Forms Of Id To Travel In The Us
Traveling within the United States requires appropriate identification to ensure safety and security during travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) sets regulations that determine the type of identification documents passengers must carry when traveling domestically. In this article, we will discuss the different types of identification documents that passengers can use for travel within the United States.
Accepted Forms of ID for Domestic Travel
The TSA allows a few primary forms of identification when traveling domestically. These include:
- Driver’s License
- Military ID
- Passport
- Permanent Resident Card
- Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Card
- NEXUS Card
- Sentri Card
If you are traveling with any of these forms of identification, you do not need any other identity documents.
Driver's License
A driver's license is the most common form of identification used for domestic travel. It is issued by the state you reside in and proves that you are licensed to operate a motor vehicle.
When traveling with a driver's license, ensure that the name and date of birth match your reservation and boarding pass. If your driver's license is expired, you will not be allowed to board the plane.
Military ID
A military ID is a government-issued card that proves you are an active-duty or retired military service member or their dependent.
When traveling with a military ID, ensure that the name and date of birth match your reservation and boarding pass. If you are a dependent traveling without your active-duty spouse, you may need an additional form of identification.
Passport
A passport is a government-issued document that verifies your identity and citizenship. It is the most widely accepted form of identification in the world.
When traveling with a passport, ensure that the name and date of birth match your reservation and boarding pass. It is also important to ensure that your passport is not expired and that it has at least six months of validity from the date of your travel.
Permanent Resident Card
A permanent resident card, also known as a Green Card, is an identification card issued to non-US citizens who are authorized to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis.
When traveling with a Permanent Resident Card, ensure that the name and date of birth match your reservation and boarding pass. It is also important to ensure that your card is not expired.
Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Card
A Trusted Traveler Card is issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to trusted travelers enrolled in the agency's Trusted Traveler Programs. These programs include the Global Entry program, Nexus program, and the Sentri program.
When traveling with a Trusted Traveler Card, ensure that the name and date of birth match your reservation and boarding pass.
NEXUS Card
A NEXUS Card is a form of identification issued to travelers enrolled in the NEXUS Program, which offers expedited processing through US and Canadian border crossings, airports, and seaports.
When traveling with a NEXUS Card, ensure that the name and date of birth match your reservation and boarding pass.
SENTRI Card
A SENTRI Card is a form of identification issued to travelers enrolled in the SENTRI Program, which offers expedited processing through US and Mexican border crossings.
When traveling with a SENTRI Card, ensure that the name and date of birth match your reservation and boarding pass.
What If I Don't Have One of These Forms of ID?
If you do not possess any of the acceptable forms of identification listed above, TSA may accept other forms of identification or evaluate other documents to establish identity.
For example, TSA may accept a temporary driver's license, a voter registration card, a social security card, or a birth certificate, but only if accompanied with an additional form of identification.
Conclusion
Traveling within the United States requires appropriate identification. TSA has several acceptable forms of identification, including a driver’s license, military ID, passport, permanent resident card, Trusted Traveler Card, NEXUS card, and SENTRI card.
Ensure that the name and date of birth on your identification documents match your reservation and boarding pass. If you do not possess any of the acceptable forms of identification listed above, TSA may accept other forms of identification or evaluate other documents to establish identity.
It is important to note that each state has different driver's license requirements, and not all driver's licenses will be accepted as valid identification for travel. We recommend visiting the TSA website to confirm which identification requirements apply to your travel plans.
