Traveling In The Us Without A Valid Id: Possible?

can you travel withing the united states wothout valid id

Travelling within the United States without a valid ID can be complicated and stressful. While a valid U.S. government-issued photo ID or passport is required for air travel, there are other options for those without documentation, such as completing an identity verification process at the airport or using alternative forms of transport. This paragraph will explore the possibilities and challenges of travelling within the U.S. without a valid ID, offering insights into the requirements, restrictions, and potential workarounds for travellers in this situation.

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Can you travel within the US without a valid ID? Yes, but only via ground transportation.
What are the acceptable forms of ID for air travel within the US? A valid U.S. government-issued photo ID or a passport from your country of origin.
What are the TSA-acceptable forms of ID for domestic flights? State photo identity card, state driver's license, foreign passport, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Employment Authorization Card, trusted traveler cards such as NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST cards issued by the Department of Homeland Security, border-crossing cards, Native American tribal ID cards, airline or airport photo ID cards issued in compliance with TSA regulations, and transportation worker ID credentials.
What are the TSA-acceptable forms of ID for international flights? DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID, permanent resident card, border crossing card, acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, 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, and Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).
What are the TSA requirements for children under 18? Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling within the United States.
What if I arrive at the airport without acceptable identification? The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process by providing information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint and may be subject to additional screening.
What is REAL ID? Beginning May 7, 2025, travelers flying within the US must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

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Domestic flights without ID

For US domestic flights, adult passengers (18 and over) must show valid identification at the airport in order to travel. A driver's license is the most commonly used form of ID, but there are several other acceptable forms of ID, including:

  • State-issued ID card
  • DHS 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
  • Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
  • 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 (VHIC)

From May 7, 2025, all US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights. This means that the license or card must include a REAL ID-compliant star marking. Enhanced Driver's Licenses issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards.

If you arrive at the airport without valid identification, you may still be allowed to fly. A TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal information. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, but you will be subject to additional screening. It is recommended that individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least three hours in advance of their flight time.

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Ground transportation: Public buses and trains

If you're travelling by bus or train within the US, the requirements for photo ID vary depending on the company and the distance of your journey.

Bus travel

Greyhound is the main long-distance bus operator in the US. Since being purchased by German company FlixMobility in 2021, Greyhound now requires passengers to show ID when boarding buses. However, it's unclear how strictly this is enforced.

To travel on a bus within a metropolitan area, you generally only need a schedule and fare.

Train travel

Amtrak is the main rail operator in the US. Officially, Amtrak requires passengers aged 18 and over to show a valid photo ID when buying tickets, checking or storing baggage, and sending shipments. However, in practice, you can often buy a ticket without showing ID, and onboard staff rarely ask to see passengers' IDs.

Like Greyhound, you don't need to show ID when travelling on local trains within a metropolitan area.

Border Patrol

There have been reports of Border Patrol agents conducting immigration checks without warrants on buses and trains, so it's a good idea to be aware of your rights if stopped by an immigration agent. You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions about your citizenship status. You can also refuse a search of your belongings, and ask for the officer's name and ID number.

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Ground transportation: Driving

If you are planning a road trip within the United States, you will need a valid driver's license to drive in most states. If you are a foreign visitor, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well as your driver's license. An IDP is a form of identification that many countries around the world recognize, allowing you to drive legally in a foreign country.

The requirements for driving in the U.S. as a non-citizen can vary from state to state. Some U.S. states do not require an IDP, so it is important to contact the state department of motor vehicles for each state you plan to drive in to confirm their specific requirements. You can obtain an IDP by contacting the motor vehicle department of the country that issued your driver's license. The fees and processing time for an IDP will depend on the issuing country.

If you are a permanent resident of the U.S. and a citizen of another country, you may be eligible to apply for a driver's license from the state in which you live. The residency requirements for obtaining a U.S. driver's license vary by state, so be sure to contact your state department of motor vehicles to confirm their specific ID requirements and application process.

