It’s possible you don’t need to freak out if you’ve ever gotten to the airport and then realized you forgot your driver’s license or passport, or worse, that you lost or had stolen one of these documents while you were away.
Now you might be wondering “what are some acceptable forms of identification for flying?”
The TSA, it turns out, is more lenient than many people give it credit for when it comes to the identification they accept as valid for passing through security checkpoints.
Because there are so many people who fly every day, the agency knows that different ways of proving who you are must be allowed. While a government-issued or state-issued ID card is required to pass through TSA
The Transportation Security Administration requires passengers to present either a federal or state-issued photo ID before boarding an aircraft. The Administration recognizes, however, that this isn’t always practicable.
Read on to learn about the various forms of identification that airlines accept at check-in and to find out what is required of you when you book your flight.
Let’s begin!
What Are Some Acceptable Forms of Identification for Flying?
The TSA website reassures customers that they “may still be allowed to travel” if they show up at the airport without the required identification documents. To get to your flight on time, “TSA has alternative ways to validate your identity, such as using public information databases, so please provide any additional information.”
An additional document to fill out, another document of identification and more screening may be requested by a TSA agent in certain situations.
The TSA’s website provides a list of option forms of identification, some of which are standard fare (military IDs, permanent residence cards), while others are a little more out-of-the-way. But you should still expect to spend a little more time at the security checkpoint explaining your paperwork.
These alternate forms of identification are valid exclusively within the United States. A passport or acceptable substitute is still required for all international travel.
The official policy regarding acceptable forms of identification for flying:
The TSA recognizes at least 16 distinct types of identification:
- Documents issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of a certain state, such as driver’s licenses and other forms of picture identification, are (or equivalent)
- To use it after October 1, 2021, it must conform to REAL ID standards.
- American passport
- Card for a U.S. Passport
- Proof of identity cards from the Department of Homeland Security (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- Identification issued by the United States Department of Defense (including IDs provided to dependents).
- A card proving permanent residency
- Paperwork for crossing the border
- Valid upgraded driver’s license issued by the state
- A picture ID issued by a federally recognized tribe
- PIV card for HSPD-12
- Valid passport issued by an overseas government
- Valid driver’s license from a Canadian province or territory, or Indian and Northern Affairs ID card
- Documentation proving employment in the transportation industry
- Employment Authorization Document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (I-766)
- Identification Card for U.S. Veterans Serving in the Merchant Marines (VHIC)
One option for bypassing security checkpoints is to use a credit card, especially if it features a photo of the cardholder. The Points Guy assures us that TSA can still verify your identity using a credit card even if there is no photo on it by asking you more questions or contacting the credit card provider.
In 2013, we reported that TSA employees in California told a local news outlet that a Costco card may be used in place of a lost government-issued ID.
A Costco membership card with a photo might serve as additional proof that you are who you say you are. Even with this kind of ID, agents warn that they may still ask more questions or do a second check of luggage.
At TSA checkpoints, travelers under the age of 18 don’t need to show proof of who they are, but adults may find that a school ID or library card is enough.
Most of the time, these IDs have a picture of the student and other personal information like their birth date and where they live. A library card can also accomplish the same thing. You’ll likely be asked some more questions before being let through the gate.
Checkbooks aren’t carried around as much as they used to be, but this rectangular piece of paper can also be used to prove a traveler’s identity.
A columnist for the New York Times remembers using fake bills to pass through airport security on a prior trip. The agent looked through the checkbook and found both of their names and addresses.
The author compares the experience to opening a bank account or receiving a credit report: “Then he contacted someone else on his phone and asked me some questions – stuff like my prior residences and my date of birth.”
ID pictures: While it’s ideal to keep a physical copy of your identification on you at all times, it might be reassuring to know that you have a backup if your wallet is lost or stolen.
A marriage license may be enough if you are coming back from a destination wedding or honeymoon.
You might be wondering, “Why would you need a diploma at the airport?” Putting a degree in security seems to have worked for some TPG readers, but we can only speculate as to why.
The door may still be open for further consideration if that is not sufficient. The TSA has said that passengers may be able to use public databases and other methods to verify their identities if they are willing to give more information and possibly go through more screening.
Any passenger whose identification cannot be confirmed by TSA may be denied boarding.
The endorsed policy is as follows:
If you are unable to bring proper identification with you to the airport due to leaving it at home or losing it in transit, you might still be able to board your flight.
As part of a process to check your identity, the TSA officer may ask you for personal information like your name, where you live now, and other identifiers. If you can prove who you are, you can move on through the security checkpoint. You will be patted down and your carry-on items will be searched as part of the heightened security measures.
If you can’t prove who you are, don’t want to give the required documents, or don’t want to go through the process of proving your identity, you won’t be able to pass through the security checkpoint.
Now that we have that settled, let’s get down to business. Take note that when flying within the United States, the TSA doesn’t quite request identification from passengers under the age of 18.
Conclusion:
If none of those apply to you, you may still have choices. None of the above are guarantees, but if you’re in a bind, you might be able to make it to your gate. Remember to allow additional time at the airport for the new security checks.
