can u travel without id

UponArriving

Can You Get Through TSA and Fly with No ID? [2024]

Okay, so you messed up and don’t have an ID but you need to catch a flight. What can you do? Well, you might be surprised to find out that you still can board the plane even without an ID .

In this article, I will break down everything you need to know about getting through TSA without an ID. I’ll talk about both domestic and international flights and explain what the process is like for verifying your identity.

Table of Contents

Can you get through TSA with no ID?

Yes, you can get through a TSA security checkpoint and board your plane without an ID. However, you will be subject to an identity verification process which could require you to show two forms of secondary ID and these include:

Library card
Business card
Social Security card
Credit cards
Photo of an ID
Voter registration card
Prescription with your name on the label

In addition, you will likely subjected to heightened security screening, which could take you more time to get through security than normal. Keep reading below, and I will break it all down for you in more detail.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

IDs accepted by TSA

Before jumping in to the steps of what to do when you don’t have a standard ID (e.g., a driver’s license), first you should make sure that you don’t have an alternative form of ID that is accepted by TSA. TSA accepts over a dozen different types of identification , so chances are you might have one of these on you already.

Below is a list of IDs accepted by TSA:

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 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
State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
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
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Make sure that your name used for your booking matches your ID since changing your name on a ticket can be a challenge.

**Be aware that beginning May 7, 2025 , if you plan to use your state issued ID or license to fly within the US, it needs to be REAL ID compliant . They extended the REAL ID deadline many times in the past but it appears that this time, there will be no extension so make sure you are ready.

If you’ve gone through all of those possibilities and you still do not have any qualifying form of identification then it is time to go through the identity verification process with TSA. Don’t worry — it’s usually not that bad!

TSA Identification verification process

If you have not arrived to the airport yet, do your best to arrive to the airport extra early because the verification process could take a long time.

The standard recommended time for arriving before a domestic flight is two hours so logically you would want to arrive at least two hours prior to your departure. (I would shoot for 2.5 to 3 hours prior to the flight.)

But the time required might also depend on the type of airport you are at.

If you are at a well-equipped, larger airport with lots of resources the agents there probably have more experience with this identity verification process and so the process could be much more streamlined.

That may not be the case at a much smaller, regional airport. You could imagine how long the process described below could take if you are dealing with a TSA agent who has never had to deal with the verification process before.

If you are already at the airport and just realized that you do not have your ID, hopefully you are not in a rush. If you have very limited time (30 minutes to get to boarding) there’s a chance that there will not be enough time for them to verify your identity and you may want to go ahead and just reschedule your flight if possible.

But if you do have time to spare then it could be worth it to go through the identity verification process.

Related: TSA Checklist (Tips & PDF)

Identity Verification Call Center (IVCC)

If you realize that you do not have an ID your first step is to approach a TSA agent and let them know that you do not have an ID and that you would like to go through the verification process so that you can still board your flight.

They are likely going to ask you for the following:

Phone number
Social Security Number
Date of birth

They will also request for you to supply two forms of secondary ID . The secondary form of ID can take a lot of different forms and these include:

If your wallet or ID was stolen then it would be very helpful for you to have a police report to back up your claim. If you are traveling with family members who do have an ID and you have photos of you together with them that can also help bolster your case.

The more documents you can supply, the better.

In some cases, showing some of the above documents may be enough for your identity to be verified but in other cases it might not be enough.

TSA states that, “If your identity cannot be verified with the provided documentation, you may be required to go through an alternative identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information, and asking personal questions to help confirm your identity.”

You may also be asked to fill out a special form .

If your identity cannot be verified then a TSA agent may resort to the Identity Verification Call Center (IVCC).

In this situation, an agent on the other side of the phone will attempt to verify your identity and possibly ask you some personal questions. They will accomplish this by running your name against a database and looking for you to confirm answers to questions.

These questions could be similar to those identity verification questions that pop up when you attempt to do something like check your credit score on Credit Karma. But they also could be more random or a little bit deeper so be prepared to jog your memory as best you can.

If you are not able to answer the questions accurately or if you simply refuse to then you will not be able to proceed through the TSA security checkpoint and therefore you will not board your flight.

It’s worth pointing out that if you are traveling with an outstanding arrest warrant and you have to go through the identification verification process there is a good chance your warrant will be discovered and you could be arrested.

Get through security

After you have verified your identity, your journey is not complete. You will still need to go through the airport security checkpoint but you can expect to have to go through heightened security.

Most likely, a TSA agent will ask you to step aside while they go through the extra security steps with you. The exact process that you will have to go through will depend on the discretion of the TSA agents but some things that you can expect to encounter include:

Invasive pat down
Thorough search of all your belongings which means you will likely have to remove objects from your luggage
Extra x-ray scans

The process will likely be similar to what you would experience if you were to have SSSS on your boarding pass .

I’m not sure what happens if you don’t have an ID but you have TSA Pre-Check , which normally allows you to bypass the main security line. I highly doubt that they would allow you to get in the Pre-Check line but stranger things have probably happened.

Related: TSA No Fly List Explained

Boarding the plane

Once you get through the security checkpoint, you can finally make your way to the gate for boarding. Your boarding pass should have a note that you do not have an ID on you and that should be enough to substitute for your ID to get you on a plane.

If you want to visit an airport lounge like a Centurion Lounge typically they will ask to see your identification. It’s not clear to me if airport lounges will allow you to enter without a valid ID. But you would think that if your TSA authenticated identity is good enough for boarding an airplane, it should be good enough to stroll into a lounge.

Once you arrive at the gate area, I would recommend to quickly check in with an agent at the gate and let them know that you have a boarding pass with no ID but that you have been verified by TSA.

That should help prevent any confusion at the time of boarding just in case the agents are not familiar with how to deal with the process.

Don’t try anything “funny”

If you don’t have your ID with you or any other secondary forms of ID, you might be tempted to try to sneak your way through security or try some other type of “funny business.”

This is a very bad idea because in addition to a potential criminal violation, you could also get hit with a civil fine from TSA .

So even if you are under stress trying to figure things out, don’t make any false statements or do anything that could be construed as you trying to circumvent security.

International flights

The situation is much different for international flights. You must have a passport to leave the country in almost every circumstance. Therefore, if you do not have a passport then you will almost certainly be grounded.

If you are currently abroad and you do not have a passport you should contact the local embassy or consulate and they will be able to help you based on your needs.

In some cases, they can issue you a limited-validity passport that allows you to gain entry back into the US but does not come with full travel privileges to visit other countries. If you don’t have an ID and there is an urgent emergency you should be able to get your request expedited.

TSA ID FAQs

Unfortunately, most airlines will not refund your ticket if you simply lost your ID. You may be able to negotiate with them so that you can board a later flight.

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion that has acceptable identification.

Acceptable forms of ID cannot be more than 12 months past the identified expiration date. However, TSA has made exceptions and you can read more about expired IDs here .

There are a lot of different types of documents that can qualify as a secondary form of ID and some of these include: Library card Business card Social Security card Student ID Mail Credit cards Photo of an ID Prescription with your name on the label

Getting through TSA without an ID requires you to jump through a few extra hoops. As long as you give yourself enough time and comply with the process, you should still be able to board your plane without major issues. However, if you are departing on an international flight you likely will not be able to board your plane without a valid passport.

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

12 comments

My 15 yo grandson is flying back to his mom. I have to accompany him to the gate and hand him over to a flight attendant. He’s relocating permanently to his mother, but has no ID. Do I have to spend $32 for an ID from Georgia that he’s never going to use again?

I’ve seen conflicting information on this so it’s hard for me to give you a for sure answer. Can you share the airline he will be flying on? And does he not have any type of ID such as a student ID?

Birth certificate

I have two grandsons that I have custody of. I am going to purchase tickets from South West airlines for them to return home from visiting their father in Orlando, FL (well actually Vero Beach). I will picl them up in Columbus, OH. Are they able to fly with no ID? I know they do not have anything with them. They both have library cards I could send him and possibly those missing children photo ids from their school pictures. The older boy is 14 and the younger will turn 12 the day after the flight. Do I have to upload birth certificates to the airline or anything to put with their ticket and boarding pass at the gate?

I just had a death in the family and need to fly 2 states away. I just noticed my DL is expired by 14 months. I have two days to get to the BMV but they only give you an interim paper copy of your ID, then mail it to your home. Will the expired DL, the interim paper ID ( I dont drive anymore), a SS card, birht certificate get me through the TSA? The cost of this flight is outrageous so I want to be prepared in case they wont let me through

Hi Linda, sorry about your situation but I think you’ll be just fine with all of those documents. Just give yourself extra time to get through security.

My son just passed away last night & his 20 year old daughter does not have a drivers license, just an expired permit (2020). She has a birth certificate, prescription meds with her name and an invoice with her name and address. Will she be able to fly to get here for her dad’s service?

I just went to get my ID and I’m not sure if It would come in time. I have the receipt from going to get it and I have birth certificate and social would that be enough if my Id doesn’t come.

My boyfriend is currently in federal prison in California and has to fly home to Oregon soon, he has been told by his counselor they will drop him at the airport if I arrange a flight for him which I have done. They say his federal prison ID is enough, is this correct? He does additionally have his Social security card and birth certificate. I just don’t want him to encounter any problems as he’s nervous enough already.

I’m a US citizen and lost my photo ID while on a domestic trip. Called TSA and they will allow me to fly home with alternative ID. Question- will checking a bag be a problem?

Is it possible to go through the identification verification process before the day of your departure?

