Key Takeaways
• Active military can use a Common Access Card (CAC) or DoD ID for U.S. domestic flights, even after May 7, 2025.
• REAL ID Act rules don’t affect DoD-issued CACs, which remain valid for airport security at all TSA checkpoints nationwide.
• TSA PreCheck is free for active duty; enter your DoD ID number when booking airline tickets to access faster security screenings.
This FAQ is designed to help active military personnel understand what identification is needed for domestic flights within the United States 🇺🇸. You’ll learn which military IDs are accepted at airports, how the REAL ID Act affects your travel, other valid documents you can use, and special benefits provided at security. The answers address questions about changing rules, choices for ID, and tips for a smooth travel experience for active duty members.
Most Popular Questions
- What ID can active military personnel use to fly within the United States 🇺🇸?
- How does the REAL ID Act affect military IDs for air travel?
- What is a Common Access Card, and does it work for flights?
- Can active military use TSA PreCheck, and how?
- What other IDs are accepted for domestic air travel?
- Are there special requirements when traveling on military orders?
- What if my DoD ID doesn’t have an expiration date?
- Where can I find more information about military IDs and air travel?
1. What ID can active military personnel use to fly within the United States 🇺🇸?
Currently, active military personnel can use their Department of Defense (DoD) Common Access Card—often called a CAC—as a valid form of ID at airport security. This card is accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint for all domestic flights. There’s no extra step—just show your Common Access Card to airport security officers.
For those who prefer other forms of identification, active military members can also use:
– U.S. passport book or passport card
– REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license (marked with a star on the upper part)
– Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
– Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
If you travel with family who are not active military, keep in mind their ID requirements may be different.
2. How does the REAL ID Act affect military IDs for air travel?
Starting May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act will fully go into effect in the United States 🇺🇸. This law sets new standards for state-issued IDs used for flying within the country. Many people worry they’ll need to get a new driver’s license, but there’s good news for military members: the Department of Defense ID, including the Common Access Card (CAC), will still be accepted as ID for domestic air travel, even after the law takes full effect. You won’t need to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license if you already have your CAC handy.
Note:
– The REAL ID Act only changes rules for state-issued IDs. If you use a military ID, you may keep using it for domestic flights.
– The Common Access Card stays valid for TSA even after May 2025.
To read more about the REAL ID Act and its airport requirements, visit the TSA’s official REAL ID page.
3. What is a Common Access Card, and does it work for flights?
A Common Access Card, or CAC, is the ID card issued to active military personnel by the U.S. Department of Defense. The card is used for building entry, computer access, and health services, but it also serves as a legal ID for TSA checkpoints at airports. The CAC features your photo, your DoD ID number, an expiration date, and security features. TSA accepts this card for all domestic flights, regardless of whether the REAL ID Act is in effect.
4. Can active military use TSA PreCheck, and how?
Yes. Active duty military personnel, including members of the Coast Guard and National Guard, can use TSA PreCheck—a faster security line available at most major airports. This means you do not need to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets, and you can keep liquids and laptops in your bags during screening.
How to use TSA PreCheck as an active military member:
– Enter your DoD ID number from your Common Access Card into the Known Traveler Number field when buying your plane ticket.
– The airline will place a TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass.
This program is free for active duty military. If you have questions, TSA provides more detailed steps on their official website for military travelers.
5. What other IDs are accepted for domestic air travel by military personnel?
Active military personnel have more than just their CAC when flying inside the United States 🇺🇸. Here are accepted items:
– U.S. passport or passport card: Both work, but a passport card is cheaper and fits in your wallet.
– REAL ID-compliant driver’s license: Most states now issue these; look for a star in the corner.
– Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL): Only some states offer them, but these meet federal travel rules.
– Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC): Useful for military members who work in shipping or transportation.
You can choose from any of these. Just be sure the ID has your photo, full name, date of birth, and an expiration date.
6. Are there special requirements when traveling on military orders or using military fares?
If you’re using a military discount fare or traveling because of official military orders (like a temporary duty assignment or changing your home station), you’ll need to have a few extra things:
– Your DoD Common Access Card (CAC)
– A printed or digital copy of your official orders. This could be:
– DD Form 1610 (which lets you travel for temporary duty)
– Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders
Airlines may ask to see both your CAC and your orders at check-in or before you board. Keep these documents handy, as having the right paperwork prevents delays.
7. What if my DoD ID doesn’t have an expiration date? Will TSA accept it?
Some Department of Defense IDs—especially for retirees or certain civilian contractors—might not have an expiration date. Recently, the TSA introduced a machine called Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) at many airports to check IDs more closely. Studies found that CAT machines sometimes have trouble reading DoD IDs with no visible expiration date, and those cards might not work for air travel.
