Karli Trujillo
Whether a permit works as a valid form of identification for travel depends on the type of permit and the travel method. For instance, a learner's permit is considered a valid form of ID for air travel in the US if it contains a photo. However, a weapon permit is not considered an acceptable form of identification. A work permit, such as an Employment Authorization Card (I-766), is acceptable for domestic air travel in the US. It's important to note that ID requirements may vary based on the mode of transportation and the specific regulations of the country or region.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a permit an acceptable form of ID for travel? | It depends on the type of permit and the country. For example, in the US, a learner's permit is considered a valid form of ID for domestic travel, but a weapon permit is not. |
| What other forms of ID are acceptable for travel? | This can vary depending on the country and the mode of transport. Generally, a valid driver's license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID is required. |
| Are there any age restrictions for ID requirements? | In some cases, minors may not need to provide ID when travelling with a companion. For example, in the US, TSA does not require children under 18 to provide ID when travelling with an adult within the country. |
| What if someone does not have an acceptable form of ID? | In some cases, individuals without acceptable ID may still be allowed to travel but may be subject to additional security checks or verification processes. |
What You'll Learn
Learner's permits as ID
For US domestic travel, the TSA requires adult passengers (18 and older) to show valid identification at the airport in order to travel. This can include a driver's license or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent).
From May 7, 2025, any state-issued ID or license used for flying within the US must be REAL ID-compliant. It is recommended that you check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles if you are unsure whether your ID is REAL ID-compliant.
Learner's permits with photos are considered acceptable forms of ID for TSA security. However, this may vary depending on the airline and whether you are checking in a bag. For example, Southwest Airlines asks for ID when checking a bag, but not if you are not checking one. In the case that you do not have a TSA-approved ID, it is recommended that you bring anything with your name and photo on it and allow extra time to get through security.
If you are under 18, you do not need to provide identification when travelling within the US. However, it is recommended that you contact the airline regarding specific ID requirements for travellers under 18.
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Work permits as ID
In the United States, a work permit is sometimes referred to as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Form I-766. This document allows individuals to prove their eligibility to work legally in the country. While the primary purpose of an EAD is to authorise employment, it can also be used as a form of identification in certain scenarios.
For domestic air travel within the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts the EAD as a valid form of identification for passengers aged 18 and older. This is specifically listed as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) on the TSA's list of acceptable identification documents. Therefore, individuals holding only an EAD/work permit can use it as ID to board a flight within the US.
However, it is important to note that the TSA does not require children under 18 to provide any identification when travelling within the US. Additionally, the TSA's list of acceptable IDs includes various other options, such as a driver's license, state-issued ID, passport, or other government-issued photo ID.
In other contexts, the utility of an EAD/work permit as identification may vary. While it serves as proof of work authorisation, individuals may still need to present additional forms of ID to satisfy specific requirements. For example, when completing Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) for employment, individuals are typically required to present their Social Security card or another acceptable form of ID in addition to their work authorisation documentation.
In summary, while an EAD/work permit can be used as ID for certain purposes, such as domestic air travel in the US, it is not universally recognised as a primary form of identification and may need to be supplemented with other documents in many situations.
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REAL ID compliance
- Accessing certain federal facilities
- Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
- Entering nuclear power plants
To be REAL ID compliant, IDs must include a REAL ID-compliant star marking. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are also considered acceptable alternatives.
To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must provide documentation showing:
- Full Legal Name
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number
- Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence
- Lawful Status
It is important to note that REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada or Mexico or for international travel. Additionally, they are not required for other purposes such as driving, voting, banking, or applying for benefits or employment.
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Flying without ID
Flying Without an ID
The thought of losing your ID before a flight is a nightmare for any traveller. However, there are ways to get through TSA security and fly without an ID. Here is what you need to know and do when navigating this stressful situation.
Background Information on Flying With IDs
If you are over 18, you must present a valid government-issued form of photo identification when checking in for a domestic or international flight. Acceptable forms of ID include passports, driver's licenses, passport cards, or military IDs. It is important to note that some airlines, such as United and Southwest, require all passengers to present a government-issued ID at check-in. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the airline directly to inquire about their specific ID requirements.
The TSA's Verification Procedure
The short answer to "Can you fly without an ID?" is yes. The TSA understands that losing or having your ID stolen while away from home can happen, and getting a replacement may not be feasible. If you are flying domestically, they will attempt to verify your identity without an ID so that you can still fly.
Arriving at the Airport
If you know you will be travelling without an ID, try to arrive at the airport as early as possible. The standard recommendation of arriving two hours early may not be sufficient in this situation. Additionally, consider the size of the airport, as larger airports with higher passenger traffic tend to have staff that are more experienced in handling cases of missing IDs. It is also essential to have your boarding pass ready, either printed or digitally accessible, before reaching the airport.
Verifying Your Identity Without an ID
When you reach the TSA checkpoint, explain your situation to the TSA document checker. They may ask you to sign a Certification of Identity form with your name and address and provide any other information you can to prove your identity. This could include secondary forms of identification, such as credit cards, school IDs, photos of your ID on your phone, or even prescription medication with your name on it. You may also be asked to answer personal questions to verify your identity.
The Identity Verification Call Center (IVCC)
The TSA may use the IVCC to verify your identity. They will call this centre, where "someone" ensures that the information you provided is accurate and may ask specific identifying questions, such as spelling your mother's name or the name of a church near your house. If you decline to cooperate or they cannot verify your identity, you will be denied passage through security.
Going Through Security
Once your identity is verified, you will be subjected to additional security screening measures, including a separate and more invasive security screening process, thorough pat-downs, hand-swabbing, luggage inspections, and more. Therefore, it is crucial to arrive at the airport well in advance to allow ample time for these procedures.
Flying Domestic vs. International Without an ID
While there are procedures in place to assist those flying domestically without an ID, attempting to fly internationally without proper identification is a different matter. International travel involves dealing with the rules and requirements of other countries, and travelling without a passport is extremely difficult, if not impossible. If you are abroad and lose your passport, the best course of action is to report it to the nearest U.S. embassy and obtain a temporary replacement.
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TSA-approved IDs
For US citizens, a driver's permit is usually temporary for learners, and a full driver's license is received after passing an examination. However, some states' licenses do not meet the necessary standards.
According to the TSA, adult passengers (18 and older) must show valid identification at the airport to be allowed to travel. TSA-approved IDs include:
- Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- 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
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
It is important to note that a weapon permit or a temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of identification.
For those without acceptable identification, there is still a possibility of being allowed to fly. The individual may be asked to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as their name and current address. If the identity is confirmed, they will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but may be subject to additional screening.
Additionally, TSA has started testing digital IDs, which can be used in place of a physical ID or boarding pass at select checkpoints. Passengers can add their state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card to their phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or digital wallet.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airline and the country. In the US, a learner's permit with a photo may be accepted by some airlines as a form of identification, but it is not considered a valid ID by the TSA.
Yes, a work permit such as the I-766 Employment Authorization Card is accepted by the TSA as a valid form of identification for domestic air travel within the US.
Yes, a driver's permit is generally considered a valid form of ID for flying within the US, as long as it is a photo ID issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or an equivalent agency.
Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification will be required for domestic air travel in the US. This is in addition to any other valid ID requirements, such as a passport.
No, a weapon permit is not considered an acceptable form of identification for air travel. You will need to present another valid form of ID, such as a driver's license or passport.
