Direct answer: US travelers age 18 or older should arrive at airport security with a REAL ID-compliant license or another identification accepted by TSA, such as a valid passport. Check the physical document before leaving home rather than assuming an ordinary driver’s license qualifies.
TSA stopped accepting noncompliant state driver’s licenses and identification cards at airport checkpoints on May 7, 2025. Travelers without acceptable identification may face a separate verification process, additional screening, delays, or denial of checkpoint entry if their identity cannot be confirmed. Transportation Security Administration
Inspect the actual identification
Most REAL ID-compliant cards carry a star marking, although designs vary by state. Do not rely on the issue date alone.
Check that:
- The name reasonably matches the airline reservation.
- The document has not expired.
- You can reach it without opening a checked bag.
- Every adult traveler has their own acceptable document.
A valid US passport or passport card can serve as an alternative for domestic security screening. TSA also lists other accepted documents, including certain military, tribal, and trusted-traveler credentials. Consult the complete TSA list because eligibility depends on the specific document.
Do not confuse REAL ID with a travel requirement for children
TSA generally does not require identification from children under 18 traveling within the United States when accompanied by an adult. The airline may have separate requirements, particularly for an unaccompanied minor.
Parents should check the airline’s rules and carry any documents needed for the child’s itinerary. International journeys have different documentation requirements even when the first flight is domestic.
Fix problems before holiday week
If your license is not compliant, upgrading through your state licensing agency may require identity and residency documents. Processing arrangements differ by state, so do not wait until the day before departure.
If you already own an accepted alternative—such as a valid passport—you may not need to obtain a REAL ID solely for an upcoming domestic flight. Confirm the document against TSA’s current list.
Keep identification in your personal item, not in checked luggage. Photographing it can help with recordkeeping, but an image on your phone is not a replacement for an accepted physical or TSA-supported digital credential.
Prepare for the checkpoint
Holiday airports can be busy even when documentation is correct. Arrive according to the airport and airline’s current guidance, monitor terminal information, and keep boarding passes and identification accessible.
If the name on your ticket contains an error, contact the airline before travel. Do not expect a checkpoint officer to rewrite a reservation.
TSA rules can change, so revisit the official identification page shortly before departure.
Takeaway: The simplest holiday-flight precaution is to check every adult traveler’s physical ID now—before packing and before airport lines become part of the problem.
FAQs
Can I use a valid passport instead of a REAL ID for a domestic flight?
Yes. TSA lists a valid US passport and passport card among acceptable alternatives.
Does TSA require identification from children under 18?
TSA generally does not require it for domestic travel with an adult, but individual airlines may request documentation.
Sources: TSA acceptable identification · USAGov REAL ID guide
