Federal law requires travelers within the United States to present identification accepted under Real ID security standards to board aircraft, such as a U.S. Passport or a valid driver’s license. As of 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) indicates that a specific segment of the population is exempt from this regulation.
Who is Exempt from Identification Requirements in 2026?
Individuals under 18 years of age are not required to provide identification when traveling domestically, meaning those born in the following years are exempt from the requirement:
- 2009 (17 years in 2026)
- 2010 (16 years)
- 2011 (15 years)
- 2012 (14 years)
- 2013 (13 years)
- 2014 (12 years)
- 2015 (11 years)
- 2016 (10 years)
- 2017 (9 years)
- 2018 (8 years)
- 2019 (7 years)
- 2020 (6 years)
- 2021 (5 years)
- 2022 (4 years)
- 2023 (3 years)
- 2024 (2 years)
- 2025 (1 year)
- 2026 (months)
Exceptions to the Rule
“TSA does not require passengers under 18 to present identification when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who meet the requirements for TSA PreCheck must demonstrate acceptable identification to receive expedited screening,” authorities state.
Documents Accepted by TSA
According to the official published list, acceptable forms of identification—valid for up to two years—include a state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License, a U.S. Passport, a U.S. Passport Card, a DHS trusted traveler card, U.S. Department of Defense identification (including IDs issued to dependents), a Permanent Resident Card, a Border Crossing Card, acceptable photo identification issued by a federally recognized tribal nation, a PIV HSPD-12 card, a foreign government-issued passport, a Canadian provincial driver’s license or Native Affairs and Northern Affairs Canada card, a Transportation Worker Identification Credential, a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Document (I-766), a U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential and a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).
Some digital ID formats, such as Apple ID, Clear ID, or Google Pass ID, are also accepted.
For those without any of the previously mentioned credentials, authorities have required a $45 fee since February 1st for using an alternative identity verification process called TSA ConfirmID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are children required to show identification at the airport?
Children under 18 years of age are not required to present identification when traveling within the United States.
What is the TSA ConfirmID fee?
The TSA ConfirmID fee is $45 and is required for travelers without acceptable identification, providing an alternative identity verification process.
What forms of identification are accepted by the TSA?
Acceptable forms of identification include a state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License, a U.S. Passport, a U.S. Passport Card, and several other documents as listed by the TSA.
As the February 1st deadline passes, will these new regulations significantly impact the travel experience for those without compliant identification?
