You get to the airport for your cross country trip and have done everything you can to prepare to go through X-ray as quickly and easily as possible. You’re all ready to go up to the TSA agent so you reach for your wallet to get your ID and…it’s gone. Was it stolen? Was it lost? Did you somehow leave it at home? Whatever happened to it, it doesn’t matter. The point is that it’s gone, your flight’s in 90 minutes and now you won’t be able to fly, right?
Well, maybe not all is lost.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Those forms of ID include:
- Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
- 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
- Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
- 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
Kids under 18 don’t have to show ID if they’re with a companion in the U.S.
Heads up that neither a weapon permit nor a temporary driver’s license are acceptable forms of ID. Also keep in mind that beginning May 3, 2023, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., it HAS to be REAL ID compliant. If you’re not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
Here’s what the TSA has to say if you don’t have your ID on you for whatever reason:
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. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information 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, to include a patdown and screening of carry-on property.
You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, you chose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.
TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours in advance of your flight time.
So there you go.
Although they don’t specify it, I doubt you’d be able to get through the TSA checkpoint if you’re traveling outside of the country and don’t have your passport. Or even if you could, you wouldn’t be able to get back in, because you’d need your passport to leave that country. But for domestic flights that keep you within the U.S.? It should be possible, provided you pass the identity verification process and don’t cause a fuss during the additional screening.
Want to comment on this post? Great! Read this first to help ensure it gets approved.
Want to sponsor a post, write something for Your Mileage May Vary, or put ads on our site? Click here for more info.
Like this post? Please share it! We have plenty more just like it and would love it if you decided to hang around and sign up to get emailed notifications of when we post.
Whether you’ve read our articles before or this is the first time you’re stopping by, we’re really glad you’re here and hope you come back to visit again!
This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.