet,   AZ  State-issued Mobile Driver’s Licenses and identification cards in Samsung Wallet, at the airports below:

Participating Programs and Airports

No. Participation in the testing of biometric technology is voluntary. Passengers may notify a TSA officer if they do not wish to participate and instead go through the standard ID verification process.

Yes. Currently, all passengers must continue to have their physical IDs on hand. If a digital ID cannot be verified at the TSA security checkpoint, a passenger must use an acceptable physical identity document (e.g., driver’s license, passport) to proceed through the identity verification process.

TSA is committed to protecting passenger privacy and secures all personal data collected as part of our biometric efforts. TSA will continue to comply with DHS policies with respect to safeguarding PII throughout each phase of biometric solution development – from initial design to implementation – to protect passenger information. In addition to cybersecurity measures that ensure all data is protected while in transit and while at rest, biometric technology transforms passenger photos to templates that cannot be reverse-engineered to recreate the original image. Additionally, all capabilities TSA tests adhere to DHS and TSA cybersecurity requirements.

Consistent with the DHS Fair Information Practice Principles (FIPPs), TSA retains PII only for as long as is necessary to fulfill the specified purpose(s) of biometric technology pilots. DHS FIPPs and TSA’s PIAs provide guidance on matters such as transparency, specific use limitations, data minimization, and purpose specification for our biometric identity verification pilots. Additional information on data protection procedures for each test is available in TSA’s PIAs .

TSA exploration of biometric solutions is based on rigorous scientific study and analysis. We are aware of a variety of public concerns related to the accuracy of biometric technologies and take this issue seriously. Along with our federal partners, we are carefully studying biometric solutions in both laboratories and operational environments to proactively identify and mitigate performance issues up front. Accuracy and equity in biometric system performance is a key issue for TSA, and one we are carefully studying to ensure we understand the full benefits of this technology and make informed decisions to mitigate risks.

The acceptance of digital IDs has the potential to modernize checkpoint screening procedures and technologies to better serve the aviation security ecosystem, reduce points of contact for passengers, and pave the way for a more seamless travel experience. This effort is one of the steps TSA is taking under President Biden’s Executive Order on Transforming Customer Experience .

TSA publishes Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) to notify the public  about tests and additional information on privacy protections. TSA also notifies passengers using signage at the airport near dedicated test lanes. These signs notify the public that participation is voluntary.

The use of biometrics has the potential to automate the ID and boarding pass verification process for more efficient and secure screening.

Biometric recognition capabilities will improve the performance and security of TSA operations by increasing the accuracy and reliability of passenger identity verification by TSA. Biometrics can enable TSA to automate part of the current manual procedures and allow professional screening personnel to leverage their training and experience to focus more on alarms and error resolution.

No. TSA is testing biometric technology at the airport to improve and perhaps automate the identity verification portion of the process for passengers, not for law enforcement or immigration enforcement purposes. Additionally, TSA does not tolerate racial profiling. Profiling is not an effective way to perform security screening, and TSA personnel are trained to treat every passenger with dignity and respect.

A digital ID is an electronic representation of personally identifying information that may be used to verify the identity of a person. A mobile driver's license is a type of digital ID. It is a digital representation of the information contained on a state-issued physical driver’s license, stored on a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone, and read electronically. A mobile driver’s license is similar to a credit card holder having a physical credit card and multiple card records in digital wallets that require biometric verification prior to each transaction. A digital ID may also be issued by a non-governmental entity based on information derived from governmental or non-governmental sources.

If TSA is unable to obtain a match through biometric technology as part of a test, the TSA officer will use standard passenger identity verification procedures.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the commercial aviation sector and on TSA’s aviation security mission. TSA must prioritize the health and safety of our officers and the traveling public. To promote social distancing and reduce contact between officers and passengers, we are exploring a self-service version of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) that enables passengers to scan their own photo IDs for authentication and uses biometrics to verify passenger identity, eliminating a point of contact between officers and passengers. This updated version of CAT (known as CAT-2) biometrically verifies a passenger’s identity by taking a picture and comparing the passenger’s live image to the photo on their authenticated photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport). TSA first demonstrated this technology in August 2020 at DCA. TSA also conducted additional pilots to further test this technology, starting in March 2021 at DCA, PHX, IND, and MIA. TSA has since upgraded the CAT-2 units to feature a digital ID reader, updated user interface, and other enhancements including a new podium and space for additional processing power. Starting in March 2022, TSA began conducting field tests to assess these upgraded CAT-2 units.