It is important to note that a state-issued driver's license or ID will be required for other forms of ground transportation, such as domestic flights, beginning May 7, 2025. This new requirement, known as the REAL ID, will be enforced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for all domestic flights and when accessing certain federal facilities. A valid passport can also be used in place of a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID.

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TSA identity verification

In the United States, adult passengers (18 and older) must show valid identification at the airport to travel. This can be a valid U.S. government-issued photo ID or a passport from your country of origin. The name on your boarding pass must match the legal name on your unexpired government-issued ID.

However, if you arrive at the airport without valid identification, you may still be allowed to fly. A TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, but you may be subject to additional screening, including a pat-down and bag search.

  • DHS 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
  • State-issued enhanced driver's license
  • Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
  • Transportation worker identification credential
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
  • Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

It is important to note that a weapon permit or temporary driver's license is not considered acceptable identification by the TSA.

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Border Patrol checkpoints

The primary purpose of these checkpoints is to deter illegal immigration, smuggling, and, after the 9/11 attacks, terrorism. Border Patrol agents at these checkpoints have the legal authority to stop vehicles and briefly question their occupants, even without suspicion. However, reasonable suspicion is required for roving patrols to stop vehicles away from checkpoints.

While US citizens are not required to provide documentation at these checkpoints, lawful permanent residents must carry their registration cards ("green cards"), and non-immigrants (e.g., tourists) should carry proper documentation.

  • I-5 north (San Clemente) – Seven miles south of San Clemente
  • I-15 north (Temecula) – 24 miles north of Escondido and near Temecula
  • SR 79 north – One mile west of Sunshine Summit
  • I-8 west – Three miles east of Pine Valley
  • SR 94 west – 24 miles east of San Diego
  • CR S2 north – Seven miles north of Octillo and I-8 in eastern San Diego County
  • SR 86 north / SR 78 west – On the west side of the Salton Sea, south of the intersection of California State Routes 78 and 86
  • SR 111 north – On the east side of the Salton Sea between Niland and Bombay Beach
  • SR 78 east – Just north of Ogilby Road (S34), 50 miles south of Blythe, and 40 miles east of Brawley
  • US 95 north – Heading north from Yuma to Quartzsite, 53.4 miles north of Yuma
  • I-8 east – 15 miles east of Yuma
  • BIA Route 15 north – North of Sells near Kohatk
  • SR 286 north – Heading north from Sasabe to Three Points
  • SR 86 east – Heading east off the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation, before Three Points
  • Arivaca Road – Heading northeast through Amado, near mile marker 22
  • I-19 north – Heading north from Nogales, just north of Tubac
  • SR 90 north – Heading north from Whetstone to Benson
  • SR 80 west – Heading northwest from Tombstone to Benson (at the junction with SR 82 west)
  • I-10 west – 22 miles west of Las Cruces between mile markers 120–121
  • NM 11 north – 22.6 miles south of Deming between mile markers 12–13
  • I-25 north – 23 miles north of Las Cruces
  • NM 185 north – 13 miles northwest of Radium Springs between mile markers 25–26
  • US 70 east (Alamogordo) – 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo between mile markers 198–199

These checkpoints have been criticised for violating the Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution, which prohibits "unreasonable searches and seizures". However, their constitutionality has been affirmed by the United States v. Martinez-Fuerte ruling.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but your options are limited. You can use ground transportation such as local subways, buses, or trains. For long-distance travel, you can use services like Uber, Lyft, taxis, or bicycles. You can also try Amtrak or Greyhound, as they don't always check IDs.

A valid (unexpired) photo ID issued by the state or federal government is required for domestic flights. This includes a state photo identity card, state driver's license, foreign passport, DHS trusted traveller cards, border-crossing cards, and Native American tribal ID cards.

You may still be allowed to fly. A TSA officer will ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes answering questions to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but may be subject to additional screening.

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