What to do if you lose your ID before your flight

If you’re like most travelers, it’s probably among your worst nightmares: You’re at the airport security checkpoint, juggling your boarding pass, phone, coat, and carry-on. The TSA officer holds out their hand. You reach for your wallet to pull out your ID, but … it’s gone.

Dealing with a lost ID before a flight is undeniably stressful, especially if there’s a trail of exhausted, irritated folks behind you. In this guide, we’ll explain what to do if your identification gets misplaced or stolen and offer tips for keeping your travel plans on track.

Can you fly without an ID?

The short answer? It depends. Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, proving your identity is mandatory to pass airport security and board your flight. If you realize your ID is missing before departing your home city, here’s how to handle the situation:

Domestic flights

Gather your documents

If you’re flying within the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a variety of documents as valid forms of ID. Along with a standard driver’s license, Real ID, state-issued ID, or passport, accepted IDs include: 

• Passport or passport card
• DHS trusted traveler card (e.g., Global Entry or NEXUS)
• HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card
• Military ID or Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
• Federally recognized Tribal/Indian Nation ID card
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
• Department of Defense (DoD) or DoD dependent card
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD/I-766)
• Permanent resident card or border crossing card
• Canadian-issued driver’s license or Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card

TSA also accepts expired driver’s licenses or state IDs if they expired within the last year and were issued after March 1, 2020. 

If you don’t have these forms of identification, other official documents can help build your case, like a certified birth certificate, a marriage license, or Social Security card.

If you’re on the return leg of your trip and retrieving additional forms of ID isn’t possible, anything that verifies your residence can also support your case. Examples include:

• Car rental agreements
• Hotel reservations
• Travel insurance policy
• An official letter from your employer

Most hotels have business centers that can assist with printing these. If you’ve saved photos of your ID on your phone or secure cloud storage, print those, too. Even prescription bottles with your name and address can help.

Once you’ve gathered what you can—including credit cards, a printed boarding pass, and any supporting documents—it’s time to head to the airport.  

Arrive early

Losing your ID means extra explaining, so get to the airport as early as possible. Speak to a representative at the airline counter first. Chances are they’ve handled similar cases before and can guide you through the process. After verifying your situation, they’ll issue a boarding pass flagged for the TSA officer regarding your lack of identification.

Speak with a TSA agent

At the security checkpoint, TSA agents will direct you to an officer for further assistance. Be prepared for a private interview to verify your identity. During this second screening, agents may ask questions like:

• What is your current address?
• What was your previous address?
• What state issued your Social Security card?
• When did you last purchase a vehicle, and what is its make and model?
• What is the nearest landmark to your home?

Once the officer confirms your identity, they’ll perform a final luggage check and security screening before clearing you to head to your gate. When you arrive, the gate agent may ask for identification before boarding. Explain your situation and present your boarding pass, which should include the TSA note about your missing ID.

International flights

Crossing an international border without proper identification can be significantly more challenging. For international air travel, specifically, passport books are generally obligatory, as they serve as the primary form of identification accepted by border and immigration officials.

If you’re still at home and discover your passport is missing, you may be eligible for an emergency passport that allows you to fly internationally. The federal government typically issues travel documents within a 14-day window of your departure. To apply, contact your nearest passport agency. If you’ve already left home, contact your country’s nearest embassy or consulate for assistance. 

At the airport, whether at home or abroad, security agents may require additional screening steps to verify your identity and eligibility for international travel.

What to do first if you lose your ID

The first rule of any travel emergency is simple: Don’t panic. Stop, take a breath, and assess the situation. You’ll be better equipped to handle the next steps:

What to do if you’ve lost only your ID

If you’ve misplaced your passport or another form of identification, there’s a chance you may be able to recover it. Start by retracing your steps. Did you set it down while buying a snack? Could it have slipped out of a pocket in the restroom? Go back to the last place you remember having it and ask around. 

Also, notify security about your missing ID. If only your passport is gone, someone may have turned it in to the lost and found. If you’ve already passed through airport security, talk to the airline representative at your gate. They have specific protocols to assist in these situations. 

What to do if you’ve lost more than your ID

If your wallet or purse has gone missing along with your identification, the situation is more complicated. These steps will help you address the issue quickly:

1. Notify airport or hotel security immediately. They’ll likely recommend filing a police report, which helps legitimize your claim.
2. Record the incident ID number. Also, request a non-emergency contact number. TSA agents may need to confirm your report during the screening process.
3. Contact your bank or financial institutions. Report any lost credit or debit cards to secure your accounts. 
4. Contact your manager or travel coordinator. Let them know about the situation. Perhaps they can courier a replacement ID or make alternative travel arrangements. Also, if your corporate credit card is missing, let your employer know so they can cancel it.
5. Reach out to family or friends. They may be able to help by sending a photo ID, passport card, or other documentation in time for your flight.

Can you check into a hotel or rent a car without an ID? 

Ultimately, it’s up to the hotel or rental agency whether they choose to honor your reservation. 

If you booked your hotel room or rental car through an online travel agency or travel management company, contact their support team for help. Otherwise, present the front desk or rental agency with your booking receipt, confirmation email, or a digital copy of your ID. If you’re a loyalty member, be sure to mention it. These details may be enough to verify your identity and complete the check-in process. Providing a police report number can also help legitimize your claim.

How to avoid ID issues in the future

Last but not least, here are a few additional tips to help keep your ID secure during your travels:

1. Separate your ID from your credit cards and cash: Use a security wallet to keep your passport, photo ID, and other documents separate from your credit cards and cash. Always keep it on your person.
2. Carry more than one form of ID: Pack extra forms of identification in your luggage. A passport card, while generally not valid for air travel, is a convenient option for proving your identity in an emergency situation. 
3. Keep backups: Take photos of your passport and IDs, and save them in cloud storage or share them with a trusted family member or friend. This ensures you can access them even if your phone is lost. 

Travel safer and more sound with Engine

When it comes to travel, whether for work or play, having a backup plan needn’t be complicated. In fact, it’s as simple as it is smart—like packing extra forms of ID just in case. Partnering with Engine takes it to the next level. 

Engine doesn’t just save you money on hotel bookings. It’s also your go-to for emergencies while you’re on the road. Whether it’s helping resolve a lost ID situation or securing last-minute accommodations, Engine’s 24/7 support team is always here for you.