Important Travel Tips/ Resources

Passports Right Now

At this time, the State Department says the passport application process is taking more than four months (18 weeks), and “expedited” service may only shorten the wait to three months, according to a release. This means passport processing times are three times as long as the average wait time before the pandemic. The State Department website indicates that the dramatic delays result from COVID-related issues and high demand.

People who need to renew their passports immediately can no longer book last-minute appointments online. To check if your client can qualify for an emergency appointment, you can refer to the table on the State Department “get it fast” passport HERE:

Be Proactive Now

Check when your passport expires. Many travelers assume that if their passport expires right after the end of their trip, they will be okay. Sadly, many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months before your entry date. While they don’t always turn everyone away in practice, they have that option. And with additional border controls in place now, it isn’t wise to take the risk.
If you need an emergency passport or renewal, do NOTdelay and BEGIN the process immediately
Check out the closest passport agency information near you.
Refer to a private service that specializes in handling expedited passports. This may set you back anywhere from an extra $60 to $400, another reason to keep on top of your passport expiry date.

INFORMATION FROM TSA.GOV

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

The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. TSA strongly encourages you check this list again before traveling, so you do not arrive at the airport without acceptable ID.

REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.
State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
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, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

REAL ID

As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.

Passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.

Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.

Don’t Have Your Acceptable ID?

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.

Expired ID

TSA currently accepts expired ID up to two years after expiration, for the above listed forms of identification.

Children

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. Contact the airline for questions regarding their specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.

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.