I am a French Citizen, I lost my passport and VISA before my flight to go to vacations.

Do you think not being a US citizen will be an issue for TSA?

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How to Fly Without an ID

Last Updated: January 6, 2023

This article was co-authored by Dhenu Maru . Dhenu Maru is an Immigration Lawyer, as well as the Founder and CEO of SwagatUSA, LLC. With over 10 years of experience, she specializes in family immigration and business immigration. She earned her law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and her BA in Philosophy & Child Development from Tufts University. She was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers for 2017, 2018, and 2019. She earned the title of Super Lawyer in 2021 and has been selected again for 2023. This article has been viewed 20,220 times.

If you have to catch a flight and you’ve lost your ID, don’t panic yet. If you’re flying within the US, you may be able to get through TSA by showing alternative forms of ID and verifying your identity. If you’re abroad and lost your passport though, you will have to apply for a replacement passport at the nearest consulate or embassy.

Verifying Identity for Domestic Travel

Step 1 Arrive at the airport 2 hours earlier than usual to go through extra screening.

If you’re flying internationally, don’t bother attempting to fly without a passport. Extra time isn’t going to cut it.

Step 2 Bring items that can verify your identity.

expired IDs
credit cards
a photo of your ID
Costco membership card or other card with your photo on it
mail with your home address
prescriptions
police report about missing license if it was stolen. [2] X Research source

Step 3 Provide the TSA officer with identity-verifying information.

Explain to the officer right away that you don’t have your ID and are willing to go through the additional screening process.
If TSA is unable to verify your identity, they won’t let you proceed through security.

Step 4 Go through security if you make it through verification.

Try your best to stay calm and patient through this process, even though it is frustrating.

Dealing with Lost Passports For International Travel

Step 1 Don’t attempt to return to the US without a passport.

If it was stolen while you were abroad, fill out a police report.

Step 2 Get an emergency passport even if it’s for a child.

If you can’t get an appointment in time, you may have to reschedule your travel plans, so make an appointment as soon as you realize your passport is lost.

Step 4 Apply for a passport at an embassy or consulate with the necessary documents.

If your flight is in a few days, you should ask for an emergency passport.

Step 5 Obtain your replacement or emergency passport.

Expert Q&A

Starting October 1, 2020, if you plan to fly with the US with a state-issued ID, you will need to make sure it is REAL ID compliant. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
↑ https://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/safety-tips/can-you-fly-without-a-drivers-license-or-identification-card-if-they-were-lost-or-stolen/
↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/lost-stolen-passport-abroad.html
↑ https://traveltips.usatoday.com/identification-need-kids-fly-102282.html

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Can You Fly Without an ID?

By Jessica Puckett

Can you fly without an ID? If you have to ask, you're probably finding out the hard way. But what really happens if you lose your ID before a domestic flight—or show up to the airport, only to realize it isn't in your wallet? How about the too-late epiphany that your driver's license has officially expired?

The first step is to avoid panicking. You have a few options to still get through the security checkpoint and onto your plane for flights within the US.

There are several types of IDs that will work for boarding a domestic flight. Chances are, you have at least one of them at home or in your wallet, even if your driver's license mysteriously goes missing. If those aren't an option—or you're already at the airport—you can explain your situation to the TSA representatives at security, and they will likely work with you to get your identity verified through alternative means.

Here, we break down what types of IDs are allowed for domestic trips , how to get through security without an ID, and how the forthcoming Real ID law will change some of these protocols.

Read on for your complete guide to ID requirements for domestic flights.

Which IDs work for a domestic flight?

A driver’s license is the most commonly used ID to get through security on a domestic flight. But there are several other IDs that are valid at the TSA checkpoint as well.

The TSA has a full list of all the IDs it will accept for domestic flights on its website. Many of the alternatives are federal IDs, like a US passport or passport card (yes, they work to board domestic flights, too!). You can also use an ID card from a federal “trusted traveler” program. These include Global Entry cards or those for the NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST programs. Permanent resident cards, foreign government-issued passports, and federal IDs issued by a Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe are also accepted.

If you’re in the process of renewing a driver’s license, however, be aware that the TSA does not permit temporary driver’s licenses to be used as an acceptable form of ID.

What happens if you lose your ID or forget to bring it to the airport?

If you don’t have your ID with you when you get to the airport, TSA officers can likely work with you to confirm your identity in another way. Explain your circumstances to the TSA officer at the podium—and be sure you are polite and clear.

The officer will likely ask you to provide personal information that they’ll check against databases they have access to. This could include your name and current address, as well as other data specific to you. If the officers feel they have enough information to confirm your identity, they’ll allow you into the screening area. Once there, however, you will be subject to additional screening protocols, including a pat-down and a look-through of through any carry-on items.

The whole process—from confirming your identity to completing the screening—can be quite lengthy (yet another reason to get to the airport early).

If you’re habitually forgetful and would like a trusty fallback for your physical ID, there’s new technology rolling out that can help. “If your state allows you to use a digital ID, you can do that as well for backup,” says Brett Snyder of Cranky Concierge .

TSA has also partnered with Apple Wallet to allow certain travelers in some states to use a digital ID on their iPhone or Apple Watch. The technology is currently available to TSA PreCheck passengers in Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, and, most recently, Georgia. Although the system is designed to authenticate IDs in the Apple Wallet app, there’s a chance TSA officers might still need to view your physical ID, which could cause a snag in the process if it’s lost.

How will the Real ID regulations change these rules?

Real ID is a forthcoming requirement that all passengers must have new and enhanced federally compliant IDs when traveling on domestic flights—these are updated versions of state IDs and driver's licenses that require more documentation to acquire—and, as part of that, many existing IDs will no longer serve as valid identification. (Read the full rules and requirements for Real ID here .)

After several delays during the pandemic, the regulations are set to go into effect on May 7, 2025. Once in place, the stricter ID rules could mean more complications for travelers who lose or forget their IDs. According to the TSA, passengers who show up at the airport without a Real ID-compliant form of identification after May 7, 2025, will not be allowed through the security checkpoint.

That means that, in theory, TSA officers will no longer work with travelers who forget their ID to confirm their identity in other ways. "TSA has no plans to provide an alternate verification process to confirm a traveler’s identity," TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said in a past statement about the Real ID rules. "Counting on TSA to provide that option to travelers who do not have a Real ID-compliant driver license or identification card is not a good strategy."

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

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Traveling Without ID? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Flying within the U.S.

International travel.

If you’re only traveling domestically, you’re in luck. The only real inconvenience will be getting to the airport about an hour before you normally would.

Surprisingly enough, you can still get your boarding pass and check luggage without showing one of the 14 forms of ID acceptable to the TSA.

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Get in line for security and when it’s your turn to show your ID and boarding pass, explain that you lost it or that it got stolen. They’ll call for back up to verify that you are indeed ID-less (photocopies of ID are no help). Then, a TSA agent will pull you aside, make a phone call, and then ask you a bunch of third party questions that you, in theory, would only know the answers to, like the make and model of your car and your social security number. Once you pass the test (don’t sweat it, you will), you sign a paper saying you told the truth, and then go through security with an extra inspection of your carry-on luggage and a pat down. And that’s all.

If you’re traveling abroad, losing your passport is a bit more of a sticky situation. You might actually make it past airport security with a driver’s license or other government issued ID, but you won’t get past customs or a border without your passport (or passport card for Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean).

The first two things to do are to notify the local U.S. embassy and get a police report (if that’s even possible where you are). Each embassy works on their own timeline but to make things go by more efficiently , it will help to have a photocopy of your lost passport, confirmation of your flight, a police report, and two passport photo IDs (two by two inches, and make sure your face is centered and not shadowed, with a white background). They should work with you so that you don’t miss your flight home, but some embassies are better than others, so get the process started as soon as humanly possible.

Oddly enough, losing your driver’s license while on a road trip can be the most annoying to work out. Why? Well, it’s illegal to drive without having your license on you, no exceptions—passports, credit cards, student IDs, social security cards, nor birth certificates count. Of course there shouldn’t be any problems if you obey all traffic laws, but if that tail light decides to die, or there’s a strict sheriff on patrol who flags you going a few miles over the speed limit, depending on the state , you can get anything form a ticket to jail time.

How you’re treated depends on the cop who pulled you over. The best way to get on their good side is to get a police report stating that your license was stolen and to have another form of government issued ID like a passport to prove that you’re legit.

You should also contact your state’s DMV to get a temporary license. Each office works on their own pace but they usually won’t send them anywhere but to the address on the actual ID. If you applied online, screen grab the confirmation or make sure you get one emailed and print it up. If you have enough time, you can have someone at home mail the temp to your current location.

Image credit: Grempz /Flickr

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Over the course of the past several decades, many have traveled to the sunny, laid-back climes of Thailand and thought all this place is missing is weed—myself included. For the sake of accuracy, weed always has been available there, but it has notoriously been accompanied by stiff penalties for those caught selling or enjoying it. And Thai prison is an infamously terrible place to end up. Marijuana laws around the world have been loosening up recently, however, leaving many to wonder—would Thailand legalize weed?

Then in 2022, a change finally came. I didn’t realize it until I was walking down the street in Chiang Mai and passed a shop that had the weed version of the Bat Signal: a glowing neon pot leaf. I stopped short. Wait—Is weed legal in Thailand?, I wondered aloud. And happily, yes, it is. To that end, here’s what you need to know.

