Identification proof is the government authorized document which contains the person\’s full identity like name, address, date of birth, gender, date of expiry and phone number. This identity proof verifies you as a citizen of a particular country. If you are a frequent traveler, you must carry any of these valid Id proofs which help you to travel on US domestic and international routes.
If you are flying domestic then, according to Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you must show a US federal or state-issued photo Identity which will allow you to check-in to your flight. An ID card is an important US travel doc. But if you are flying international you need a US passport as a real ID.
Acceptable form of Identity includes:
While the international routes require passport and visa, the domestic routes in the USA require you to carry any of the following identification documents which should be issued and authorized by federal, provincial and municipal government institutions of the US.
Permanent resident card
Driver’s license
Citizenship card
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Provincial identity card
Provincial health card
Birth certificate
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Border crossing card
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
DHS-designated enhanced driver\’s license
Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
Canadian provincial driver\’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
According to some reports if you are flying in the domestic routes and forget to take any of the above identity proof then you can still be allowed to travel but the check-in time will be more. The TSA uses their internal sources to check and verify the person which takes more than 20 minutes. After the identity is confirmed screening of your carry-on baggage and additional screening of the passenger which may include a pat down.
Aware of the new changes in the ID
At the beginning of October 1, 2020, according to the new rules the state issued id and license of all the 18 years of age and above should be compliant with Real ID. This ID can be recognized with a star which is located in the upper part of the card. You can also bring any state-issued ids such as US military ID, passport card and US passport. The Real ID basically improves the reliability and accuracy of state-issued driver\’s license and other identification cards which helps to minimize terrorists and other fraudulent people to fake these ID cards
Traveling With Children
According to TSA children under 18 who are traveling with their parents do not require any identification within the United States. But while traveling in international routes you must carry a valid passport of your child and birth certificate if possible. The international flights require additional documents for children so it is advisable to check each airline for different rules regarding ID proof of children. If the child is traveling alone without a parent or guardian, then special procedures are required which include identification of the child and the people who are dropping off and picking up the child. Airlines maintain these rules to ensure the safety of the child. Please refer to your boarding airline as the rules are slightly different.