Is a Social Security card a form of ID for flying?
Asked by: Isaias Wyman DVM | Last update: June 13, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (31 votes)
What forms of ID are acceptable to fly?
- Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) ...
- State-Issued Drivers License or State-Issued ID.
- U.S. passport.
- U.S. passport card.
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
Is a Social Security card a valid form of ID?
Your Social Security card is not an identification document and, in many situations, you only need to know your Social Security number (you do not need to show the physical card). Do You Need to Show Your Social Security Card? You do not need your Social Security card, you only need to know your Social Security number.
Can I use my SSN to get on a plane?
Your Social Security card does not have a picture on it, and therefore is not a usable or required ID when flying. You'll need a picture ID and a passport if required. I don't know if you know this, but your ID or driver's license in the United States will never match the number on your Social Security card, ever.
How to fly if you lose your ID?
If you don't have any acceptable alternate form of ID, a TSA employee will ask you to complete an identity verification process by filling out a TSA Form 415, also known as a Certification of Identity form. It asks for your full name, current address, signature and date.
Real ID Explained: Do you need one to board a plane?
Can I fly with my birth certificate and social security card?
Can I use my birth certificate to fly? For adults, a birth certificate cannot be used as a primary document when flying. However, it may be used together with other documents to confirm a traveler's identity if their ID was lost or stolen.
Can I board a plane without an ID?
Currently, you can board domestic flights without an ID, but that will change in 2025 once Real ID is required.
Should I travel with my Social Security card?
You should never travel with your Social Security card. Instead, leave it at home in a safe place. In fact, the Social Security Administration advises not carrying your Social Security card with you at all, whether you're traveling or not.
What states need a REAL ID to fly?
Beginning May 7, 2025 every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, for accessing federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial aircraft.
Can I use SSN as ID?
The SSN is the single most widely used record identifier for both government and the private sector, exerting a broad influence on the lives of most Americans. However, by itself, it is not a personal identifier because it lacks systematic assignment to every person and the means to authenticate a person's identity.
How to fly without ID lost wallet?
In the event you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification (whether lost, stolen, or otherwise), you may still be allowed to fly. By providing additional information, TSA has other ways to confirm your identity so you can reach your flight.
Can you fly in the US with a normal driver's license?
Beginning May 7, 2025, you will no longer be able to use a non-REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID to board a domestic flight. If you do not upgrade your license or state ID, you can use a passport or one of these other acceptable forms of identification to fly.
What do I need to board a plane?
You'll need a valid photo ID accepted by the TSA (like a driver's license or other government-issued ID) for domestic travel and a valid passport or visa, and any travel documents required by your international destination. Acceptable forms of identification.
Can you get through TSA with a paper ID?
You cannot get through TSA and fly if you only have paper identification with you. However, you may still be able to board, provided that TSA can check your identity through other means. First, TSA will do some additional screening to confirm your ID before you can board the plane and be on your way.
Can I use my Social Security card at TSA?
Can I use my Social Security card for TSA PreCheck? A Social Security card is not an identification document currently accepted for TSA PreCheck applications.
What form of ID do I need to fly?
The following IDs are acceptable:
U.S. or foreign government-issued passport. U.S. passport card. Driver's license or state ID that meets REAL ID standards. U.S. Military ID.
Is a picture of my Social Security card acceptable?
No, you cannot. Form I-9 plainly states that ONLY original documents are acceptable for proof of ID and proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Photographs and photocopies are never acceptable.
Will TSA accept a picture of my ID?
Currently, all passengers must continue to have physical IDs on hand. If a digital ID cannot be verified at the TSA security checkpoint, a passenger must use an acceptable physical identity document (e.g., driver's license, passport) for identity verification.
Can I fly with my birth certificate?
TSA will accept only the following birth records:
A birth certification card that meets the requirements of a Birth Certificate or abstract (see below) (Birth Registration or Notification cards are not acceptable); or. An electronic “Birth Certify” birth record obtained through NAPHSIS/EVVE.
What are two forms of ID for a job?
- A non-expired United States passport or United States passport card.
- An indefinite resident card.
- A non-U.S passport that has a provisional I-551 stamp or an I-551 printed compromise on a machine-comprehensible immigration visa.
What are the new TSA ID requirements?
All states are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards. TSA continues to urge travelers to obtain a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license, state-issued identification card or another form of acceptable ID before May 7, 2025 to avoid delays at airport security checkpoints.
Can I use my social security card to get a passport instead of birth certificate?
Can you get a passport without a birth certificate? Yes, but you'll need additional secondary evidence of citizenship documents to prove that you are indeed a U.S. citizen. There is specific paperwork that you need. Remember you cannot use a Social Security Card, driver's license or voter registration card.
What's not allowed in carry-on bags?
With the exception of balls, many pieces of sporting equipment, such as baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, martial arts weapons, hiking poles, and tent spikes/poles, are prohibited from carry-on luggage and must be transported in checked baggage.