After two years of little to no international travel due to border closures and other Covid-related restrictions, last year brought globetrotting roaring back — so much so that many airports struggled to cope with the surge. Similarly, in 2023, travel will continue to grow toward pre-pandemic levels as even more people become comfortable looking abroad, so now seems like a good time to dive into the big 2023 travel trends to come.

The way people travel is changing, not only in regards to how they do it but why they travel as well. This is having a major impact on the realm of travel in general. So without further ado, let’s peer into the crystal ball and take a look at the not-so-distant future and the travel trends we expect to see in the new year.

Significant changes were coming for travelers in 2023. But they’ve been scrapped before we could even say “Happy New Year.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended the REAL ID deadline by 24 months, backing up the date for full enforcement of the new regulations from May 3, 2023, to May 5, 2025.

Can you get through airport security without ID?

Editor's Note

Arriving at the airport to discover you've forgotten or lost your ID is every traveler's worst nightmare. Here's how to handle it and (possibly ) still make your flight.

Packing for a trip can be stressful enough — especially with checked bag fees on the rise for several airlines . While forgetting something simple like a toothbrush is easily solvable at your destination, showing up at the airport without a valid ID would fill the best of us with pure panic.

Related: What to do if you lose your passport while traveling internationally

In this scenario, remain calm. All hope may not be lost if you can't find your ID, but the Transportation Security Administration isn't just going to let you through the checkpoint because you have an honest face.

TPG went straight to the source and asked a TSA spokesperson for advice on what to do if you arrive at the airport without your ID.

Can you still fly without your ID?

The good news is that you may still be allowed to fly even if you lose or forget your ID. "The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process to confirm your identity and allow you to enter the screening area," the TSA spokesperson shared with TPG.

What exactly does that process entail? According to the TSA website, you must provide additional information that confirms your identity to the TSA officer. This is usually information available in public databases, including information about yourself, your family members or where you live. "Identity verification remains a lynchpin in security screening, so being able to verify that the person at the checkpoint is the same person with the boarding pass is essential," the TSA spokesperson said.

You will likely also need to show something with your name on it, like a credit card or a work ID badge.

What should you do when you get to the airport if you don't have your ID?

Notify a TSA officer as soon as you realize you don't have your ID. This is one of several reasons travelers should arrive at the airport early.

Whether it's a long line at the security checkpoint or you get flagged for additional security screening, things may not go according to plan. Getting to the airport early gives you time to navigate any issues that could arise — and provides any extra time you may need if you forget or lose your ID.

Do you still need your ID at the airport if you have Clear?

In short, yes. Clear's expedited security program typically uses biometric data, like your fingerprint or an iris scan, to verify your identity. However, you may still need to show your ID in certain circumstances . Clear representatives sometimes perform random ID checks; if you don't have yours, you will be required to complete the additional security screening process before you can fly.

"By arriving in advance of their flight time, passengers can better manage the stress of travel and any delays that may present themselves over the course of travel," the TSA spokesperson said.

Is there a possibility you won't be able to fly without your ID?

"You will not be allowed to access the screening area if your identity cannot be confirmed, you choose not to provide proper identification, or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process," the spokesperson said.

If you cannot properly answer the questions asked during the verification process, you likely will not be allowed to fly. If that happens, you may need to cancel your flight and rebook, giving yourself enough time to secure a new ID (or find your lost one).

You must renew your passport in person at a passport acceptance facility if you have lost it. Some of these facilities allow walk-ins, while others require an appointment. It isn't unheard of for travelers to drive to other states if they urgently need an appointment. You will also need to pay an additional fee for expedited renewal.

Check your state's motor vehicle registration website for instructions if you need to replace a driver's license. Many will allow you to complete the replacement application online, but some states may require you to visit in person. However, you cannot fly with a temporary ID, so you will need to wait until you receive your permanent ID in the mail before you can fly.

These are the acceptable forms of ID at the TSA checkpoint

While a passport or driver's license are the most common forms of identification travelers bring to the airport, you can use other acceptable forms of ID at the TSA checkpoint. As written on the TSA website , the full list of acceptable IDs includes:

Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
State-issued Enhanced Driver's License
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
Department of Homeland Security 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
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
Veteran Health Identification Card

Remember that beginning May 7, 2025, your ID must be Real ID compliant .

Bottom line

We're not going to sugarcoat it: You need to do everything you can to avoid showing up at the airport without your ID.

Even if you can fly, it will cause stress at the airport and take additional time to get through security. That said, it is reassuring to know the TSA has a plan in place for situations where your ID is lost or stolen.

What to Do If You Lose Your ID Right Before a Flight

Don't panic.

There are few travel nightmares more terrifying than arriving at the airport without proper identification. If you're currently freaking out in the departures hall, take a deep breath. Although it will likely be an inconvenient process, you'll probably be able to fly even if your government-issued photo ID has been lost or stolen.

Arrive at the airport as early as possible. Passengers traveling without a form of identification will have to go through interviews with TSA officers to establish their identity and most airlines will not refund tickets for people who missed their flights due to a lost ID.

The first step is to explain your situation to an airline representative at the counter. Come prepared with additional forms of identification (credit card, photo business card, student ID, even mail or prescription medication with your name and address). Once the airline representative is satisfied that you are who you say you are, they will issue a boarding pass with a note that you don't have an ID.

Pass through to security and explain the situation to the TSA agents. An agent will likely take you to a second room for additional security screening. "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," according to the TSA website .

If the agent is able to confirm your identity, you will be allowed to pass through security after additional screening.

The process becomes more difficult when flying abroad, as individual countries decide whether or not to allow travelers without identification. Travelers who lose their IDs abroad should immediately contact the closest U.S. embassy for assistance in replacing their passports.

Although it may be too late, the best defense is preparation. If your ID was stolen, obtain a police report. This will detail when and where your identification went missing (providing some proof to your story) and confirm your identity. Travelers should have a photocopy or digital scan of their identification easily accessible. (Consider storing this in a private Dropbox account.) Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before leaving for a trip. It will make it easier to get help from the embassy while abroad.

And most importantly: Remain calm and courteous. Airline, security, and immigrations employees are all more likely to help get you on your flight if you're being cooperative.

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Planning to Fly? You’ll Need This ID.

For years, the government has warned travelers they will need a security-enhanced Real ID to board domestic flights, and for years the requirement has been delayed. Now they mean it.

By Debra Kamin

It’s a change nearly 20 years in the making: a post-Sept. 11 law requiring that U.S. travelers carry more than a standard driver’s license to board a domestic flight. Now, after years of delays, it is finally kicking into gear.

Beginning May 3, 2023, U.S. travelers flying within the United States will need to show Transportation Security Administration agents either a security-enhanced driver’s license that’s Real ID-compliant or another T.S.A.-approved form of identification like a passport. A state driver’s license that does not contain the Real ID seal will no longer be accepted.

What is Real ID, anyway?

Real ID is a driver’s license or identification card that bears a special seal, which signifies that the bearer of the card has been screened and approved according to a standard set by the federal government, rather than just by the state issuing the license.

Why is this change taking place?

In the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, the U.S. government realized that nearly all of the hijackers who boarded commercial planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a field in Shanksville, Penn., were carrying U.S. driver’s licenses and state IDs, and most of those documents had been obtained fraudulently.

In the years that followed, the federal government began an effort to tighten national standards for state-issued documentation, and in 2005, Congress passed the Real ID Act. The act sets minimum standards for driver’s licenses and other types of identification cards. Once the law kicks into gear, any traveler who wishes to use a driver’s license or state-issued ID at a T.S.A. checkpoint must make sure that it is Real ID-compliant.

“The findings of the 9/11 Commission clearly identified gaps in security management of state-level procured identity cards and driver’s licenses,” said Frank Harrison, the North America regional security director for World Travel Protection , a risk management company. “The Real ID Act provides a national framework of screening and approval to ensure consistency and integrity of programs. In other words, each state will maintain authority over their ID issuances, but they collectively will adhere to one standard of practice.”

The Real ID Act was initially set to be enforced in 2008 and has been delayed a number of times.

“It’s remarkable how long it has taken for this to come into effect,” said Scott Keyes, the founder of the travel platform Scott’s Cheap Flights . “It’s been decades in the making.”

How do I know if my license is a Real ID?

The easiest way to tell is just to look at it. Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses have a star, usually in gold or black. The stars look slightly different on each state’s licenses — in California, it sits on top of an image of a bear, which is the state animal.

A license that is not Real-ID compliant will not have a star in the corner, and some will also have the words “federal limits apply.”

Can I get a Real ID regardless of where I live?

Real ID-compliant licenses and identification cards are now being issued in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia and the majority of U.S. territories. American Samoa is not yet issuing them.

What do I need to get a Real ID?

Each state has a different process for applying for a Real ID, so applicants should check requirements online. New Yorkers can visit a special Department of Motor Vehicles page detailing the process; many other states, including California and Texas, offer similar sites either through their D.M.V. or government portals. In most instances, you can get a Real ID by visiting your local D.M.V., either as part of a standard license renewal or by filling out a special application.

But no matter where you live, to apply for a Real ID or change your license over, you’ll need to provide a Social Security number, prove your address through documents like a utility bill or bank statement, and verify your identity through a handful of additional documents like a birth certificate or passport.

In many instances, there is no additional cost to receive a Real ID if you’re already renewing your license, although some states charge extra — in Pennsylvania, for example, it’s an additional $30 on top of the renewal fee.

If I don’t get a Real ID, can I still fly?

Yes. There are a number of other forms of identification that T.S.A. agents will accept for domestic air travel starting in May. These include a passport, a permanent residency card (also known as a Green Card), or the card for trusted traveler programs, including Global Entry and NEXUS , which allows pre-screened travelers to transit quickly across the United States-Canada border.

