Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint (2024)

FAQs

What forms of ID are acceptable to get through TSA? ›

Valid Photo ID

Unexpired photo ID card issued by the federal government or by a State or outlying possession of the U.S. This must include a federal agency, State or State agency seal or logo (such as a State university ID). Permits are not considered valid identity documents (such as gun permits).

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.

Beginning May 7, 2025, you will no longer be able to use a non-REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID to board a domestic flight. 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.

A document with the entire Social Security number visible, such as an original Social Security card or W-2 form. Two hard copy documents showing California residency, such as a utility or cell phone bill, bank statement, or mortgage bill.

TSA will accept only the following birth records:

A long-form U.S. state/territory-issued certified/sealed Birth Certificate; or. A U.S. state/territory-issued certified/sealed Birth Abstract that meets the requirements of a Birth Certificate (see below.

Can you fly with an expired license in California? You can temporarily use an expired driver's license as acceptable identification to fly, according to the Transportation Security Administration website. “TSA will accept expired driver's licenses or state-issued ID a year after expiration,” the TSA website states.

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.

Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

Is a passport better than a REAL ID? ›

The passport is the ultimate form of ID for travel. It's required for international flights, but it's also accepted as a REAL ID alternative for domestic flights. That said, it's not a bad idea to get a REAL ID, so you don't need to use your passport for domestic travel. Instead, you can keep it safe at home.

Texas residents will need REAL ID-compliant identification to fly starting October 1, 2020 | Transportation Security Administration.

Can I fly with a temporary driver's license? Unfortunately, even for domestic flights, a temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of ID by TSA. Can I fly with an expired ID? Yes, TSA will accept expired driver's licenses or state-issued ID up to a year after the expiration date.

All travelers, including TSA PreCheck® enrollees, must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification (e.g., passport) in order to fly once TSA is enforcing the REAL ID requirement at airports. To obtain a REAL ID, contact your state's driver's licensing agency.