A Stressful Airport Experience: No Id, Now What?

Forgetting your ID before a flight can be stressful, but there are ways to get through airport security and board your flight without one. While TSA requires adult passengers aged 18 and over to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint, there are alternative forms of ID that are accepted, such as a passport card, a trusted traveler card, or a Defense Department ID. If you don't have any acceptable alternate forms of ID, a TSA employee will ask you to complete an identity verification process by filling out a form and answering questions to confirm your identity.

Characteristics of not having an ID at the airport

Domestic flights without ID

As of May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights. This means that a regular driver's license may not be enough, and it must be REAL ID-compliant. This rule applies to anyone 18 years old or older.

REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include:

• A REAL ID-compliant driver's license, identifiable by a star in the upper corner (a gold or black star, a white star with a gold or black circle, or a gold bear with a white star)
• A U.S. passport
• A U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

If you arrive at the airport without valid identification, 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. This may also be subject to additional screening, including a pat-down and screening of carry-on property.

International flights without ID

As of May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights. This means that a regular driver's license may not be enough, and it will need to be REAL ID-compliant. This rule applies to state-issued IDs and licenses used to fly within the U.S.

REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you are unsure whether your ID is REAL ID-compliant, you can check with your state department of motor vehicles. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It also prohibits certain federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting licenses and IDs from states that do not meet these standards.

If you are flying internationally, a U.S. passport, passport card, or Global Entry card will be required. A U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents, and a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) are also acceptable forms of identification. An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs), is another option.

If you arrive at the airport without valid identification, you may still be able to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing personal information such as your name and current address. However, note that this process is not guaranteed, and starting in May 2025, the TSA will no longer offer alternate verification methods.

Identity verification process

It is important to carry a valid ID when travelling to the airport. Adult passengers aged 18 and above must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint. However, if you do not have your ID, you might still be allowed to fly but will have to go through an identity verification process. This includes answering questions and providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal details to confirm your identity. You will also be subject to additional screening, including a pat-down and screening of your carry-on luggage. It is important to remain calm and answer all questions truthfully and calmly.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a list of acceptable forms of identification at the TSA checkpoint. These include a driver's license or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). From May 7, 2025, travellers planning to use their state-issued ID or license to fly within the US must have a REAL ID-compliant card. A REAL ID-compliant card is one that meets the minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards as established by the REAL ID Act. If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you can check with your state department of motor vehicles.

Other acceptable forms of ID include a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveller cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID, an acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe (including Enhanced Tribal Cards), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766), and a U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential. It is important to note that a weapon permit or a temporary driver's license is not considered acceptable identification.

The TSA also accepts variations in suffixes on boarding passes and IDs. For example, if there is a suffix on the boarding pass and not on the ID, or vice versa, this is considered an acceptable variation. However, if your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.

Alternative forms of ID

As of May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights. This includes state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards issued by a REAL ID-compliant state. If you are unsure if your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles.

However, if you do not have your ID with you, there are alternative forms of identification that may be accepted. Firstly, it is recommended that you arrive at least three hours in advance of your flight time. You will be subject to additional screening, including a pat-down and screening of carry-on property. The TSA has identified acceptable alternative identification for use in special circumstances, but these are not guaranteed to work. Some alternative forms of ID include:

• Credit cards: If your card has your photo on it, this may be your fastest ticket through security. Otherwise, a TSA agent may pull you aside to call the card's 800 number and allow you to answer security questions.
• Costco card: Costco membership cards feature a black-and-white photo of the cardholder, which may enable access through security.
• Work security badge: If you have undergone a background check for your job, this may be sufficient identification for the TSA.
• Police report: If your wallet or passport has been stolen, filing a police report and carrying the paperwork with you may be your only hope of getting through security.
• Photographs of your ID: Taking photos of your ID prior to traveling and storing them on your phone can help you prove your identity.

REAL ID compliance

As of May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, or another acceptable form of identification, to board federally regulated domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards, aiming to enhance fraud protection, anti-terrorism measures, and overall security.

To ensure REAL ID compliance, individuals should check the upper right-hand corner of their licenses or ID cards. REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards will display a star, indicating their acceptance for official purposes. Non-compliant IDs will bear the words "NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES" in the same location, clearly stating their limitation. It is important to note that even if your ID is non-compliant, you may still be able to use it for domestic travel until May 7, 2025. After this date, a REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification will be mandatory.

If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card, you can apply for one at designated locations, such as your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The application process typically requires submitting valid, original documents that prove your identity, including full legal name and date of birth, as well as your lawful status in the United States. Additional documentation, such as a marriage license or court order, may be necessary to verify any name changes.

It is worth mentioning that certain alternative forms of identification are also accepted in place of a REAL ID. These include a valid U.S. passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), a U.S. Department of Defense ID, and an acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs). State-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant may still be used for domestic travel until the deadline, after which a REAL ID or alternative form of identification will be required.

Frequently asked questions