In addition, a handful of states — Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Washington and Vermont — offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses , or E.D.L.s. Some travelers may prefer to opt for these over a Real ID because they can also be used at some land or sea border crossings. They provide proof of U.S. citizenship, much like a passport, and are equipped with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip that can display biographic and biometric data on the owner, including facial image, gender, date of birth and citizenship status, to U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.

E.D.L.s are Real ID-compliant, as well, although instead of a star, they have an American flag. The flag’s location varies by state.

E.D.L.s can be used by travelers crossing land and sea borders to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, but they can’t be used in lieu of a passport if you’re traveling anywhere by air.

Do children need a Real ID?

No. The T.S.A. doesn’t require kids under the age of 18 to show any identification right now when they’re traveling domestically with an adult.

For international travel, children of all ages are required to carry passports and that will continue.

Can a Real ID be used as a replacement for any other form of identification, like a passport?

It can’t. For the vast majority of travelers, becoming Real ID-compliant will be a matter of simply updating their driver’s licenses. Real IDs cannot be used at any international border, including land crossings with Canada and Mexico, and they can’t be used for sea travel on a cruise, either. International travelers will still be required to carry a passport.

Should I be concerned about my personal privacy?

Maybe. Many organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union of New York, have decried the Real ID Act as a threat to personal privacy and an overstep of information gathering on the part of the federal government.

“A lot of the security and privacy concerns revolve around the fact that it’s pushing every state’s D.M.V. into a national database,” said Anaya Robinson, a senior policy strategist for the A.C.L.U. of Colorado. “If someone were to hack that singular database, they could get the personal information of anyone.”

For undocumented immigrants who seek out driver’s licenses so they can legally operate a motor vehicle, the shift to Real ID also presents a threat, Mr. Robinson added. “There’s a severe privacy concern in the immigration space of the federal government, Homeland Security and I.C.E. being able to access that information,” he said.

In addition to centralizing personal data like addresses and citizenship status into a federal database, the cards also carry a machine-readable zone that can be scanned for information on the card owner’s identity, which detractors say also presents a risk of identify theft.

But only 37 percent of Americans have a passport, according to estimates from the U.S. State Department, so if you plan to fly after May 2023 and don’t want to scramble with alternative documentation, you’ll need to update your driver’s license.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places for a Changed World for 2022.

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the American flag on Enhanced Driver’s Licenses. While the flag often appears in either the upper right corner or the bottom right corner of a driver’s license, in some cases it appears elsewhere on the license, depending on the state.

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the star that indicates a driver’s license is Real ID-compliant. While the star is usually in the top upper corner of the license, occasionally, as in the instance of Alabama licenses, it is not.

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Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai: Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto: The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland: The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas: Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Guide for Undocumented Individuals Traveling in the U.S.

Themes/Topics: Law & Policy

Geography: California, National

Audience: Ally, Educator, Undocumented Youth

Introduction

Traveling in the U.S. can be a complicated and stressful process for anyone—even more so if you’re undocumented! But it doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re thinking of traveling as an undocumented person (with or without DACA) and are curious about how to travel safely, read on. Safe travels, undocu-travelers!

Introduction Domestic Flights Ground Transportation: Public Buses & Trains Ground Transportation: Driving Traveling to U.S. Territories

Domestic Flights

All travelers flying on a domestic flight must present a valid (unexpired) photo ID issued by the state or federal government. Undocumented individuals may use the following forms of ID accepted by TSA:

State photo identity card
State driver’s license
Military ID
Foreign passport (must be unexpired 1 )
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Employment Authorization Card
Trusted traveler cards such as the NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST cards issued by the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”)
Border-crossing cards
Native American tribal ID cards
Airline or airport photo ID cards issued in compliance with TSA regulations and transportation worker ID credential

For a full list of TSA-acceptable forms of ID click here .

FAQ Regarding Domestic Flights

Yes, as noted above, the list of approved identification to fly domestically includes foreign government-issued passports (must be valid) and/or a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766). There have been reports of individuals who were not able to fly with these documents due to erroneous TSA agent denials. In such instances, inform the TSA agent that according to posted Transportation Security Administration guidelines, these are acceptable documents. Here is the link: tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

We recommend that you review TSA’s most up-to-date guidelines before your domestic flight.

Ground Transportation: Public Buses & Trains

There have been reports, especially during the Trump Administration, of Border Patrol agents conducting immigration checks without warrants on buses and trains, such as Greyhound and Amtrak. Although Customs Border Patrol (CBP) has publicly said that its agents are prohibited from boarding buses/trains and questioning passengers without warrants or a company’s consent, it’s a good idea for any passenger to be aware of the following rights:

You have the right to remain silent.
When in doubt, do not answer questions about your citizenship or immigration status or sign any paperwork without the advice of a lawyer. Do not lie – silence is often better.
If you have valid immigration papers, you can provide them. Never provide false documents.
You can refuse a search of your belongings by saying “I do not consent to a search.”
You have the right to record video of immigration agents.
If you are stopped or searched, you have the right to ask for the officer’s name / ID number.

FAQ Regarding Ground Transportation

Ground transportation: driving.

Like citizens, certain non-citizens may be eligible to drive legally. In some states, certain non-citizens are eligible to apply for a driver’s license. Check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to determine if you are eligible to apply for a driver’s license regardless of your immigration status. If you are stopped by either law enforcement or immigration enforcement while in your car, consider the following recommendations:

Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible. Turn off the car, turn on the internal light, open the window part way, and place your hands on the wheel.
Upon request, show the police your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
If an officer or immigration agent asks to search your car, you can refuse. However, if the police believe your car contains evidence of a crime, they can search it without your consent.
Both drivers and passengers have the right to remain silent. If you’re a passenger, you can also ask if you’re free to leave. If yes, silently leave.

FAQ Regarding Driving

Below are some noted checkpoints within California. Be prepared. Plan your route of travel and check before traveling.

San Clemente: located 7 miles south of San Clemente on Interstate 5.
Temecula: located 24 miles north of Escondido on Interstate 15.
Highway 79: located 1 mile west of Sunshine Summit.
I-8 West: located 3 miles east of Pine Valley on Interstate 8.
Highway 94: located 24 miles east of San Diego on California State Route 94.
Highway 78/86: located just south of the intersection of California State Routes 78 and 86, just west of the Salton Sea, controlling northbound traffic only.
Highway 111: located between Niland and Bombay Beach.
Highway S2: located 7 miles north of Ocotillo and I-8 in eastern San Diego County on S2 (Imperial Hwy/Sweeney Pass Road) between I-8 and State Route 78.

Traveling to U.S. Territories

Undocumented individuals who hold a temporary protection (e.g. TPS/DACA-recipients) may travel to the U.S. Territories without Advance Parole. However, it’s important to know where and how to safely travel overseas to the U.S. Territories.

IMPORTANT : Traveling to the U.S Territories without DACA, even though a person has never technically left the U.S., could result in a referral to ICE for removal.

You may also find the following information on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) website helpful.

[1] If you’re traveling with an expired license or passport you may still be able to fly. Acceptable forms of ID cannot be more than 12 months past the identified expiration date. Click here for more information.

This resource was created by Jesús Flores Rodríguez with editing support from Claire Calderón and Denia Pérez, Esq.

Immigrants Rising helps you make decisions based on your potential, not your perceived limits. Visit our website so you can see what’s possible: immigrantsrising.org . For inquiries regarding this resource, please contact Jesus Flores, Legal Services Coordinator, at [email protected] . Revised 9/2023.

Related Resource:

Guía para personas indocumentadas que viajan en EE.UU.

A man sits with a backpack on looking at the ocean from a log on the beach

Can You Fly Without an ID?

March 1, 2024

Any number of things can go awry when you’re trying to get your trip started: You realize after you’ve already left the house that you forgot to pack your toothbrush, your Uber hits traffic on the way to the airport, or once you finally get there, the security line is longer than you’ve ever seen it.

But nothing quite stacks up to forgetting—or maybe even worse, misplacing—your driver’s license and only realizing once you’re up next to talk to the TSA agent. If you’ve been there, you know. And if you haven’t, we’re knocking on wood on your behalf.

Before you (understandably) freak out, there may be hope.

Can you fly without an ID?

Chances are high! According to the Transportation Security Administration, you may still be able to fly if you arrive at the airport without a proper form of identification (see their website for a full list of valid forms of ID), though the process will be different than your typical security experience. TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled flight departure to give yourself enough time to complete the process.

You’ll need to go through an identity verification process, where you provide your name and address, among other personal information, to confirm your identity. If you have any other forms of identification on hand—credit cards, a paper license, a student or work ID, even prescription medication with your name on it—this can help.

Once your identity has been verified, you’ll then go through the security checkpoint, likely with extra attention from a TSA agent; note that you may be subject to a patdown, and your carry-on may need to go through additional screening.

Obviously, if you choose not to comply with this protocol or your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to go through security.

Checking in and checking a bag?

If you checked in for your flight online and are only bringing a carry-on with you, you can scoot through the front door to security and hope that TSA doesn’t give you a hard time. However, if you’ve left check-in until the day of, or need to check your bag at the airport, you might run into some other trouble, this time with the airline, if you don’t have your ID.

Typically, airlines require you to present a government-issued form of ID when checking in and checking your bag. Every airline is different, so there is no guarantee that you’ll have success, but you can kindly explain your situation to the airline agent and see if you can present other forms of identification to verify your identity, like with TSA.

