What ID is required to travel within USA (via Flight) – Question from Reader.
Air Travel – TSA ID Requirements
As per TSA following ID are accepted to fly within USA
Acceptable IDs include:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS “Trusted Traveler” cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DOD civilians)
- Permanent Resident Card
- Border Crossing Card
- DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
- Drivers Licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- A Native American Tribal Photo ID
- An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
- A foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Non-US/Canadian citizens are not required to carry their passports if they have documents issued by the U.S. government such as Permanent Resident Cards. Those who do not should be carrying their passports while visiting the U.S.
Passport Required for Air Travel?
I usually recommend taking passport, even if you have State ID or Drivers License.
TSA would let you clear the security check with state id or drivers license, but its safe to have your passport.
If you are planning to travel near US border, then make sure you take your passport with you.
If you are in Alabama, passport is MUST. New immigration laws requires people to show documents related to legal stay in USA.
If you don’t have the documents, you can be arrested (just like Mercedes Benz executive).
I flew from Los Angeles to New York. I was advised to carry Indian passport with valid visa and my I-20 followed by number of my DSO. At the airport they just saw my passport’s front page, not even the visa or anything else. Anyhow for safety concerns its always better to carry what your college DSO advises! Especially DO NOT TRAVEL WHEN YOU ARE OUT OF STATUS OR TRYING TO REGAIN YOUR STATUS. Some airport officials are jerks and they can deport you right away without listening anything. (My DSO told me!)
A very helpful post to Indians who are already in USA.