An expired driver’s license, credit cards with your name on them or even a picture of your passport or ID could be the difference in receiving the OK or not.Īdditionally, membership to a trusted traveler program like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS might help your case. At the end of the day, a human being is making the call as to whether they believe you are who you say you are. This is where any supplementary documents that indicate your identity could come in handy. TSA may even scour the internet to try to ensure you’re who you say you are. Data points suggest that you could be asked questions relating to the make and model of your car, your previous address and other “mother’s maiden name” type security questions. Related article TSA rules: What’s allowed in - and prohibited from - your carry-on bagĪccording to the TSA, an officer may question you concerning personal details. For example, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) accept California mobile ID (mDL). It’s also worth mentioning that the TSA doesn’t require ID for anyone under age 18 when traveling domestically.ĭepending on the airport, there may be additional accepted forms of identity verification. Notably, the TSA states that neither a temporary driver’s license nor a weapon permit is an acceptable form of identification. Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)ĭHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) Transportation worker identification credentialĪn acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe You might consider putting your passport, Global Entry card and other documents in one to keep your important travel documents in one place.Ĭanadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card The officer took it, and a few seconds later, I was waved through.Ĭonsider buying a travel wallet or passport cover if you often forget your ID or other travel documents. Global Entry cards contain your photo, so it was sufficient to identify me. He then asked if I had my Global Entry card on me - which I did.
Upon confessing my sins to the TSA officer, he asked if I was enrolled in Global Entry - which I was. This includes cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, United℠ Explorer Card and the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, among others. You can get the Global Entry ($100) or TSA PreCheck ($78) application fee waived as a perk of many travel credit cards. It also comes with TSA PreCheck privileges, which drastically simplifies your domestic airport security by allowing you to wear your shoes, belt and light jacket (and even keep your laptop in your bag). Global Entry is a program that lets you avoid long immigration lines when you’re returning to the US from another country. Related article Zip through airport security this year with a CLEAR membership How I got through airport security without a driver’s license Here’s how I got through security - and how you can do it too.
And believe it or not, I was able to board, thanks to the benefit of my travel credit card. What will you tell the check-in agent? The TSA officer? Has one simple mistake caused you to forfeit your prepaid hotels and nonrefundable airfare? Only a bustling departures hall and 200 yards of airport terminal separate you from your airplane seat.īut then it hits you: Your driver’s license isn’t nestled safely in your wallet. Your months of careful planning have ensured that absolutely nothing can thwart this vacation of a lifetime. You’ve arrived at the airport for your vacation. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. We may receive a commission through our affiliate partners if you apply and are approved for a product, but our reporting is always independent and objective. Your CNN account Log in to your CNN accountĬNN Underscored reviews financial products based on their overall value.