If that doesn’t work, you may be able to employ the flat-tire policy.

Flat-tire policy

Airlines’ flat-tire policies are admittedly difficult to track down in writing, though there seems to be a general consensus within air-travel chat rooms that airlines try their best to rebook you on the next possible flight (at no additional charge) if you miss your original flight due to unforeseen circumstances .

Named after the unfortunate circumstance of getting a flat tire on your way to the airport, the policy often extends to other situations, like if you forgot your ID or showed up at the wrong airport (looking at our NYC friends).

There tends to be a time frame within which you must arrive at the airport after your scheduled departure time if you plan to employ the flat-tire policy. For instance:

American Airlines: Within 2 hours of scheduled departure
Delta Air Lines: Within 1 hour of scheduled departure
United Airlines: Within 30 minutes of scheduled departure

Head to the airline ticket counter and explain your situation. Agents typically handle these on a case-by-case basis, so it’s best to remain calm, kind, and helpful in these instances if you want to improve your chances of making it to the next step—security.

Digital IDs

For travelers in a select few states—like Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, and Georgia—you’re in luck. TSA is testing out processes where travelers can seamlessly navigate TSA with a digital ID (no physical ID needed).

No, a photo of your ID doesn’t count. It must be loaded into your Apple Wallet , Google Wallet , or a TSA-approved digital ID app in order to be eligible. Other states are working to implement these technologies, but in the meantime, if you’re from one of these states, go ahead and get your ID loaded onto your mobile device so you have a backup plan if you do forget your physical ID. (You should still bring your physical ID with you if you have it though.)

>> See the full list of participating programs and airports here .

Flying internationally?

If you’re flying internationally and turn up to the airport without an ID, chances are extremely low that you will make it on the plane. In fact, we’d advise against it. You’d have a difficult time in your destination without an ID (especially if you need a visa or have hotel, car, or other reservations), and it could make your life very difficult getting back to the states.

If you’re already in another country and lost your ID, you should contact the US Embassy in your destination immediately to work out an alternative form of identification to get you back into the country.

>> In another country and need to find a US Embassy? Here’s the full list of US embassies around the world, including addresses and phone numbers.

Published March 1, 2024

Last updated March 1, 2024

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Can You Fly Without An ID?

Good news for weary travelers.

How To Clear TSA Without An ID

Tips for getting through tsa without an id.

There comes a moment in every seasoned traveler’s life when they realize they’ve made a horrible mistake . The trick for getting through the unexpected challenge? Coming to terms with the fact that no trip is perfect. No matter many checklists and itineraries you’ve made, the nature of travel is unpredictability. So when you find yourself in a pickle, take a breath and roll with the punches.

As a travel editor, I’ve had my fair share of “uh-oh” moments, but on a recent trip, I had one of the biggest of my life. It was the last day of a trip to South Florida , and I was packing up after four days of fun in the sun, when my stomach dropped. My restful respite quickly became a panic-inducing nightmare upon realizing I had no idea where my wallet was. I spent the next couple of hours frantically searching the streets and local shops for my lost possessions only to come to the grim conclusion that it would not be found.

With a flight scheduled out of Miami for later that night, my mind began racing a mile a minute. The one repeated refrain: “How am I going to get home without an ID?” My driver’s license, credit cards, and every other form of identification I possess (other than my passport and social security card which fortunately were safely left at home) were in the lost wallet.

Anyone who has ever flown knows how strict TSA laws and screenings are, so how on earth was I going to get home without the required identification? Luckily, with a little extra time and the help of public databases, it is entirely possible to travel home on your booked flight.

According to the TSA website , if you arrive to an airport without valid identification (whether it was lost during the trip like mine, or if you simply left it at home), you may still be allowed to fly. Make sure you get to the airport at least two hours before your flight and enter the security line as normal. When you make it to the front of the line, explain your situation to the TSA agent and you’ll work together to complete an identity verification process that, in my opinion, was surprisingly simple.

The website states, “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 will be subject to additional screening, to include a pat down and screening of carry-on property.”

In my experience, this was exactly what happened. I stepped to the side and filled out a short form with my name and address. The TSA agent made a call to look up my identity, then asked me a few confirmation questions like the last four digits of my phone number, the state my social security card was issued in, and who else lived with me at my home address. I'll note that I attempted to show the agent a photo of my driver's license on my phone, but it didn't seem to affect the prescribed process.

After I answered the questions, I was free to move through the security line. My carry-on bags were subject to an extra screening process in which they were opened and swabbed for traces of explosives after exiting the scanners, but it was a small price to pay for getting home safely. All in all, the entire process only took about 10-15 minutes and was fairly stress free.

The biggest tip for getting through the process is to remain calm. Answer questions thoughtfully, truthfully, and calmly, and you’ll have no problem getting through. Remember, TSA agents are there to keep everyone safe, but they do want to help you get home. The agent I spoke with joked that I was the twentieth person who showed up to the airport without an ID that day and even said that a Sam’s or Costco membership card could have helped avoid the identification process.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you’re traveling with a family member or companion, they won’t be able to stay with you while you complete the verification process. Instead, they’ll progress through the checkpoint as normal and meet you just past the screening area.

Lastly, keep your phone in your pocket. It should go without saying, but refrain from talking on the phone, texting, or otherwise scrolling on your cell during the identification process. Part of the screening requires you to answer questions without aid from anyone or anything, so if you’ve got your phone open, it may interfere with the validity of your answers and jeopardize your clearance.

If you follow those simple steps and keep a cool head, you’ll be on your way to take-off in no time! Note: This only applies to domestic flights. If you're traveling to another country or back to the U.S. after time abroad, the process is a good bit more difficult.

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Meet your new ID. The one that's ready to fly.

Be your REAL ID self by May 7, 2025.

Countdown to REAL ID Enforcement

Are you real id ready.

On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

Find out if you’re REAL ID ready with our interactive tool!

Are you planning to fly domestically or visit a Federal facility after May 7, 2025?
Does your Drivers License / ID have a star (and/or flag) or say "Enhanced"?

You're REAL ID ready! You will need this ID to board domestic flights and may need this or another acceptable form of identification to visit federal facilities.

Do you have a passport?

A passport is an acceptable form of identification and may be used in lieu of a REAL ID Drivers License or ID to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities.

Click here to see if you have one of these acceptable forms of identification that may also be used to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities (link will open in a new window). Do you have one of these?
These alternate forms of identification may be used in lieu of a REAL ID Drivers License or ID at the airport to board domestic flights and when visiting federal facilities.

You're not REAL ID ready! Important: if you want to board domestic flights or visit federal facilities beginning May 7, 2025 you must have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. Click on your state or territory in the map below to visit your local DMV to learn more.

You might not need a REAL ID. Click on your state or territory in the map below to visit your local DMV to learn more.

Map out your path to REAL ID readiness by May 7, 2025.

Click on your home state or territory to make a plan with your local DMV to be REAL ID ready.

Map Image Here

Select a state or territory: -- Alabama Alaska American Samoa Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Northern Mariana Islands Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas U.S. Virgin Islands Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Deadline: May 7, 2025

clock This article was published more than 1 year ago

Lost your ID before a flight? Here’s what to do so you can still fly.

Internationally, you’ll still need a passport. but for flights within the united states, there are other solutions..

After a night out in Chicago, Traci Fox woke up to discover that her wallet was missing. And she panicked.

“I was supposed to fly home to Delaware two days later,” says Fox, a college professor.

Afraid she wouldn’t be allowed on the plane, Fox phoned her father, who overnighted her passport .

“The next morning, my passport and credit card arrived, plus $40 my father threw in,” she says. “I got on the plane just fine.”

There it is, one of the most enduring post-9/11 air-travel myths: If you don’t have a driver’s license or passport, you can’t fly. And although that’s certainly true for international trips, where you need a passport to cross a border, it’s not that way for domestic flights.

If you lost your ID, you’ll probably freak out, much like Fox did. But the good news is that you can still travel. And in the remote chance that you can’t, there are still options.

Pssst. Mobile Passport is the best-kept secret in air travel.

Can you fly without an ID?

If you show up at the airport without a driver’s license or passport, you may still be able to board your flight, according to the Transportation Security Administration .

TSA accepts several forms of ID, including a passport or a passport card; a trusted traveler card, such as Global Entry or Nexus; and a Defense Department ID. Also on TSA’s approved list: tribal IDs, foreign passports, Veteran Health Identification cards and even Merchant Mariner credentials.

If you don’t have any of the accepted IDs, you’ll be asked to show two alternative forms of ID. One of them must show your name and identifying information, such as a photo, address, phone number or Social Security number, according to TSA .

Real ID requirement for air travel delayed again

If you don’t have any acceptable alternate form of ID, a TSA employee will ask you to complete an identity verification process by filling out a TSA Form 415, also known as a Certification of Identity form. It asks for your full name, current address, signature and date. TSA uses that information to verify your identity.

If TSA can verify your identity through alternate IDs or a Form 415, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. But you may also receive a pat-down and a more thorough screening of your property, according to TSA.

What if you’re not let through security?

Even if you’re turned away at the security screening area, you still have options. Most airlines have an unofficial “flat tire” rule, which allows you to get rebooked on the next available flight at no extra charge. The rule, which gets its name from passengers who miss a flight because of a flat tire, could also apply to a lost ID. It would give you more time to find an acceptable ID and continue your journey. If TSA won’t allow you through security because of a lost ID, be sure to mention the flat tire rule to your airline agent when you return to the counter to get rebooked.