However, active duty Common Access Cards do have clear expiration dates and shouldn’t have this problem. If your CAC is current, TSA will accept it at domestic checkpoints. If you have an indefinite DoD ID, you may want to bring a passport, state driver’s license, or other backup ID just in case.
Important:
– TSA recommends all travelers bring more than one form of identification if possible, in case a card is damaged or unreadable.
8. When will the REAL ID Act rules take full effect?
May 7, 2025. That’s when stricter rules for state-issued ID cards kick in across the United States 🇺🇸. If you only have a state driver’s license for travel, check if yours has a star marking that shows it meets REAL ID standards. But if you’re active military, your Common Access Card and other approved DoD cards remain valid for flying domestically. There is no need to get a new license just for flights.
9. Do family members of active military need different IDs?
Yes. Spouses and children who are not active duty won’t be able to use a Common Access Card for flying. They’ll need to provide:
– REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license
– Passport book or card
– State-issued ID card that meets REAL ID standards
Check each family member’s documents before traveling so everyone meets TSA rules.
10. Are there any known problems with military IDs at airports?
Indefinite DoD IDs—those with no set expiration date—can sometimes cause problems with TSA’s Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) machines. These machines read and check IDs for expiration dates and personal details. As stated by VisaVerge.com, active duty Common Access Cards are not affected since they always have clear expiration dates, but those with indefinite IDs (like some retirees) should be aware and carry a backup.
11. What should I do if TSA does not accept my military ID?
If a TSA officer does not accept your Common Access Card or other Department of Defense ID, ask if the ID can be checked by a supervisor. If problems continue, use a secondary form of ID such as a passport, passport card, or state driver’s license that meets REAL ID standards. It helps to keep several types of ID available when traveling.
12. Why do some military personnel use the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)?
Some military jobs require access to restricted shipyards or airports. The TWIC is a special ID card for workers in transportation fields—including some members of the armed forces. TSA also accepts this card as valid identification for air travel. If you have a TWIC, you can show that at security.
13. How do I know if my state driver’s license is REAL ID-compliant?
Check for a star-shaped marking on the upper part of your state driver’s license or ID card. This star shows that the card meets the REAL ID Act’s requirements. If your license has the star, it will be valid for flights after May 7, 2025. If your license doesn’t have it, you can use your Common Access Card, passport, or other approved IDs for travel.
14. What about traveling internationally as active military?
The rules above all cover just domestic flights within the United States 🇺🇸. For flights to other countries, all travelers—including active military—must use a passport book (not a card). A Common Access Card will not work at international passport control.
15. Where can I find more information or help?
For details about the REAL ID Act, other allowed IDs, and travel security, you can visit the Transportation Security Administration’s official page. For specific rules about active military travel, including TSA PreCheck use, see TSA’s military travelers section.
Common Misconceptions and Myths
- “I can’t fly without a REAL ID.” Incorrect. Active military can use their Common Access Card instead.
- “After May 2025, military IDs stop working for flights.” Incorrect. Your CAC and other approved DoD IDs still work at TSA checkpoints.
Summary and Next Steps
Active military personnel flying inside the United States 🇺🇸 have several options for identification. The Department of Defense Common Access Card remains the main and most widely accepted ID, now and after the REAL ID Act takes full effect in May 2025. Other choices include passport cards, TWIC, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, and REAL ID-compliant state licenses. TSA PreCheck is available for free using your DoD ID number.
Always double-check that your Common Access Card has a clear expiration date. Carry official orders when traveling on military assignments or discounted fares. Keep an extra ID like a passport or driver’s license as backup. If you need more details, the TSA official site provides helpful information for all travelers, including active military.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying updated on travel ID rules and knowing your options makes each trip easier and stress-free. If you have unusual situations or questions, reach out to the TSA, your base’s travel office, or your airline before your trip. Safe travels!
Learn Today
Common Access Card (CAC) → A secure ID issued by the Department of Defense for active military personnel, valid for entry and air travel.
REAL ID Act → A federal law requiring state-issued ID cards to meet specific security standards for use in domestic air travel.
TSA PreCheck → A program offering expedited security screening at airports, available free to active duty military using their DoD ID number.
Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) → Machines at airport security that authenticate IDs, sometimes unable to process DoD cards without expiration dates.
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) → A special ID for transportation sector workers, including some military, accepted as valid ID for air travel.
This Article in a Nutshell
Active military members traveling within the U.S. can use a Common Access Card or Department of Defense ID at TSA checkpoints—even after the REAL ID deadline in May 2025. TSA PreCheck is free with a DoD ID number. Always carry a backup ID, check document expiration, and confirm requirements for family and special military fares.
— By VisaVerge.com
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