photo id for train travel

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Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.

• Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.  
• State-Issued Drivers License or State-Issued ID
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• 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
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• 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)

In coordination with its DHS counterparts, TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for use in special circumstances at the checkpoint.

A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.

Learn more about flying with a REAL ID .

TSA currently accepts expired ID up to a year after expiration, for the above listed forms of identification. DHS has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. Learn more about REAL ID on  TSA’s REAL ID  webpage.

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.

Don’t Have Your Acceptable ID?

In the event you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification (whether lost, stolen, or otherwise), you may still be allowed to fly.

The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.

You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed.

TSA recommends individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least three hours in advance of their flight time.

Names With Suffixes

TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and ID. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass, and there is not one on the ID or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.

If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.

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How to get a REAL ID and use it for travel

The REAL ID Act is a law that sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards (IDs).

Why upgrade your license to a REAL ID?

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you have not upgraded your driver’s license or state-issued ID to be REAL ID-compliant, you will not be able to use it to:

• Board federally regulated commercial aircraft
• Access federal government facilities or military installations
• Enter nuclear power plants

Visit the REAL ID website for more details and frequently asked questions.

Check to see if your license or state ID is already REAL ID-compliant

If your driver's license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, it is already REAL-ID-compliant. There is nothing more you need to do.

How to get a REAL ID

When you apply for or renew your driver’s license or state identification card, you can choose to make it REAL ID-compliant. Find and visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see what documentation you will need. Your new card will have the REAL ID star marking at the top right.

Do you need a REAL ID to fly?

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 . 

Can you still get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID?

You will still be able to get a driver's license or state ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant. But you will not be able to use it for air travel or to get into federal facilities or military installations. Find and visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see how to get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID.

LAST UPDATED: May 23, 2024

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

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Amtrak Identification Requirements

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Amtrak is a passenger railroad service provider that covers medium to long-term distances throughout the city in the United States as well as Canadian Cities. The Amtrak headquarters is located towards the Union Station in Washington, D.C.

Amtrak is known to operate in more than 500 places in the 46 US states and 3 of the Canadian provinces. It operates more than 300 trains on a daily basis and works an additional 132 miles of track. Amtrak has employed over 20,000 people and serves more than 31.7 million passengers. According to research, almost about 87,000 passengers take Amtrak on a regular basis.

There are certain requirements while boarding the Amtrak , which have been listed below:

Valid Photo ID

Customers who are 18 years of age or older than 18 must present a valid photo ID during the following instances:

• Exchanging, refunding, or reprinting Amtrak documents
• Storing and checking baggage at stations
• Using Amtrak for sending shipments
• Traveling to Canada
• Guardian signing a release form for an unaccompanied minor
• Traveling as a pass rider or purchasing any documents

Furthermore, you should also carry a valid ID with you if you wish to board the Amtrak. The following are considered as valid IDs:

• Photo ID issued by the government
• Driver’s license
• ID Card issued by the government
• Health ID card
• Military card
• Student ID card
• Jobs photo ID

The Amtrak also conducts various random tickets and ID checks, so make sure that you have everything in place at all times. One of the members of the crew onboard will be making these random checks. You can also purchase a ticket on board for a certain fee.

Moreover, the baggage of all passengers will be tagged with ID. There are a few baggage restrictions for the safety and comfort of all passengers. You can get free ID tags at the station as well.

Traveling From US to Canada

If you are traveling internationally from the United States to Canada, you will have to present a valid ID. According to the Americana and Canadian law enforcement, trains that pass by the border are subject to inspection. You will have to present information about the number of passengers traveling with you as well as your country of origin. The information which you provide will be then reviewed by the customs and immigration officials. It is essential to carry the documents and the identification which was recommended at the time of reserving the tickets. Make sure that you have the original documents with you as the authorities available over there will not accept copies or pictures on your mobile device.

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• Amtrak Forums
• Guest Forum for Amtrak Questions

Is State issued temporary Photo ID acceptable to board?

• Thread starter Shhh
• Start date Feb 26, 2019

Help Support Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum:

• Feb 26, 2019

 Hello, I am wondering if the temporary I.D. paper cards that are issued that include: A bar code, picture, watermark, signature, birth date, and the date of expiry (while still valid,) is acceptable for boarding an Amtrak train?  Also, just out of curiosity, on longer routes i heard that there are designated smoking cars for consumption of cigarettes?  Thank you for your response.    EDIT BY MODERATOR:  removed personal email address for privacy issues  

Permanent Way Inspector

No smoking anywhere on any Amtrak trains anymore. You can smoke only at the designated smoking stops.  