5 places to go without a passport

Options for travelers who have lost their IDs

There may be a new way to handle a lost ID: Three states — Arizona, Maryland and Colorado — now allow you to use digital IDs on your Apple devices such as iPhones or Apple Watch via the Apple Wallet app . At least two other states, Florida and Louisiana, have a digital ID option for driver’s licenses. And more states are in the process of adding digital ID choices, including Connecticut, Ohio and Utah.

TSA accepts mobile drivers’ licenses in some airports, including Baltimore, Dallas and Las Vegas , but their use is limited to travelers who are enrolled in TSA PreCheck and opted in to using a digital ID.

“With that said, we strongly encourage travelers to have their actual physical driver’s license with them, in case there is an additional need to verify someone’s identity,” adds TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein.

A photo of your ID doesn’t count. Laura Ericson, a travel planner from Baltimore who specializes in group trips, left her ID at home before a recent flight. She had digital copies of her license and passport, as well as social media apps with photos of her on her phone.

How to replace a damaged passport

“But the TSA agent would not take anything from my phone,” she remembers. “She asked if I had anything printed with my name on it in my luggage, such as mail. I ended up finding a prescription bottle and a rental car reservation with my name, which she accepted.”

TSA escorted her to a screening area, where she received a pat-down. Agents screened every item in her bag for explosives, which took an extra 30 minutes. But she made her flight.

The agency’s latest face-recognition technology, described by The Washington Post’s Geoffrey A. Fowler in a recent story, would not allow you to bypass the system, at least for now. Its new face scanners compare the image on your ID to your face, so they don’t work without an ID.

Can you check into a hotel or rent a car without an ID?

Even if you board the plane, you might have some trouble checking into your hotel or renting a car when you arrive. Many properties require both a valid government ID and the original credit card used to make the booking to check in.

But there are ways around that, too.

Some chain hotels have fully automated check-in processes. If you’re a member of the hotel’s loyalty program, you can check in without an ID, using a confirmation number or the company’s app. Similarly, being a member of a car rental company’s loyalty program means your driver’s license and credit card are stored in its system, so there’s no need to show your license to anyone. If you have a digital license, you can legally drive the car.

Want to check into your hotel early? Good luck.

“If you don’t have an ID to check into your hotel, give the hotel front desk a call,” says Lauren LaBar, a travel and experience lead at the travel app Upaway . “Hotels are typically flexible in allowing alternative forms of identification for check-in, especially for prepaid and prebooked stays.”

I’ve seen hotel receptionists quickly dismiss ID requirements as I fumbled for my passport during check-in. I can recall only one case in three decades of consumer advocacy where someone was turned away at a hotel because they didn’t have the right ID. Technically, they didn’t have the original credit card used to book the reservation. I negotiated an apology and a full refund for their hotel stay, so if it happens to you, you know whom to call.

The future of ID requirements

If you travel outside of the United States, it doesn’t take long before you see that there’s a better way. Passports and IDs are easy to damage or lose. Some countries are working on electronic versions, as I reported recently.

When I traveled from Cyprus to Israel this fall, a kiosk in Tel Aviv scanned my U.S. passport, and I passed through customs without even talking to an agent. Israel runs its threat assessments before you show up at the airport, allowing you to avoid the security hassle of domestic air travel. It was the easiest trip through customs ever — and in a country with a reputation for super-strict security.

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How to get a REAL ID and use it for travel

The REAL ID Act is a law that sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards (IDs).

Why upgrade your license to a REAL ID?

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you have not upgraded your driver’s license or state-issued ID to be REAL ID-compliant, you will not be able to use it to:

Board federally regulated commercial aircraft
Access federal government facilities or military installations
Enter nuclear power plants

Visit the REAL ID website for more details and frequently asked questions .

Check to see if your license or state ID is already REAL ID-compliant

If your driver's license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, it is already REAL-ID-compliant. There is nothing more you need to do.

How to get a REAL ID

When you apply for or renew your driver’s license or state identification card, you can choose to make it REAL ID-compliant. Find and visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see what documentation you will need. Your new card will have the REAL ID star marking at the top right.

Using REAL ID and other ID options to board a plane

If you do not upgrade your license or state ID, you can use a passport or one of these other acceptable forms of identification to fly .

Can you still get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID?

You will still be able to get a driver's license or state ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant. But you will not be able to use it for air travel or to get into federal facilities or military installations. Find and visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see how to get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID.

LAST UPDATED: December 18, 2023

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Pre-boarding identification requirements

On this page, domestic air travel, international air travel, canadian travel number.

Bring the right identification to the airport to help with a quick identity verification and check-in process.

Remember that the name on your identification must match the name on your airline ticket and boarding pass.

If you have Canadian identification

Bring one identification document issued by a Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government that includes your:

date of birth

If you don’t have an identification document that includes your photo, full name and date of birth:

Show two pieces of identification issued by a Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government that show your name.
One of these documents must show your full name and date of birth.

Valid identification documents issued by a Canadian government include:

citizenship card
permanent resident card
record of landing form/confirmation of permanent residence (IMM 5292 and IMM 5688)
immigration documents issued to foreign nationals (e.g., work permit, study permit, visitor record, temporary resident permit, refugee approved status)
birth certificate
driver's licence
health card
identification card
Canadian military identification
Certificate of Indian Status (status card)
Federal police identification
Firearms licence
Government employee identification cards (federal or provincial)
Old Age Security (OAS) identification card

You can't use hunting, boating and fishing licences as identification for domestic flights.

If you don’t have Canadian identification

You can use a travel document you used to enter Canada:

United States Permanent Resident card
Enhanced Driver’s License
any document referred to in subsection 50(1) or 52(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

Air Canada has introduced digital identification technology through the Air Canada mobile app. Select travellers from Vancouver International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport are eligible.

Learn more about the digital identification system. (AirCanada.com)

Bring one valid identification document issued by a government authority with your:

Valid identification documents include:

Canadian passport
Passport issued by a country where you are a citizen

Canadian citizens should always carry a valid Canadian passport when travelling outside Canada.

TSA Digital ID Is Here

Learn about TSA Digital ID and how to use it for a seamless travel experience!

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‘Indefinite’ Defense Department IDs Inconvenience Air Travelers, May Be Dropped As Acceptable Identification

Military identification cards displayed at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

Military retirees and some spouses or dependents whose next-generation Department of Defense identification cards have an "INDEF" expiration date continue to face problems using their IDs to traverse Transportation Security Administration checkpoints at U.S. airports.

And a potential solution under consideration at TSA -- that the agency drops the IDs, known as USIDs, as acceptable forms of identification when stricter travel requirements are implemented next year -- is sure to irritate those who like using their military IDs instead of a state driver's license or passport for travel.

Nearly a dozen military retirees have contacted Military.com in the past two years with concerns that their ID cards marked INDEF, meaning they have an indefinite expiration date, don't work with TSA screening technology in airports across the country.

Read Next: Pentagon's Second Review of Abbey Gate Attack Finds Troops Didn't See Bomber Before the Explosion

Former service members have run into the issue at Chicago O'Hare International, Seattle-Tacoma International, Orlando International, Tampa International, San Diego International and elsewhere.

According to TSA press secretary R. Carter Langston, the problem centers around USIDs that lack an expiration date. The "INDEF" designation cannot be read by the TSA's Credential Authentication Technology. When the CAT unit does not detect an expiration date, the CAT screen will display an "EXPIRED" alert, according to Langston.

The TSA officer is supposed to ask for another acceptable form of ID that can be read by the CAT unit, Langston said. If the passenger does not have another acceptable form of ID, the officer "will conduct manual inspection of the DoD ID presented as these IDs are currently acceptable forms of ID," Langston said in a statement.

The issue is largely a matter of inconvenience, since many people travel with a driver's license, passport or other form of identification.

But for DoD ID card holders, it could become a major problem beginning May 7, 2025, when all travelers and visitors to the U.S. will be required to have a passport, a state-verified REAL ID or another form of identification designated as acceptable by TSA.

Since the REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed, Defense Department IDs holders have been told their IDs are compliant and acceptable in lieu of a REAL ID and many have not bothered to get a REAL ID compatible state identification card.

They may need to or begin traveling with a passport, because given the ongoing issues, TSA is considering dropping DoD IDs from their list of accepted identification before the REAL ID requirement goes into effect, according to a source with knowledge of ongoing discussions between TSA and the Defense Department.

The Defense Department did not respond to a request for comment on the proposal, and Langston said he would not "confirm or deny discussions that are pre-decisional in nature."

But the proposal does not sit well among some former service members who spent decades serving their country and take pride in carrying a military ID.

"You can get on any military base in the country, but you can't get on an airplane with a military ID card? I don't agree with that at all," said a military retiree based in Washington state who requested that his name not be used to protect how he learned of the proposal.

The source added that the decision is not final and discussions were ongoing.

The Defense Department updated the new IDs, known as USID, for active-duty family members, military retirees and their dependents, reservists and Medal of Honor recipients in 2020, the first upgrade to the cards since 1993.

The USID cards look similar to Common Access Cards, which are issued to active-duty personnel, but they don't have a built-in chip. They were created to have durable lamination, full-color photos and enhanced security features to make them less able to counterfeit or misuse.

When the USIDs were introduced, TSA's scanning system was unable to read their barcodes. That issue largely was fixed in 2022 with a software update , and DoD ID cards work for most individuals whose cards have an expiration date.

But the problem continues for IDs with the "INDEF" date. And retirees aren't happy about it.

