What to Do If You Lose Your ID Right Before a Flight (2024)
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.
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.
In the event you arrive at the airport without proper ID, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. By providing additional information, TSA has other ways to confirm your identity, like using publicly available databases, so you can reach your flight.
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.
Travelers who have downloaded the CA DMV Wallet app to their smart phone can use that for identity verification during the screening process in lieu of handing over a physical photo ID to the TSA security officer at the entry to the checkpoint.
Add your state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card to your phone's digital wallet. Or download a TSA approved digital ID app to your mobile device. Present your ID at select TSA checkpoints by tapping your phone or linked device or scanning the app issued QR code.
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.
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 circ*mstances to the TSA officer at the podium—and be sure you are polite and clear.
If you are a California resident, the Transportation Security Administration now accepts state-issued mobile driver's licenses and identification cards, which can be found in the California DMV wallet app.
A long-form U.S. state/territory-issued certified/sealed Birth Certificate; or. A U.S. state/territory-issued certified/sealed Birth Abstract that meets the requirements of a Birth Certificate (see below.
Can I use my Social Security card for TSA PreCheck? A Social Security card is not an identification document currently accepted for TSA PreCheck applications.
In the United States, you need a valid U.S. government-issued photo ID or a passport from your country of origin to travel through security. You must show that the name on your boarding pass matches the legal name on your unexpired government-issued ID.
The officer will insert each photo ID into the CAT unit where the ID is scanned and analyzed. CAT is linked electronically to the Secure Flight database, which confirms travelers' flight details, ensuring they are ticketed for travel that day.
Warning. Beginning May 7, 2025, you will no longer be able to use a non-REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID to board a domestic flight. 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.
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, but you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint if your identity is confirmed.
Bring a photocopy or a digital scan of an acceptable form of ID and show this to the TSA officer (if it's a digital scan, keep it somewhere secure, like a private Dropbox or another cloud-based account).
The U.S. passport book and passport card are both accepted as REAL ID for domestic flights. The REAL ID Act requires IDs issued by a state to meet federal security standards. You will need a REAL ID to board a domestic flight and enter a federal facility.
If you're in the US, you will have to apply for a replacement passport in person, not by mail or online. To do so, you must make an appointment at one of the passport agencies and centers; call 1-877-487-2778 (TTY 1-888-874-7793).
Introduction: My name is Terrell Hackett, I am a gleaming, brainy, courageous, helpful, healthy, cooperative, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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