In domestic U.S. flights, the TSA needs an unexpired government-issued photo ID that is valid and belongs to the adult 18 and above. All need to be REAL ID-compliant, beginning May 7, 2025 with a star in the upper corner.
Primary Accepted IDs
Driving license or state-issued identification (REAL ID version).
U.S. passport or passport card.
Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI).
U.S. military identification or Department of Defense ID.
Border crossing card or permanent resident card.
Photo ID of tribally recognized ID (federal).
Special Cases
The minors who fly below 18 do so without ID in the company of an adult. Unidentified individuals are subjected to the manual verification procedure of TSA, including the answering of questions and identity matching with airline records- no promises.
Digital copies, paper receipts or expired IDs are not eligible because of risks of forgery. TSA has the final word on name-based checks, although airlines such as Delta or United might do so.
Pro Tips
Pack early, bring backups such as passports and refer to the TSA app to learn the rules. Failure to comply results in no boarding- stress free traveling.