"It's been my assumption all along [that I could fly with a DoD ID card]," said the Washington-based retired officer. "I had an old ID until just a couple of months ago, and it worked just fine."

Related: Defense Department Expands ID Card Renewals by Mail to US-Based Retirees, Dependents

Patricia Kime

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Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

Passports on a map showing cruise lanes.

Getty Images

A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

Passport card
State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
Government-issued birth certificate
Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

Voter registration cards
Social Security cards
Baptismal papers
Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

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How to Travel Without an ID With Greyhound?

Willa Carson

March 15, 2023

Happy Wayfarer is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Greyhound is an intercity carrier bus that runs across more than 3800 destinations in North America. One of the oldest bus chains, Greyhound, is considered a safe method of travel, and it is to ensure the safety of the passengers that Greyhound ALWAYS requires identification proof to board the bus.

If you are reading this, we might as well ask you whether you are running short of some identification proof to be able to board your Greyhound bus? If that is the case, you must be looking for a workaround for your situation.

In this post, we will cover a few possible solutions to work your way around not being able to present proper identification proof when boarding a Greyhound bus. We will also give you a few tips that will definitely come in handy when traveling with Greyhound, and lastly, this post will cover the question which is better between Megabus and Greyhound, besides answering a few questions relevant to traveling in a Greyhound bus.

Can you travel with Greyhound without an ID?

Firstly, let us tell you beforehand that you can not travel without confirming your identity on a Greyhound bus. This is, however, different from traveling without an ID on a Greyhound bus. Most bus lines, when asking for ID proof, are looking to confirm not only your identity but also your age since many bus lines have a certain minimum age limit to use their transportation services.

So, what exactly counts as ID proof?

The identification source must have a proper photo of you, including a first and last name. The ID proof should also contain your date of birth, and most importantly, it should be issued by a government agency.

College IDs and other non-governmental IDs do not count as ID proof when boarding the bus.

How to travel without an ID with Greyhound?

As we have discussed before, it is absolutely mandatory to confirm your ID when you are boarding a Greyhound bus, or the agent has the complete right to abstain you from boarding.

So, what do you do if you do not have ID proof?

Use a State ID

If you do not have a driver’s license or some other ID proof, you can easily use your State ID for identification by a Greyhound agent. If you do not have access to any other government-issued ID proof, a state ID will work perfectly fine. However, you need to keep in mind that this works only for traveling within the States.

Pre-pay for the ticket

Now, this may come off as costly, but in order to be able to travel without certain ID proof, you need to pre-pay for your ticket, which costs an additional $18.00. When you pre-pay for your ticket, you are not only paying for the initial cost of traveling with Greyhound but also an additional fee which, as we mentioned, is $18.

Pre-paying is mostly a way to buy someone else a ticket from your end; however, this is a perfect solution if you are looking to travel without an ID with Greyhound.

How do you pre-pay for a ticket for Greyhound?

Pre-paying is just another way of ordering your ticket online. Go to Greyhound’s official website and choose ‘Book a Trip.’ Now, proceed as instructed until the point of making the purchase.

This is where you will enter the user information. Generally, the user is the person you are booking the trip for, but since you are using this method to have the Greyhound agents let you pass without an ID, you will be entering your own details.

Next, choose a password. Once you have made the purchase, your ticket will carry with it a confirmation number, which will be given to you on your screen and on your itinerary.

You will need both your password and a confirmation number in order to use the ticket. How exactly does this solve your ID proof problem?

The answer lies in the password. Instead of the ID proof, you will only need to give the password as chosen by you (or the person who booked your pre-paid ticket) along with the confirmation number. Voila! You are traveling with Greyhound.

Ring the customer support and ask them for a remedy

Considering that you have no ID proof whatsoever, you can call customer support to ask which alternatives they accept for confirming identity. If you can work with any of the alternative ways to confirm your ID, as suggested by the support staff, you have your problem solved.

5 Things to Keep in Mind when Traveling with Greyhound

Here are 5 tips that can prove worth your while when traveling with Greyhound, whether for the first time or as a regular intercity traveler:

1.Keep a watch on your luggage

We can not stress over this enough. Luggage theft is one of the most common crimes whether you’re traveling on a bus or a train. This is why it is important to be watchful about your luggage, even the checked-in luggage, at all times.

2.Do not venture off too far from the Bus Station

A Greyhound Bus, or any other intercity bus for that fact, will stop at multiple stations. You need to make sure you do not venture off too far from the station during the breaks. It is possible that you lose track of time, and the bus leaves without you.

Besides, it is best to stay within the bus stations during the night, for safety purposes. Many areas where the bus stops can be stranded from crowd and hustle-bustle, which make these spots unsafe. Even decently crowded areas can scale down to being unsafe as the sun goes down; therefore, it is best to stay within the stations with other travelers.

3.Try avoiding the bus bathrooms

We understand you gotta go when you gotta go; however, if it’s possible and not a very urgent Nature’s call, try avoiding the bus bathrooms.

Although the staff tries to keep the bathroom squeaky clean, they are only cleaned once at the very last destination of the bus, which means that it can get messy in the meantime.

4.Always carry an ID proof with you

Since this post is most significantly about helping you understand how you can travel with Greyhound without an ID, we also need to tell you that it is of paramount importance to carry your ID proof unless you do not have one.

ID proof is required at multiple points, such as booking a hotel, boarding a train, and countless other things other than confirming identity while boarding a Greyhound bus.

5.Arrive early and carry a jacket or blanket if it’s cold

Although Greyhound buses are late on a very regular basis, it is important to do your part and arrive early, because, unlike airlines, bus drivers won’t make a call for you, and there are 97% chances that if you arrived late, the bus would leave without you.

Make sure to carry warm insulating clothing when traveling in the cold seasons. An equally viable option is carrying a blanket.

Which is better – Greyhound or Megabus?

Economical and eco-friendly, buses have always been among the best options for traveling out of state in a hassle-free manner. Megabus and Greyhound have been dominating the bus industry for quite a while now, and in this post, we compare them based on different features and amenities.

Purchasing the Ticket

The point goes to Megabus for this one. The ticket can be purchased online through a simple and crisp website that offers a hassle-free experience. Passengers have the option to select the seats that they want, and the website as such is quickly responsive. Greyhound’s website might look prettier, but the waiting time is enough to take away the initial charm. Moreover, even though the front seats are reserved for passengers with disabilities, no other seating choices are available.

The Journey-Comfort

While wifi is available in both buses, customers often complain about not having access to them. However, when you take in the seating, Greyhound takes the win with its recently upgraded recliner leather seats. The legroom is also very spacious, not something you would expect from commercial bus travel. The seating in Megabus is average. In neither of these buses have the washrooms received any positive feedback, though, so they are best avoided.

Stops and Accessibility

Greyhound is a clear winner when it comes to accessibility due to a large number of stops (123) when compared to Megabus (30). The stations for Greyhound are designed well, and the terminals offer basic amenities such as vending machines, washrooms, and snack bars. The washrooms are cleaned regularly. Megabus, with its few pick-up points, poses some trouble in this aspect. Facilities are limited, however.

Staff and Pricing

Buses do not offer premium wait-on-you services as airplanes do, so there is not much to be said about the quality of staff. They both offer support and help whenever needed, and the drivers have been rated popularly by most passengers.

Price-wise, Megabus offers comparatively lower prices generally. It is not that Greyhound is expensive, but since the value offered is more, it’s a tie in this case too.

In conclusion, if you wish to save a few bucks and are on a short journey but don’t care much about the comfort while traveling, it makes more sense to opt for Megabus. But if comfort of travel and accessibility is your priority, Greyhound is the clearly better option on both fronts.

Is traveling on Greyhound safe?

Generally, yes, it is as safe as you would expect any journey in public transportation to be. However, you would want to keep your carry-on bags with you at all times because the most common crime is luggage theft.

Even in the bus station, hold on tight to your luggage. The stations are well lit generally, but before you know it, you could’ve lost your purse. During night times, it is recommended that you stay within the station, where it is relatively much safer than roaming around alone.

Does Greyhound accept prepaid debit cards?

You can pay on the Greyhound website using debit or credit cards, but they do not accept prepaid cards for payment. If you are paying at the station, you can use either your debit or credit card, Cash as well as personal checks. Some stations offer a kiosk that prints your tickets for you.

Are there bathrooms on Greyhound buses?

Yes. There are bathrooms available on Greyhound buses, but they are not recommended whatsoever, especially if you plan to sit down on the toilet seats. It is public transportation that is moderately maintained, and there is no saying who has used the toilets. So unless you have to go, it is best to hold back and use the washroom at the relatively cleaner stations.

Can you buy a Greyhound ticket using Cash?

Yes, you can buy a Greyhound ticket using Cash as long as you are paying at the station. Some stations might not accept credit cards, so it is best to have some cash on you at all times if you are planning to travel using Greyhound. However, it is recommended that you buy the tickets in advance because it is cheaper that way and you can do it easily online.

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How to Find Historical Data of Arrival and Departure Times of a Flight

The Key Differences Between A Passport Card & A Passport Book

Choose a passport card if you frequently travel by land and sea within Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Passport cards are cheaper than a passport book.
Get both a passport book and a card if you travel by air and land equally.

The US passport book, expressly designed for international travel, accommodates air, sea, or land journeys. This compact, easily portable booklet starts with a page dedicated to the traveler's personal details, such as name, date of birth, and photograph.

Pages are allocated for immigration stamps and visas, which serve as official entry and exit records from different countries. Modern versions of the passport book include an electronic chip to enhance security and facilitate quick processing at borders. This chip contains a digital replica of the information displayed on the personal details page.

