# Lost license - airport security **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 25, 2016, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170 "2016-03-25T22:28:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![cmosdes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@cmosdes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmosdes)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2016, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/1 "2016-03-25T22:28:15Z")
I was recently traveling and had a 5 minute span of being unable to find my driver’s license. What do you do if you lose your license and you are schedule to board a plane in 36 hours? I suppose I could have asked someone to overnight my passport. Suppose you are thousands of miles from home and across multiple state lines but still in the US. What are your options for getting an id quickly? what if you don’t have a passport or backup ID handy? ---
**Author:** ![Iggy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iggy/32/3364_2.png) [@Iggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iggy)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2016, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/2 "2016-03-25T22:51:03Z")
You can still board a plane for a domestic flight in the US without ID. You will be subjected to alternate screening. [Cite](http://blog.tsa.gov/2013/04/tsa-travel-tips-tuesday-can-you-fly.html) ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2016, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/3 "2016-03-25T23:05:44Z")
It happened to me a couple years ago for a domestic flight. They asked me lots of questions that they pulled from an identity database and did a full security search. ---
**Author:** ![R.P.McMurphy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7993a0/32.png) [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2016, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/4 "2016-03-26T22:53:56Z")
I took my wife to the airport for a flight to visit her family. She had forgotten her ID. After a lot of questions TSA called some number in Washington, DC and got her clearance. That was a few years ago. Maybe they have tightened things since then. Now there is talk about requiring a passport for domestic flights. That will prove interesting because many Americans don’t have a passport and they want to drastically increase the fee to obtain them. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2016, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/5 "2016-03-26T23:08:01Z")
> [@R.P.McMurphy](#): > > Now there is talk about requiring a passport for domestic flights. That will prove interesting because many Americans don’t have a passport and they want to drastically increase the fee to obtain them. It’s not talk. > [@](#): > > On January 8, 2016, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced the following timetable for the implementation of the REAL ID Act for air travel: > > [ul] > [li] **Effective immediately** , the Department of Homeland Security will conduct outreach to educate the traveling public about the timeline below, and continue engagements with states to encourage compliance with REAL ID standards.[/li][li] **Starting July 15, 2016** , TSA, in coordination with airlines and airport stakeholders, will begin to issue web-based advisories and notifications to the traveling public.[/li][li] **Starting December 15, 2016** , TSA will expand outreach at its airport checkpoints through signage, handouts, and other methods.[/li][/ul] > This timetable recognizes that some states must change their laws to comply with the REAL ID Act. It is also designed to provide an opportunity for members of the public to learn more about the implications of not having a REAL ID-compliant license, and so that individuals have an ample opportunity to replace their pre-REAL ID licenses with new compliant licenses or to obtain another acceptable form of identification. > [ul] > [li] **Starting January 22, 2018** , passengers who have driver’s licenses issued by a state that is not yet compliant with REAL ID and that has not received an extension will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel. Please see [TSA’s website](http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/acceptable-ids) for a list of acceptable forms of identification. Passengers who have licenses issued by a state that is compliant or that has an extension to become compliant with REAL ID requirements may continue to use their licenses as usual. For a list of states already in compliance or with an extension visit [DHS’s REAL ID webpage](https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-enforcement-brief). DHS continually updates this list as more states come into compliance[/li][li] **Starting October 1, 2020** , every air traveler will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel. A REAL ID compliant license is one that meets, and is issued by a state that complies with, the REAL ID Act’s security standards.[/li][/ul] > **[REAL ID FAQs | Homeland Security](https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs)** > > Frequently asked questions and answers regarding the implementation the REAL ID Act. Passed by Congress in 2005. ---
**Author:** ![GiantRat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@GiantRat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GiantRat)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2016, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/6 "2016-03-26T23:20:14Z")
In 2013, I had both my license AND passport go missing at O’Hare. The TSA folks were merciful (with management review) after seeing all of my non-photo ID. They made it very clear that they were violating their own protocol, but were being kind to a douchebag in distress. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2016, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/7 "2016-03-26T23:33:38Z")
> [@R.P.McMurphy](#): > > Now there is talk about requiring a passport for domestic flights. That will prove interesting because many Americans don’t have a passport and they want to drastically increase the fee to obtain them. I have a passport, but since Indiana has secure licenses, and they cost $10, I got one. I had to show my passport to get it (could have shown my SS card, but my passport was handier). Also had to show my voter’s registration card to prove my state residence. Could have shown a lease, or a utility bill less than two months old. Indiana allows you to have a state ID in addition to a driver’s license. I suppose if I traveled extensively within the country for work, or something, I’d get one and keep it in a different pocket, in case I lost my wallet. I don’t want to have to keep track of my passport if I don’t need to, considering what it cost, and how much trouble it is to get one. If I didn’t have a back-up state ID, and did some extensive in-state travel for say, a month, where I had six or seven flights, and a lot of money invested, I suppose I’d bring my passport, but for a weekend round trip, or a week-long trip to visit family, which is what my flights usually are, I’d just take my drivers license and hope for the best. I usually carry my voter’s registration card and my insurance ID. I guess I could put them in a different pocket so I’d have something. Maybe I’d bring my SS card and my birth certificate. ---
**Author:** ![mattm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c89c15/32.png) [@mattm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mattm)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2016, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/8 "2016-03-27T03:58:25Z")
Circa 2004, post 9/11 but not immediately thereafter. My Best Man’s father and mother were flying to Somewhere in Mexico, for vacation. Portland, OR to Dallas TX, to SiM. They got on the plane in Portland no problem. Get to Dallas, check in at SiM Airways, “Ticket?”, check, check, “ID?”, “Here you are”, “What ID?” His mom didn’t think she needed any identification to go to Mexico on an airplane. They had crossed the border in a car a million times in previous years. If you looked Gringo, had a Gringo car, with American plates, they just waved you through. Dad phoned his (very reliable) son, many comical (exasperating) mix-ups with phone numbers at airport gates, got Mom’s ID Faxed to Dallas, FedEx’ed ID to hotel SiM, Great Vacation, Funny Story, got home safely; Moral: Always bring your ID. ---