TSA began testing the acceptance of digital IDs, including mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) from participating states, at select TSA PreCheck® checkpoints in early 2022. Checkpoints that are testing the acceptance of digital IDs will have signage posted. TSA is actively engaged with other organizations to continue developing capabilities, standardizing the digital ID ecosystem to ensure interoperability with TSA systems, and piloting digital ID technology at various airport checkpoints around the country.

 Participating Field Assessment Pilot Airports

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
• Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
• Gulfport Biloxi International Airport (GPT)
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
• Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
• Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Nashville International Airport (BNA) – Beginning 3/08
• Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Richmond International Airport (RIC)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
• Will Rogers World Airport (OKC)

Below is the current list of eligible digital IDs from state or private issuing authorities that may be accepted by TSA at the checkpoint for testing and evaluation purposes.

The REAL ID Modernization Act (2020) clarified that the REAL ID Act applies to state-issued mobile driver’s licenses and mobile identification cards (collectively "mDLs"). On April 19, 2021, DHS published a request for information to seek public comment to inform an upcoming rulemaking that will address security and privacy standards for the issuance of mDLs and enable federal agencies to accept these credentials for official purposes as defined in the REAL ID Act and regulation.

No. TSA will only be able to receive a passenger’s digital identification information at TSA checkpoints upon a passenger's consent. Passengers will control access to and use of the digital ID kept in their mobile device. Generally, TSA does not copy or store the digital ID, unless it is done in a limited testing environment for evaluation of the effectiveness of the pilot. In that instance, TSA will inform the passenger through PIAs, signage, and other means.

TSA, in partnership with Delta and United Airlines , continues to expand TSA PreCheck Touchless ID at select airports for Bag Drop and Checkpoint Security.

Mobile Driver's License TSA enables Arizona residents to use mobile driver’s license or state ID in Samsung Wallet

Facial Recognition TSA uses facial recognition technology to verify the identity of travelers on a voluntary basis.

TSA PreCheck

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How to Fly Without an ID

Last Updated: January 6, 2023

This article was co-authored by Dhenu Maru . Dhenu Maru is an Immigration Lawyer, as well as the Founder and CEO of SwagatUSA, LLC. With over 10 years of experience, she specializes in family immigration and business immigration. She earned her law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and her BA in Philosophy & Child Development from Tufts University. She was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers for 2017, 2018, and 2019. She earned the title of Super Lawyer in 2021 and has been selected again for 2023. This article has been viewed 20,203 times.

If you have to catch a flight and you’ve lost your ID, don’t panic yet. If you’re flying within the US, you may be able to get through TSA by showing alternative forms of ID and verifying your identity. If you’re abroad and lost your passport though, you will have to apply for a replacement passport at the nearest consulate or embassy.

Verifying Identity for Domestic Travel

• If you’re flying internationally, don’t bother attempting to fly without a passport. Extra time isn’t going to cut it.

• expired IDs
• credit cards
• a photo of your ID
• Costco membership card or other card with your photo on it
• mail with your home address
• prescriptions
• police report about missing license if it was stolen. [2] X Research source

• Explain to the officer right away that you don’t have your ID and are willing to go through the additional screening process.
• If TSA is unable to verify your identity, they won’t let you proceed through security.

• Try your best to stay calm and patient through this process, even though it is frustrating.

Dealing with Lost Passports For International Travel

• If it was stolen while you were abroad, fill out a police report.

• If you can’t get an appointment in time, you may have to reschedule your travel plans, so make an appointment as soon as you realize your passport is lost.

• If your flight is in a few days, you should ask for an emergency passport.

