What To Do When You’re At The Airport But Forgot Your ID

I remember the day all too well: my husband and I were headed out on a ten-day vacation to Hawaii with our kids. We were running a bit late and spent a good deal of time waiting in the security line. I couldn’t wait to finally get through it and head off to truly start our vacation! That’s when things came to a crashing hault. “Ma’am I’m going to need to see your ID,” the TSA agent is talking to me and I began digging through my purse in a moment of pure panic. I shuffle around in that endless abyss for several moments before I realize that I had done the unthinkable. I had forgotten my driver’s license. And everyone knows that it’s pretty tricky to board a plane without your driver’s license. So what was I do to? Surely, the vacation must go on! If you ever find yourself in this situation, here’s what to do if you ever forget your ID and you’re at the airport.

What To Do When You’re At The Airport But Forgot Your ID

Here’s What To Do

So long as you are catching a domestic flight within the borders of the United States, you actually do not need an ID to board your plane. Though the process can take a long time, TSA does have other ways of verifying your identity if need be. If you discover that you have forgotten your ID, talk to a TSA agent immediately and tell them of your problem. They can get the verification process started as soon as possible. Prepare to answer personal questions such as your name, date of birth, etc.

The TSA agent will use the information provided to ensure it matches as it should in the government database. After all, if someone stole your identity to flee the country, they probably wouldn’t know these details. If the agents are able to confirm your identity they will write you a note allowing you through security.

Fortunately, in my case, it was easier to have a trusted neighbor drop my ID off to me at the airport. After a lot of hustle, bustle, and sweat, we made it on the airplane and our vacation could officially begin! And if you ask me, I say Hawaii was worth all of that stress. But, of course! It would have been easier to remember it in the first place! Put your wallet, travel documents, and other important items like that all in one bag, and ensure that it makes it into a secure corner of your purse or bag the night before.