by Lisa Fritscher, Demand Media
Before the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, airline security was handled by private firms. Official guidelines called for passengers to present identification, but virtually any form of ID was acceptable. After Sept. 11, the newly created Transportation Security Administration (TSA) became responsible for airline security, and the process became significantly more regimented. Today it is best to travel with a passport or government-issued photo ID, although procedures are in place for those who have no identification.
Before the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, airline security was handled by private firms. Official guidelines called for passengers to present identification, but virtually any form of ID was acceptable. After Sept. 11, the newly created Transportation Security Administration (TSA) became responsible for airline security, and the process became significantly more regimented. Today it is best to travel with a passport or government-issued photo ID, although procedures are in place for those who have no identification.
Passport
If you are traveling abroad, a valid passport is required. Foreign nations require US citizens to carry passports, and the United States requires all travelers to carry them when arriving in the US by air. Passport cards, which are smaller and fit easily into a wallet, are acceptable when traveling to or from Mexico, Canada and parts of the Caribbean by land or sea, but not by air. For domestic flights, a passport or passport card is not mandatory, but it remains the preferred form of identification. If you have a passport, consider using it for all flights, regardless of destination.
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
Government-Issued ID
On domestic flights, a government-issued photo ID is sufficient. A driver’s license is most common, although a non-driver state ID card is also acceptable. The ID must be valid and bear a clear picture of your face. Native American Tribal IDs, military IDs and certain other government-issued photo IDs may be used. Check the TSA website shortly before your trip for an updated list of acceptable documents. Officially, government-issued ID cards must be in compliance with the REAL ID Act of 2005, which mandates the information that must be detailed on the document, as well as the information that must be stored in a database. However, as of 2010, all states have received extensions on implementing the Act until 2011, and several bills have been introduced in Congress to repeal or restrict the act.
On domestic flights, a government-issued photo ID is sufficient. A driver’s license is most common, although a non-driver state ID card is also acceptable. The ID must be valid and bear a clear picture of your face. Native American Tribal IDs, military IDs and certain other government-issued photo IDs may be used. Check the TSA website shortly before your trip for an updated list of acceptable documents. Officially, government-issued ID cards must be in compliance with the REAL ID Act of 2005, which mandates the information that must be detailed on the document, as well as the information that must be stored in a database. However, as of 2010, all states have received extensions on implementing the Act until 2011, and several bills have been introduced in Congress to repeal or restrict the act.
- U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DOD civilians)
- Permanent Resident Card
- Border Crossing Card
- DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
- Drivers Licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- A Native American Tribal Photo ID
- An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
- A foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Trusted Traveler Card
Trusted Travel programs were designed to expedite border crossings for those who travel frequently to Canada and/or Mexico. NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST members may present their participant ID cards as identification. Some airports offer a Global Entry program, in which prescreened, low-risk travelers may use an automated kiosk rather than going through the traditional passport control process when arriving in the United States.
Trusted Travel programs were designed to expedite border crossings for those who travel frequently to Canada and/or Mexico. NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST members may present their participant ID cards as identification. Some airports offer a Global Entry program, in which prescreened, low-risk travelers may use an automated kiosk rather than going through the traditional passport control process when arriving in the United States.
- DHS "Trusted Traveler" cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
No ID
If you do not have an acceptable ID, arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes before you normally would. Declare your lack of identification at the TSA checkpoint. You will be required to answer a series of questions to prove your identity and may undergo additional scrutiny, including a search of your carry-on bags as well as your person. Non-photo identification, such as a library card or voter ID card, may help you establish your identity.
If you do not have an acceptable ID, arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes before you normally would. Declare your lack of identification at the TSA checkpoint. You will be required to answer a series of questions to prove your identity and may undergo additional scrutiny, including a search of your carry-on bags as well as your person. Non-photo identification, such as a library card or voter ID card, may help you establish your identity.
Children
The TSA does not require children under age 16 to carry photo identification, although it is always best to carry proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Each airline is free to set its own requirements for boarding, so contact your airline for information. If you are traveling internationally each person, including infants, is required to have a valid passport. If your child is flying as an unaccompanied minor, you must request a gate pass from your airline to escort him to the gate. You must show an acceptable ID to pass through the TSA checkpoint.
The TSA does not require children under age 16 to carry photo identification, although it is always best to carry proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Each airline is free to set its own requirements for boarding, so contact your airline for information. If you are traveling internationally each person, including infants, is required to have a valid passport. If your child is flying as an unaccompanied minor, you must request a gate pass from your airline to escort him to the gate. You must show an acceptable ID to pass through the TSA checkpoint.