Expert Q&A

• Starting October 1, 2020, if you plan to fly with the US with a state-issued ID, you will need to make sure it is REAL ID compliant. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
• ↑ https://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/safety-tips/can-you-fly-without-a-drivers-license-or-identification-card-if-they-were-lost-or-stolen/
• ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/lost-stolen-passport-abroad.html
• ↑ https://traveltips.usatoday.com/identification-need-kids-fly-102282.html

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Can I Still Fly Without Photo ID?

Don't panic! The TSA is ready for you.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

A day before I was scheduled to take a return flight from Los Angeles to Albuquerque, I realized that my wallet was missing. Credit cards, license, and $60 in cash were gone. My greatest worry: that I wouldn’t be allowed to fly home.

Luckily, that wasn’t the case. Not only was I allowed to board the flight without a valid ID , but I didn’t have to endure a drawn-out process. And I didn’t receive special treatment just because I’m a travel editor. The TSA is surprisingly prepared to help in these situations. Just arrive a bit early and be ready to go through additional screening.

“We say leave a little extra time—about 30 minutes should suffice—since the TSA will have to validate the identity of the passenger using other means,” Ross Feinstein, TSA Press Secretary, explained. 

I decided not to take any chances and arrived at LAX about four hours before my scheduled departure. To my surprise, I was able to retrieve the boarding pass and check my bag without presenting any identification. I asked the ticket agent if she was sure. “That’s a TSA thing,” the American Airlines agent explained. Feinstein later assuaged my fear. “The TSA screens 100 percent of all checked bags,” he said. Well, um, okay.

It wasn’t until I got to the security line that regular check-in process changed.

Once I identified myself as “the schmuck with no ID,” the TSA agent asked me to step aside. A few seconds later, the supervisor came by to verify that I had no acceptable form of identification and then handed me off to one of his agents. From there, it took about 25 minutes until I was sitting at the gate.

Once I identified myself as “the schmuck with no ID,” the TSA agent asked me to step aside. From there, it took about 25 minutes until I was sitting at the gate.

The process was easy. The agent and I found an empty corner in the security room (full public view) and she phoned into a third party who provided her with questions to ask me. They were queries that, in theory, only I would know the answers to. In which state was my social security card issued? What are the last four digits of my phone number? What is the make and model of my car? I signed a paper stating that I had answered truthfully and then she ushered me to the front of the security line. I went through the shoe-removal-laptops-and-liquids-out dance, and finally received extra screening. One agent patted me down while the other emptied my bag.

And then it was over and I was on my way home.

Had I not been able to answer the security questions, I wouldn’t have been able to fly. Also, had I been traveling internationally, I may have gotten through security but I would have hit a road block at immigration.

And that’s a completely different issue. It is up to the receiving country to decide if it will let you in without a passport.

What if you lose your passport while abroad? The good news is that you can get a speedy replacement, but you’ll have to work with the local U.S. embassy. To help, come prepared with a photocopy of your lost passport, receipts or confirmation of your tickets, a police report if possible, and two replacement passport photo IDs sized two inches by two inches where your head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from chin to crown.  

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Simple Flying

1 year to go: real id needed for domestic us travel from may 2023.

Travelers officially have one year to get a Real ID suitable for domestic air travel.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the deadline for travelers aged 18 and older to carry enhanced identification, also known as the REAL ID, when boarding domestic flights.

Travelers will now have about a year until the deadline of May 3rd, 2023, to secure their REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card before passing through airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel.

No more delays

The US Congress had passed the REAL ID Act not too long after September 11th, 2001, to set more precise standards for government-issued photo identifications. After the Act was passed, the REAL ID program began to be formed, and has been up and running since 2005.

However, the program stumbled upon delays from then until now mainly due to a lack of full state compliance with the requirements for issuing more secure driver’s licenses. Another critical delay factor that occurred more recently was the COVID-19 pandemic, making it harder for people to visit the state motor vehicle departments and get new identifications.

Despite the delays, signs have been on display at US airports for the past few years, reminding passengers about the pending change to photo identification requirements required by the REAL ID Act.

And now, with the delays officially dusted, the DHS is emphasizing the need for people to get things done quickly:

“The pandemic has significantly impacted states’ ability to issue REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, with many driver’s licensing agencies still operating at limited capacity. DHS will publish an interim final rule in the coming days to effectuate this enforcement date change.”

