Any passenger traveling overseas must present a passport at the airport when entering and leaving the country. A passport is an identification document, in the form of a booklet, that is recognized worldwide; it contains a person's picture, home country and what other countries that person has visited in the past. This document can be obtained from a variety of locations, including a local embassy, courthouse or passport agency. Applications may take up to six weeks to be processed, so travelers must plan well in advance.
Passport cards may be used to verify a person's identity when traveling by air, but they may not be used for international travel. A passport card is an alternative form to a passport that is less cumbersome than a regular passport booklet. The card is available exclusively in the U.S. If you already have a regular passport, you may apply for a passport card online at the Department of State website. If not, you must apply for a regular passport first; you will be given an option to receive the card at the time of application. Passport cards are renewable for up to 10 years for individuals over 16 years of age, and up to five years for minors under the age of 16.
The most common forms of air travel identification are state driver's licenses and identification cards. They are issued by a state Department of Motor Vehicles office only after the ID holder goes through proof of identification. State identification cards are given to individuals without a driver's license, including minors. Although the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires only individuals who are over 18 to provide proof of identification, obtaining a state ID card for a minor may help speed the security screening process at an airport.
A U.S. Military Identification Card is another form of valid ID for air travel. A military ID is given to individuals who are active duty personnel, retired military and Department of Defense civilians. Anyone carrying a military ID is not required to remove their shoes during airport security screening.
A permanent resident card, or green card, allows non-U.S. citizens to travel by air. They are given to individuals who are allowed to work and live in the country. Cards are given by the Department of Homeland Security; obtaining one will differ according to a person's situation.
