Can You Fly In The U.S. Without An ID?

There comes a moment in every seasoned traveler’s life when they realize they’ve made a horrible mistake, like forgetting to pack the right clothes or missing a reservation time. 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.  

Can You Fly Without An ID?

Anyone who has ever flown knows how strict Transportation Security Administration 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. 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. (Kids under 18 generally also don't have to present ID.)

How To Clear TSA Without An ID

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, called Form 415, 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 to 15 minutes and was fairly stress-free.

Tips For Getting Through TSA Without An ID

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 at the airport without an ID that day and even said that a Sam’s Club or Costco membership card could have helped avoid the identification process (although, officially, these are not TSA-approved forms of identification).

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!

So What Forms Of ID Does TSA Accept?

As much as I would love to use a Costco card to board a plane, it’s not accepted by TSA, nor is a school ID or even your birth certificate. Here are some of the approved identification forms for Americans flying domestically in the U.S.: 

• State-issued driver’s license 
• State-issued ID 
• U.S. passport or U.S. passport card 
• DHS trusted traveler cards, like Global Entry
• U.S. Department of Defense ID
• Permanent resident card

You can also use an expired driver’s license, for up to one year after it has expired. But by May 2025, all state-issued IDs must be REAL ID-compliant. 

What About Digital IDs?

While you can’t use a picture of your license on your phone’s camera roll to get through airport security, some forms of digital IDs do work. 

States like Georgia, Maryland, and Louisiana all have digital driver’s licenses, accessible via Apple Wallet or a state app, that TSA accepts in PreCheck in certain airports. Those airports include (but aren’t limited to): 

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Gulfport Biloxi International Airport (GPT)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN)
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Nashville International Airport (BNA)