**Author:** ![Jake\_Jones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Jake\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake_Jones)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2016, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/9 "2016-03-28T01:10:11Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > I have a passport, but since Indiana has secure licenses, and they cost $10, I got one. I had to show my passport to get it (could have shown my SS card, but my passport was handier). Also had to show my voter’s registration card to prove my state residence. Could have shown a lease, or a utility bill less than two months old. > > Indiana allows you to have a state ID in addition to a driver’s license. I suppose if I traveled extensively within the country for work, or something, I’d get one and keep it in a different pocket, in case I lost my wallet. I don’t want to have to keep track of my passport if I don’t need to, considering what it cost, and how much trouble it is to get one. If I didn’t have a back-up state ID, and did some extensive in-state travel for say, a month, where I had six or seven flights, and a lot of money invested, I suppose I’d bring my passport, but for a weekend round trip, or a week-long trip to visit family, which is what my flights usually are, I’d just take my drivers license and hope for the best. I usually carry my voter’s registration card and my insurance ID. I guess I could put them in a different pocket so I’d have something. Maybe I’d bring my SS card and my birth certificate. A US Passport Card is a decent option. Good for domestic flights and land/sea entry into the US from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. $30 as an add-on to new passports, renewals or valid US Passport holders. $55 for a first time applicant with no Passport Book. Good for 10 years or whenever your Passport Book expires if adding on to an existing one. Of course, I carry mine in my wallet. So, yeah. ---
**Author:** ![ChickenLegs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ecc23a/32.png) [@ChickenLegs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChickenLegs)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2016, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/10 "2016-03-28T01:33:32Z")
I have passed through airport security several times with a concealed weapons permit (I didn’t have a driver’s license card at the time.) One guy grumbled, but let me pass. “Look…” I said. “It’s a state-issued photo ID. And it’s BETTER than a driver’s license. It means I’ve passed an FBI background check.” ---
**Author:** ![Alley\_Dweller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alley_dweller/32/430_2.png) [@Alley\_Dweller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alley_Dweller)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2016, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/11 "2016-03-28T02:10:11Z")
Just a reminder: This whole discussion has focused on the TSA, but the airline is also going to want to see your ID if you check in with a live agent or you check any luggage. You should also check your airline for its policies. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2016, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/12 "2016-03-28T02:16:19Z")
If you go to a state university, your ID is a state issued photo ID, but it isn’t secured. I don’t know whether universities will take steps to secure them or not. ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5ac83/32.png) [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2016, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/13 "2016-03-28T03:16:37Z")
> [@Duckster](#): > > It’s not talk. > > [REAL ID FAQs | Homeland Security](https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs) You left out this part: > [@](#): > > Q: Is a passport my only other option if my state is not compliant? > > No. TSA currently accepts several other forms of identity documents and will continue to do so. For more information on acceptable forms of identification for boarding aircraft, please see TSA’s website. Yes, just talk. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Feldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lord_feldon/32/341_2.png) [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2016, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/14 "2016-03-28T03:50:07Z")
> [@Doug\_K](#): > > You left out this part: > > > [@](#): > > > > Q: Is a passport my only other option if my state is not compliant? > > > > No. TSA currently accepts several other forms of identity documents and will continue to do so. For more information on acceptable forms of identification for boarding aircraft, please see TSA’s website. > > Yes, just talk. Actually, the Department of Homeland Security is being kind of disingenuous there. The “other forms of identity documents” are almost entirely [things that people do not ordinarily have the opportunity to get.](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification) Other than a drivers license, passport, or passport card, the only one of those things I could even theoretically get is a trusted traveler card, which IIRC you need a passport to get in the first place. But it only applies to the small number of states that aren’t REAL ID-compliant. And there’s a good chance they’re bluffing like they were the last five times they announced a date. ---
**Author:** ![russian\_heel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f05b48/32.png) [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2016, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/15 "2016-03-28T05:46:12Z")
The REAL ID story seems to be a boogeyman story in Pennsylvania, which last I read wasn’t compliant. As if the rent-a-cops at the TSA have the power to shut down Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and other international airports in a state of over 10 million people because they refuse to accept the PA drivers license as acceptable photo ID. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2016, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/16 "2016-03-28T15:01:23Z")
In 2006, I boarded a domestic flight with my Sam’s card as my photo ID. ---
**Author:** ![UncleRojelio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unclerojelio/32/3160_2.png) [@UncleRojelio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleRojelio)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2016, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/17 "2016-04-03T22:54:09Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > In 2006, I boarded a domestic flight with my Sam’s card as my photo ID. Omar comin’ yo! ---
**Author:** ![Melbourne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2016, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-license-airport-security/750170/18 "2016-04-03T23:17:19Z")
> [@Lord\_Feldon](#): > > Actually, the Department of Homeland Security is being kind of disingenuous there. The “other forms of identity documents” are almost entirely [things that people do not ordinarily have the opportunity to get.](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification) Other than a drivers license, passport, or passport card, the only one of those things I could even theoretically get is a trusted traveler card, which IIRC you need a passport to get in the first place. > > But it only applies to the small number of states that aren’t REAL ID-compliant. And there’s a good chance they’re bluffing like they were the last five times they announced a date. Looks like foreigners can’t travel by air in the USA: > [@](#): > > Adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. > \* U.S. passport No real surprise. My co-worker got stopped and searched at every leg of his last American trip.