Guest Shhh said: Hello, I am wondering if the temporary I.D. paper cards that are issued that include: A bar code, picture, watermark, signature, birth date, and the date of expiry (while still valid,) is acceptable for boarding an Amtrak train? Click to expand...

Guest Shhh said: Also, just out of curiosity, on longer routes i heard that there are designated smoking cars for consumption of cigarettes? Click to expand...

CaptainOzone

The smoke stops are about 4 hours apart but you might get more if the train is ahead of schedule.   

Court Jester

cpotisch said: They hardly ever check for an ID of any kind when boarding, so I'm sure any official ID (temporary or permanent) will be more than sufficient. Click to expand...

To be valid, your identification must be current and in-force. The following forms of identification are acceptable for persons 18 and older: One piece of photo identification issued by a government authority, or Two pieces of identification, at least one of which is issued by a government authority Examples of acceptable forms of ID include: State or provincial driver's license Passport Official government-issued identification (federal, state, city or county government or foreign government) Canadian provincial health card ID card with photo Military photo ID Student identification (university, college or high school photo ID) Job Corps photo ID Click to expand...

Ryan said: I've bolded the part that appears to apply.  Since your government ID doesn't have a photo, you'll ned something else. Click to expand...

I see that now.  Sounds like he meets the requirements.  

Ryan said: I've bolded the part that appears to apply.  Since your government ID doesn't have a photo, you'll ned something else. Click to expand...

Amtrak Rider

JRR said: Once in Winter Park, I was asked for an ID" when boarding, my wife wasn't. Being on a senior fare, do you think I looked too young?? (Don't tell my wife I said that!). Click to expand...

Amtrak says nothing about temporary photo ID not being acceptable.  This isn't the TSA requirement for ID, and I understand that some states issue temporary driver licenses on paper with a printout of the photo that will go on the plastic ID card. I have heard that some businesses won't accept temporary ID for proof of age when purchasing alcoholic beverages.  However, it wouldn't seem to violate any state requirements, but is just a private corporate policy.  

• Feb 27, 2019

Just wondering, but what is any Amtrak personnel going to do if they see a temporary photo ID?  Is there any likelihood that if they ask for it and see an official but unfamiliar ID they balk at it?  Some of the ID that are on the list include student ID where there are probably tens (hundreds?) of thousands of possibilities if high high and every single college ID is possible.  

I always find the need for a photo ID to be "not expired" strange. If my driving licence was acceptable last week, why not accept it as ID next week?   

caravanman said: I am always stunned by the amount of I.D. one needs in the "Land of the Free"... I can purchase a ticket with cash here and travel from one end of the UK to the other without "Let or Hindrance". (And without ID... ) Ed Click to expand...

Last time I boarded the Sunset at New Orleans they meticulously checked everyone’s ID. Happens occasionally.  

jis said: Last time I boarded the Sunset at New Orleans they meticulously checked everyone’s ID. Happens occasionally. Click to expand...

50+ Year Amtrak Rider

I've had my ID Checked Everyime I've boarded in NOL.(Sunset,CONO,Crescent)  

When we boarded the CONO last summer, neither my wife nor I had our IDs checked.  

Devil's Advocate

BCL said: Is there any likelihood that if they ask for [identification] and see an official but unfamiliar ID they balk at it? Click to expand...

caravanman said: I always find the need for a photo ID to be "not expired" strange. If my driving licence was acceptable last week, why not accept it as ID next week?  Click to expand...

seat38a said: Random ID check's are a TSA recommended thing per the link above. Remember those god awful incidents in New York, DC and Penn 17 years ago? Click to expand...

pennyk said: Thinks Jis for "jogging" my memory.  I believe that is where and when (July 2018) when ID was checked upon boarding. Click to expand...

Devil's Advocate said: seat38a said: Random ID check's are a TSA recommended thing per the link above. Remember those god awful incidents in New York, DC and Penn 17 years ago? Click to expand...

I.D. questions

 I thank everyone for there advice. that was really helpful!  

Guest I.D. questions said:  I thank everyone for there advice. that was really helpful! Click to expand...

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• Onboard, seating and at the station

What qualifies as valid ID for travel?

Train travel within the uk, train travel on eurostar.

You will need to provide a valid passport to travel, babies and children must also have their own passport.

Train travel across mainland Europe

Carriers require a valid passport or EU identity card (EU citizens) that includes your full name, birthdate, and a photo.

Attention:  If you plan to book a journey in Spain you will need to enter your passport details.