There will likely be no more deadline extensions given how rapidly most of the world is recovering after two stagnant years with the pandemic. According to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the one-year's deadline is more than sufficient as he says:

“As our country continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, extending the Real ID full enforcement deadline will give states needed time to reopen their driver’s licensing operations and ensure their residents can obtain a Real ID-compliant license or identification card.”

What is the REAL ID program?

Being offered as a uniform set of security standards for driver's licenses and other government-issued identification cards, the REAL ID program helps in adding an extra layer of security to commercial aviation by making it slightly trickier for passengers to falsify documents to access aircraft.

Once the deadline passes next year, passengers will not be allowed through TSA security checkpoints without a compliant REAL ID. Should passengers choose not to upgrade their driver's license to the compliant version, they can opt for traveling domestically with their US passport or any other TSA-approved forms of identification. These alternative forms of identification include:

• US passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards
• US Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
• A federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe photo ID
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card
• US Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card

In the event of a lost or forgotten REAL ID, passengers might still be allowed to fly but will be subjected to completing an identity verification process. Such a process includes collecting information such as the passenger's name and current address and other personal information to confirm the passenger's identity.

Once an identity is confirmed, the passenger will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. If the identity cannot be verified or further cooperation is declined, the passenger will not be permitted to enter the security checkpoint.

Bottom line

If you're planning never to step onboard a commercial aircraft again, the REAL IDs are undoubtedly unnecessary. Otherwise, it might be a good time to renew your identification if you haven't already.

According to DHS, less than half of all the state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards are currently REAL ID-compliant. And while one year sounds like a relatively extended deadline, the process can be seemingly lengthy as they require additional documentation and processing times and fees.

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Pre-boarding identification requirements

On this page, domestic air travel, international air travel, canadian travel number.

Bring the right identification to the airport to help with a quick identity verification and check-in process.

Remember that the name on your identification must match the name on your airline ticket and boarding pass.

If you have Canadian identification

Bring one identification document issued by a Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government that includes your:

• date of birth

If you don’t have an identification document that includes your photo, full name and date of birth:

• Show two pieces of identification issued by a Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government that show your name.
• One of these documents must show your full name and date of birth.

Valid identification documents issued by a Canadian government include:

• citizenship card
• permanent resident card
• record of landing form/confirmation of permanent residence (IMM 5292 and IMM 5688)
• immigration documents issued to foreign nationals (e.g., work permit, study permit, visitor record, temporary resident permit, refugee approved status)
• birth certificate
• driver's licence
• health card
• identification card
• Canadian military identification
• Certificate of Indian Status (status card)
• Federal police identification
• Firearms licence
• Government employee identification cards (federal or provincial)
• Old Age Security (OAS) identification card

You can't use hunting, boating and fishing licences as identification for domestic flights.

If you don’t have Canadian identification

You can use a travel document you used to enter Canada:

• United States Permanent Resident card
• Enhanced Driver’s License
• any document referred to in subsection 50(1) or 52(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

Air Canada has introduced digital identification technology through the Air Canada mobile app. Select travellers from Vancouver International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport are eligible.

Learn more about the digital identification system. (AirCanada.com)

From January 10 to March 31, 2024, Canadian, Belgian or Dutch passport holders, aged 18 and older, can voluntarily participate in a pilot project for biometric boarding of KLM flight KL672 departing YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport.

Learn more about the digital travel credential pilot. (KLM.nl)

Bring one valid identification document issued by a government authority with your:

Valid identification documents include:

• Canadian passport
• Passport issued by a country where you are a citizen

Canadian citizens should always carry a valid Canadian passport when travelling outside Canada.

More information about travel documents

If your name is the same, or similar, to that of someone on the Secure Air Travel Act list (sometimes called Canada’s “No Fly List”), you could save time by applying for a Canadian Travel Number (CTN).

More information about the CTN

• Canadian passports
• Travelling with a permanent resident card
• Travelling as a dual citizen
• Secure Air Travel Regulations , Department of Justice Canada
• Passenger protect program , Public Safety Canada