We asked an expert to break down when you can and can’t fly without a valid ID.
There are few biggertravel anxietiesthan showing up to the airport without your ID , apart from actually missing a flight and getting yelled at / hold up / tackled byTSA .
And even though " recommendation " and " wallet " are at the top of most people’spacking checklist , things happen . Even if you remember your ID , what if you unwrap ( too tardily ) that your ID is expired ? gratefully , sometimes showing up for your flight of steps without the right , valid identification does n’t actually intend you ca n’t get on your flight .
Katy Nastro , proceed ’s resident travel expert , broke down to Thrillist which variety of flights can still be board without ID , which flight of steps ca n’t , what to do if your licence is expired , and what to do if you find that you might end up leave out your flight . get ’s get into these nuances .
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Can you fly without an ID domestically?
Yes ! For domesticated flights , you’re able to still fell if you forget or lose your ID .
" I cognise this from personal experience , actually , " Nastro recount to Thrillist . " I was flying back from the West Coast to New York and realize that I had miss my wallet . When I receive tothe San Francisco airport , I was in a country of scare because I was like , ' Oh , my gosh , am I even blend in to be able to get on this flight ? I do n’t have an ID . ' Well , lo and behold , I was able to take the flight . "
So , how does it work ? The TSA say that if you arrive at the drome without valid designation , because it is misplace or left behind , there are still conditions that will let you to fly . You ’ll just involve to be able to confirm your identity by nail an identity verification process that includes dubiousness about your name , address , and other personal data . This other personal information could let in " various titbit of information about you from the past times , " Nastro explained . " peradventure you engage an flat in a specific city or you applied for a loan . They have this information on you , not to be creepy , but they ’ll verify with records that they have accession to . "
" If your identicalness is confirmed , you will be allowed to get in the screening checkpoint,“TSA rulesstate . " You will be subject to additional screening , to include a rap down and cover of comport - on place . "
Just make trusted you give yourself enough time to go through this longer cover process . The TSA apprize two hours .
If your identification is unable to be sustain , you will not be allow to pass the masking checkpoint .
Can you fly domestically with an expired ID or license?
Sometimes , you may still fly with an expired ID . But the TSA has moderately specific guidelines on what expired IDs are satisfactory at checkpoint . Here ’s what the TSA specifically says : " TSA currently accept run out driver ’s licenses or state - go forth ID a year after expiration . "
If the ID has expired for more than one year , the ID wo n’t be take and you wo n’t be able to board your flight of steps .
So, what happens if you fly domestically with an expired ID?
The short answer here is “ nothing”—so long as your ID is no more than one year out of date .
Just before I was about to go on a brace of back - to - back vacations of late — one to Washington DC and one to Portland , Oregon — I realise that my number one wood ’s permit had just expired the workweek before . As someone who already become a bit anxious ( for no particular reason ) while going through aerodrome security measures , I was afraid that my expired license would call for extra examination from the TSA . As a resultant , I dutifully pack a stack of additional forms of designation — my societal security calling card and several service program bills — in my carry - on bag .
None of those grade of ID were necessary . In all four airdrome security department check - ins , my die number one wood ’s license clearly did not register to staff as out of the ordinary . You ’ll be ripe to go with airport security department ( for domesticated flights ) if your permission has been expired for less than one class .
Can you fly internationally without an ID?
To put it just : no .
" You ca n’t wing without a pass , so if you do n’t have your pass and that ’s the form of identification that you involve to be able to fell internationally there is a very , very , very , very modest likeliness that they ’re going to even allow you on the planing machine , or even get through security , " Nastro said .
According toUS Citizenship and Immigration Services , " US citizens need a passport when traveling to , or return from , most foreign country . "
If you are in a alien country and have lose your passport , Nastro said you should get in touch with the US embassy or consulate in the country . " A substitute pass in an expedited amount of time so you ’re able to move around back home is really your only choice , " Nastro explain .
Can you check a bag without ID?
So , you know that you may get past security department if you block your ID for your domestic trajectory . But what if you need to turn back a bag ? Nastro says you should be able to address the problem , but you need to plan on giving yourself extra metre .
" If you find yourself get it on that you do n’t have your ID , get to the airport too soon so you may have enough time to sort of work with luggage or the check - in agents , " Nastro explain . " Because if you have to suss out a bag , they ’re going to require that government - issued ID . If you ’re able-bodied to explain the state of affairs to the airway agent , they ’ll usually search unlike avenues of identification . "
What is a flat-tire policy?
Theflat - tire policyis form of a gimmick - all " unforeseen circumstances " policy that most airlines honour in the case of something urgent and unexpected happening in the hours leading up to your flight — like a flat tire on the way to the drome . But the insurance policy does n’t poke out only to car worry .
" Say you do get to the airport , " Nastro excuse . " You do n’t have your ID for some cause , you lost it or you forget it . This will sometimes be implemented , in that it ’ll help you if you miss your flight . "
If you ’re less than two hour late or are at the airport and miss your flight because of a missing ID , you could contact your air hose to search options . Major airlines like Delta and Southwest have policies that allow for a no or humiliated charge re - book depending on the circumstances .
Everywhere You Can Travel Without a Passport Right Now
No passport? You aren’t as trapped within the 50 US states as you might think.
Looking for more travel tips?
Whether you postulate helpsneaking smoke onto a plane , find an airdrome where you cansign up for PreCheck without an appointment , or making trusted you ’re get everything you ’re entitle towhen your flight is call off , we ’ve flummox you cover . Keep say forup - to - date locomotion hacksandall the travel tidings you needto aid you plan your next big dangerous undertaking .
