Federal law requires travelers flying within the United States to present identification accepted under Real ID security standards to board an aircraft, such as a U.S. Passport or a valid driver’s license. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has clarified that a specific segment of the population is exempt from this regulation in 2026.
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 present acceptable identification to receive expedited screening,” authorities indicate.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
According to the official published list, acceptable forms of identification with up to two years of validity at all airports nationwide 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/tribe, a PIV HSPD-12 card, a foreign government-issued passport, a Canadian provincial driver’s license or Northern Affairs 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.
If travelers do not have 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 TSA ConfirmID?
TSA ConfirmID is an alternative identity verification process for travelers without a REAL ID or other acceptable identification, which requires a $45 fee.
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 for full REAL ID enforcement has passed, travelers should be prepared to present compliant identification or face the new TSA ConfirmID fee. Will these changes significantly impact travel times and airport procedures?