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How can i buy and add tickets for my touch smartcard.

There are various ways to buy and add tickets for your smartcard.

You can buy weekly , monthly , monthly plus  and annual season tickets  (including London Travelcards ) and Flexi Season tickets  through our website. You can also sign up for our monthly auto-renewal scheme and Tap2Go .

When buying your ticket online, it will be available to add onto your smartcard from the station where it will be available after two hours. Add the ticket by ‘touching in’ on the yellow reader on the gate or validator. It is important that you allow time for your ticket to added onto your smartcard. Just hold your smartcard still on the yellow reader for a few seconds and remove it when the gate opens or when the reader makes a bleep sound and shows a green light. We suggest adding your Flexi Season ticket when you want to make your first journey as it will also activate a day pass.

Buy Flexi Season tickets, weekly season tickets, monthly season tickets, single and return train tickets through the SWR app. In ticket delivery options choose ‘Load ticket onto smartcard’. Once you’ve paid for your ticket, it can be added to your smartcard from all Android operating systems with NFC and iPhones with iOS 13 or later. You can also pay using Apple Pay , Google Pay  and PayPal.

Alternatively, in the case of Flexi Season, weekly and monthly season tickets, you can choose to collect season tickets from the station where it will be available after two hours when you ‘touch in’ on the reader on the gate or validator.

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You can buy weekly, monthly and monthly plus season tickets , and daily tickets for your smartcard straight away using self-service ticket machines outside the London Travelcard area. The machine will ask you to add your ticket onto your smartcard after buying it. You do this by holding the smartcard on the ticket machine reader and waiting for confirmation that the ticket has been added. It’s important that you add your ticket onto your smartcard before you get on the train.

You’ll need to enter your National Rail photocard number and postcode when buying a season ticket at a ticket machine.

Ticket office

You can get a free smartcard and buy a range of tickets for your smartcard including season tickets, Flexi Season and day tickets from a growing number of our ticket offices. You can find the list of stations  here .

If you are buying your ticket from a ticket office your ticket will be added onto your smartcard before you leave the counter.

Please note

Auto-renewal monthly season tickets (which automatically renew each month) and pay as you go Tap2Go tickets  are only available online. Flexi Season tickets are available online, on the SWR app  and from our ticket offices. You can only buy daily single and return tickets from the SWR app, station ticket machines and a growing number of ticket offices.

How do I use my smartcard?

Once your tickets are added onto your smartcard you can travel as normal.

Keep your smartcard away from other cards (like building passes, contactless bank cards, Oyster cards etc) as they can stop it from working. You can keep your smartcard in a wallet as you pass through the gates, but make sure it’s stored on its own.

Remember to touch in and touch out

You must ‘touch in’ and ‘touch out’ when you start and finish your journey. Simply touch your smartcard on the yellow reader on the gate or validator.

A National Rail Photo ID is required when travelling with a season ticket (except Flexi Season tickets) and should be presented when requested. Your local station can create one for you if you provide a passport photo.

Checking your smartcard

To check you have a valid ticket on your smartcard before you travel, hold your smartcard on the reader at any self-service ticket machine outside the London Travelcard area or ask at the ticket office where available. You can also download the free National Rail Smartcard Manager app in the Apple App Store  or Google Play Store  that will allow you to check your smartcard using your smartphone.

Where can I use my Touch Smartcard?

You can use your smartcard for single, return and season train tickets on the South Western Railway network  and most journeys across Britain, but check using the National Rail smart map  before you buy your ticket.

If you have a zones 1-6 London Travelcard  added onto your smartcard, you have unlimited travel within London on the Underground, Overground, TfL Rail, Docklands Light Railway, buses, trams, and most National Rail services in London.

Which tickets can I buy from my SWR app to add onto my Touch Smartcard?

You can currently buy Flexi Season tickets , weekly season tickets , monthly season tickets , single and return train tickets to add from the SWR app  onto your smartcard.

Digital eTickets  are also available if you’re buying single and return tickets on the app.

How do I buy a ticket from my SWR app and add it straight onto my smartcard?

Buy your ticket in the SWR app  and in ticket delivery options choose ‘Load ticket onto smartcard’.

Once you’ve paid for your ticket, it can be added to your smartcard. We recommend placing your smartcard in the centre on the back of your phone.

This is available on all Android operating systems with NFC and iPhones with iOS 13 or later.

Do I need to add the ticket from my SWR app onto my smartcard straight away?

We recommend adding your ticket as soon as you have bought it.

If you'd prefer to add it later, your ticket will be stored in ‘My Tickets’ in the app.

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