The US also offers a passport card for individuals who primarily travel by land or sea to nearby countries, such as Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. This wallet-sized card is a convenient, more compact alternative to the traditional passport book. It's important to note that the passport card cannot be used for air travel; it is specifically designed for land and sea travel.

Both the passport book and the passport card have a validity period of ten years for adults, ensuring travelers can use their documents for numerous trips, making international travel smooth and efficient. Additionally, choosing between a passport book and a passport card—or to obtain both—allows travelers to select the document that best suits their travel needs, preferences, and habits.

5 Exotic Destinations Americans Can Fly To Without A Passport

Which passport should you get: book or card.

Consider your travel habits when deciding between a passport book and a passport card . If you frequently travel by air or have plans to visit countries beyond Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, a passport book is preferable. However, a passport card might be sufficient for your needs if you primarily travel by land or sea to nearby destinations.

Passport books are more expensive than cards. First-time applicants must pay an application fee and an acceptance fee. The acceptance fee goes to the facility that takes your application, and the application fee goes to the US Department of State.

Passport book cost for first-time applicants

For adults (16 and older): $165
For children (15 and under): $135

Passport card cost for first-time applicants

For adults (16 and older): $65
For children (15 and under): $50

Acceptance fees are dropped for renewal of both the passport book and card. Travelers can expect to pay $130 to renew an adult passport book and just $30 to renew an adult passport card.

When to get both a passport book and passport card

The passport book is the all-encompassing identifier to carry regardless of where you travel. Having both passport types might be convenient, like if you travel equally by air and land. If you’re visiting Canada or Mexico by car, you might prefer a more compact document for traveling across the border. A passport card for regular land-based trips would be helpful.

Validity and renewal

Both documents are valid for ten years for adults and five years for children. If you already have a passport, you may be eligible to renew it . You can also correct incorrect information or report your lost or stolen passport . The routine processing time for a passport is six to eight weeks.

You can expedite the process, which takes two to three weeks and costs an extra $60. It is essential to consider the time to get a passport when booking travel. It may take up to two weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center, and it may take up to two weeks for you to receive a completed passport after printing.

Requirements for renewing your passport

Your passport is not damaged.
You have never reported your passport lost or stolen
It was issued within the last 15 years.
It was issued when you were 16 years or older.
It was published under your current name.

Renew by mail

Confirm you meet the requirements
Fill out your renewal form online
Submit your most recent passport
Provide a photo
Calculate fees
Submit application
Enroll in email updates for tracking details

Using a passport card for domestic travel:

On May 7, 2025, US travelers must have a REAL ID to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. US passport books and cards are valid forms of ID for domestic air travel, but the card is more convenient to carry. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts the passport card as ID for domestic flights in the United States.

Department Of Homeland Security Extends REAL ID Deadline Another Two Years

When deciding on the best option for your travel documentation, consider the nature of your travel. A passport book is likely the most versatile and universally accepted form of identification and travel document. On the other hand, a passport card could be a more convenient and cost-effective choice if your travels mainly involve crossing borders by land or sea, especially to destinations like Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The passport card is smaller and easier to carry for day trips or frequent land and sea crossings, but it's important to note that it cannot be used for international air travel.

The Key Differences Between A Passport Card & A Passport Book

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Record numbers in the US are homeless. Can cities fine them for sleeping in parks and on sidewalks?

A challenge brought by Grants Pass, a small rural city in southern Oregon, is the most significant case in decades before the U.S. Supreme Court about homelessness. The case could upend how cities interact with people living in the streets. (AP Video by Claire Rush, Manuel Valdes)

FILE - A woman gathers possessions to take before a homeless encampment was cleaned up in San Francisco, Aug. 29, 2023. The Supreme Court will hear its most significant case on homelessness in decades Monday, April 22, 2024, as record numbers of people in America are without a permanent place to live. The justices will consider a challenge to rulings from a California-based federal appeals court that found punishing people for sleeping outside when shelter space is lacking amounts to unconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

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FILE - The Supreme Court is seen in Washington, March 7, 2024. The Supreme Court will hear its most significant case on homelessness in decades Monday, April 22, as record numbers of people in America are without a permanent place to live. The justices will consider a challenge to rulings from a California-based federal appeals court that found punishing people for sleeping outside when shelter space is lacking amounts to unconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The most significant case in decades on homelessness has reached the Supreme Court as record numbers of people in America are without a permanent place to live.

The justices on Monday will consider a challenge to rulings from a California-based appeals court that found punishing people for sleeping outside when shelter space is lacking amounts to unconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment.

A political cross section of officials in the West and California, home to nearly one-third of the nation’s homeless population, argue those decisions have restricted them from “common sense” measures intended to keep homeless encampments from taking over public parks and sidewalks.

Advocacy groups say the decisions provide essential legal protections, especially with an increasing number of people forced to sleep outdoors as the cost of housing soars.

A vehicle at left drives down Rogue River Highway as light shines on the area Saturday, March 23, 2024, in Grants Pass, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

The case before the Supreme Court comes from Grants Pass, a small city nestled in the mountains of southern Oregon, where rents are rising and there is just one overnight shelter for adults. As a growing number of tents clustered its parks, the city banned camping and set $295 fines for people sleeping there.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals largely blocked the camping ban under its finding that it is unconstitutional to punish people for sleeping outside when there is not adequate shelter space. Grants Pass appealed to the Supreme Court , arguing the ruling left it few good options.

“It really has made it impossible for cities to address growing encampments, and they’re unsafe, unhealthy and problematic for everyone, especially those who are experiencing homelessness,” said lawyer Theane Evangelis, who is representing Grants Pass.

The city is also challenging a 2018 decision, known as Martin v. Boise, that first barred camping bans when shelter space is lacking. It was issued by the San Francisco-based 9th Circuit and applies to the nine Western states in its jurisdiction. The Supreme Court declined to take up a different challenge to the ruling in 2019, before the solidification of its current conservative majority.

FILE - A woman gathers possessions to take before a homeless encampment was cleaned up in San Francisco, Aug. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

If the decision is overturned, advocates say it would make it easier for cities deal with homelessness by arresting and fining people rather than helping them get shelter and housing.

“In Grants Pass and across America, homelessness has grown because more and more hardworking people struggle to pay rent, not because we lack ways to punish people sleeping outside,” said Jesse Rabinowitz, campaign and communications director for the National Homeless Law Center. Local laws prohibiting sleeping in public spaces have increased at least 50% since 2006, he said.

The case comes after homelessness in the United States grew by 12%, to its highest reported level as soaring rents and a decline in coronavirus pandemic assistance combined to put housing out of reach for more people, according to federal data. Four in 10 people experiencing homelessness sleep outside, a federal report found.

More than 650,000 people are estimated to be homeless, the most since the country began using the yearly point-in-time survey in 2007. People of color, LGBTQ+ people and seniors are disproportionately affected, advocates said.

Two of four states with the country’s largest homeless populations, Washington and California, are in the West. Officials in cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco say they do not want to punish people simply because they are forced to sleep outside, but that cities need the power to keep growing encampments in check.

FILE - The Supreme Court is seen in Washington, March 7, 2024. The Supreme Court will hear its most significant case on homelessness in decades Monday, April 22, as record numbers of people in America are without a permanent place to live. The justices will consider a challenge to rulings from a California-based federal appeals court that found punishing people for sleeping outside when shelter space is lacking amounts to unconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

FILE - The Supreme Court is seen in Washington, March 7, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

“I never want to criminalize homelessness, but I want to be able to encourage people to accept services and shelter,” said Thien Ho, the district attorney in Sacramento, California, where homelessness has risen sharply in recent years.

San Francisco says it has been blocked from enforcing camping regulations because the city does not have enough shelter space for its full homeless population, something it estimates would cost $1.5 billion to provide.

“These encampments frequently block sidewalks, prevent employees from cleaning public thoroughfares, and create health and safety risks for both the unhoused and the public at large,” lawyers for the city wrote. City workers have also encountered knives, drug dealing and belligerent people at encampments, they said.

Several cities and Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom urged the high court to keep some legal protections in place while reining in “overreach” by lower courts. The Martin v. Boise ruling allows cities to regulate and “sweep” encampments, but not enforce total bans in communities without enough beds in shelters.

The Justice Department also backed the idea that people shouldn’t be punished for sleeping outside when they have no where else to go, but said the Grants Pass ruling should be tossed out because 9th Circuit went awry by not defining what it means to be “involuntarily homeless.”

Evangelis, the lawyer for Grants Pass, argues that the Biden administration’s position would not solve the problem for the Oregon city. “It would be impossible for cities to really address the homelessness crisis,” she said.

Public encampments are not good places for people to live, said Ed Johnson, who represents people living outside in Grants Pass as director of litigation at the Oregon Law Center. But enforcement of camping bans often makes homelessness worse by requiring people to spend money on fines rather than housing or creating an arrest record that makes it harder to get an apartment. Public officials should focus instead on addressing shortages of affordable housing so people have places to live, he said.

“It’s frustrating when people who have all the power throw up their hands and say, ‘there’s nothing we can do,’” he sad. “People have to go somewhere.”

The Supreme Court is expected to rule by the end of June.

COMMENTS

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Can You Get Through TSA and Fly with No ID? [2024]

Can you get through TSA with no ID?

IDs accepted by TSA

TSA Identification verification process

Identity Verification Call Center (IVCC)

Get through security

Boarding the plane

Don’t try anything “funny”

International flights

TSA ID FAQs

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