Don’t Get Stopped at Airport Security: The Full List of IDs TSA Accepts

In a few days traveling could get a lot more complicated….unless you’re prepared!

Last year, TSA started requiring REAL IDs to fly. Well, in just a few days, they are going to buckle down on that even more. Starting on February 1st, 2026, travelers will be REQUIRED to have a REAL ID or an acceptable form of ID on them to present to security. If not, it’s going to be a rough travel day for you.

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Starting on February 1st, travelers who do not have a REAL ID or an acceptable form of ID at TSA checkpoints will have to pay a $45 fee. That’s not the only thing travelers will have to deal with, as they’ll also have to undergo the TSA ConfirmID process. The alternative? Well, choosing not to fly.

The purpose of this new rule is to make sure that the fee to cover an insufficient ID will come from the traveler and not the taxpayer.

If you have a travel date coming up, and you know you’ll run into this fee at the airport, TSA is encouraging travelers to pay the fee beforehand online. Yes, it’s annoying that you’ll have to drop $45. However, knowing you’re going to have to pay the fee and choosing to do so at the airport may result in you running into delays. Don’t add the extra stress on your travel day!

Obviously, no one wants to pay any fees AND delay themselves from getting to their flight — so what’s the acceptable form of ID you need to avoid this? Don’t worry, TSA put out an official list of acceptable identification at the TSA checkpoint!

Here’s the full list of acceptable ID’s for TSA:

• State-issued REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or identification cards
  • If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles (or equivalent).
  • A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
• Mobile Driver’s Licenses (mDLs): TSA accepts certain mDLs issued by states that have been approved for Federal use.
  • The mDL must be based on a REAL ID, EDL, or EID.
  • Approved states are listed at Participating States and Eligible Digital IDs | Transportation Security Administration
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

TSA is also accepting the following Digital Identification as a part of thier ongoing testing efforts to strengthen identity security:

• Apple Digital ID
• Clear ID
• Google ID pass

Here are a couple of other important points to make note:

• TSA currently accepts expired ID up to two years after expiration, for the above-listed forms of identification.
• TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. Contact the airline for questions regarding their specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
• TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and ID. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass, and there is not one on the ID or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.

TSA also made a point to say, “The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. TSA strongly encourages you check this list again before traveling, so you do not arrive at the airport without acceptable ID.” So, just make sure to check one last time on their website before traveling, which you can find here.

To stay up to date on the latest travel news and updates, make sure to stay tuned to AllEars!

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Do you have any travel plans coming up? Let us know in the comments!

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