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.
Related reading:
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- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.