All passengers 18 years of age and older are required to show either a REAL ID or a TSA-acceptable form of identification (such as a Passport or Passport Card) at airport security checkpoints in order to fly domestically. Travelers without a REAL ID or an acceptable ID may use TSA ConfirmID for a $45 fee to verify their identity.
View a list of acceptable forms of identification on TSA's website.
At SJC passengers now have a quicker, more convenient way to verify their identity at TSA checkpoints with Apple’s Digital ID. Eligible passengers can store their U.S. passport information securely in Apple Wallet – no REAL ID-compliant license required – and confirm their identity using Face ID or Touch ID. Simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near a TSA reader for seamless verification. Note: a physical passport is still required for international travel.
The REAL ID deadline was May 7, 2025 and beginning February 1, 2026, if you don’t have a REAL ID or an acceptable identification*, you have the option of paying a $45 fee for TSA ConfirmID to attempt to verify your identity; however, there is no guarantee TSA can do so. This includes TSA PreCheck® passengers.
The TSA ConfirmID process takes approximately 10–30 minutes on average to complete and $45 fee allows you to use TSA ConfirmID for up to 10 days from the date of travel listed on the receipt. TSA recommends enrolling in ConfirmID and paying in advance to help avoid delays.
*Acceptable forms of identification include, but are not limited to:
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- DHS Trusted Traveler Card
- Photo ID issued by federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
- Enhanced Tribal Cards
- REAL ID/Enhanced Driver's License
View a complete list of acceptable identifications.
View our step-by-step guide on how to get your REAL ID.
TSA ConfirmID is a fee-based service launching February 1, 2026. Travelers who have lost their ID or don’t have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification can use TSA ConfirmID to verify their identity before boarding flights for a $45 fee. The fee allows travelers to use TSA ConfirmID for up to 10 days from the date of travel listed on the receipt.
Please note: Using TSA ConfirmID is optional. If you choose not to use it and don't have an acceptable ID, you may not be allowed through security and may miss your flight. Fraud or other criminal activity regarding this process will be processed under federal penalties.
If you do not have an acceptable form of identification and have not paid the fee prior to arriving at the Airport, you will be required to leave the security line to complete payment. After completing the process, you must re-enter the security line at the end and be prepared to present your receipt at the checkpoint. TSA recommends enrolling in ConfirmID and paying in advance to help avoid delays.
TSA currently accepts IDs that are expired up to two years, but allow extra time for additional security screening. You can see a full list of acceptable IDs on the TSA website.
TSA’s job is to make sure you are who you say you are. In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly (domestic travel only). The TSA officer may ask you to complete a form to include your name and current address and may ask additional questions to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You may be subject to additional screening. For more instructions and information about valid forms of identification, visit the TSA website.
The quick answer is "no," at least if you leave the country. An expired passport is not accepted for overseas travel. If your passport has expired or will expire within the next six months, you must renew it. You should contact your nearest embassy to start the renewal process.
Escorts for unaccompanied minors may be arranged with your airline, fees may apply. If you wish to escort your minor child to the gate only, a gate pass may be issued by the airline. To obtain a gate pass, proceed to the airline ticket counter and explain to the ticket agent you are escorting your minor child to the gate. If granted, be prepared to have a valid ID and to comply with all security processes and restrictions.
Note: gate passes cannot be authorized in advance and are issued at the discretion of the airline ticket agent.
Every airline and airport may have different rules, so it's always best to phone the airline first to obtain any special instructions. Visit our Airlines page for a list of the airline’s hours and phone numbers.
For Military: Gate passes are usually issued at the airline ticket/check-in counter. You will need the passenger’s name, flight number and a government issued photo ID. If you are escorting a departing military service member, they should have their military orders available as well as government photo IDs for everyone over the age of 18. If you require assistance, let an airline employee know that you wish to obtain a gate pass and explain the circumstances. Be sure to allow plenty of time before flight departure and/or arrival to account for check-in and security screening.
Who will be considered for a gate pass?
- A parent with a child flying alone – known as unaccompanied minor (under 18)
- A companion for a passenger that has a disability (perhaps to push a wheelchair, etc.)
- A companion for a passenger with special needs (can’t understand signs and/or instructions or perhaps needs a sign language interpreter)
- A companion for a passenger who is elderly and may become confused or disoriented
- Family members of military service personnel who are reporting for duty or arriving home from active duty
Note: gate passes cannot be authorized in advance and are issued at the discretion of the airline ticket agent.
To sign up for TSA PreCheck, you must submit an online application and schedule an in-person appointment that includes a background check and fingerprinting at an enrollment center. Visit TSA's PreCheck website to submit an application and learn more. Note, TSA PreCheck approval may take up to 60 days and SJC does not have a TSA PreCheck enrollment center.
To sign up for CLEAR, you can either start the enrollment process online and finish at a CLEAR kiosk or you can complete the entire process at a CLEAR kiosk at SJC. Visit CLEAR's website to enroll and learn more.
CLEAR now offers in-person TSA PreCheck® enrollments and renewals at the Terminal B Security Checkpoint, available Sunday–Friday from 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 4:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. No appointment required.
Yes. CLEAR is available in both Terminal A and B security checkpoints.
CLEAR Terminal A Hours
Sunday - Friday: 4:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday: 4:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
CLEAR Terminal B Hours
Sunday - Friday: 4:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday: 4:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Visit TSA's website to learn more about what you can and cannot bring through security screening.
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States.
- Terminal A checkpoint opens at 4 a.m.
- Terminal B checkpoint opens at 4:15 a.m.
Standard closing time is 11 p.m., but TSA coordinates with the airlines to remain open when there are late departures.
TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID is a new technology designed to make the security screening process faster, easier and more convenient for eligible travelers.
With Touchless ID, TSA PreCheck passengers who opt in can verify their identity at select security checkpoints without presenting a physical ID by using secure facial comparison technology.
Currently American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines are participating in Touchless ID at SJC.
You must be enrolled in TSA PreCheck with a valid Known Traveler Number (KTN) and have a valid passport.
Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and passport information to your airline profile (via the airline’s website or mobile app).
