How to Travel if You’ve Lost Your ID or Passport

Losing your ID or passport while traveling can feel like a nightmare—but it doesn’t have to end your trip. Whether you're flying domestically in the U.S. or stranded abroad, there are clear steps you can take to continue your journey and return home safely.

Here’s a complete guide on how to travel if you’ve lost your ID or passport.

Part 1: Lost ID – Domestic U.S. Travel

Can You Fly Without an ID?
Yes. According to the TSA, you can still board a flight within the United States even if you’ve lost your government-issued ID—as long as you go through additional identity verification.

Steps to Take Immediately:
1. **Notify TSA at the Airport**
- Arrive early—at least 2 hours in advance.
- Inform the TSA officer at security that you’ve lost your ID.
- Be prepared for a secondary screening process that may include:
- Providing your name, address, and other personal info
- Answering questions to confirm your identity
- Additional pat-downs and bag checks

2. **Bring Any Supporting Documents**
TSA accepts the following as secondary documentation:
- Credit cards or work badges with your name
- Prescription bottles with your name
- Copies or photos of your ID (not officially accepted but helpful)
- Utility bills, pay stubs, or other identifying paperwork

3. **Use the MyTSA App**
TSA’s app provides real-time info and guidance. Use it to check current wait times and find traveler assistance.

How to Speed Up the Process:
- Call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 for travelers with disabilities or those needing assistance.
- Stay calm and respectful during questioning—TSA agents are trying to help.

Part 2: Lost Passport – International Travel

If You're Already Abroad

Step 1: Report the Loss Immediately
- Visit the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
- File a report online using Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport).
- File a local police report if required (some embassies ask for one).

Step 2: Apply for an Emergency Passport
- Fill out Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport).
- Submit a passport photo (you can get this done locally).
- Provide any available ID (copies, old photos, or digital scans).
- Show proof of upcoming travel (plane ticket or booking confirmation).

The embassy will typically issue a temporary emergency passport valid for return to the U.S. This may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on circumstances.

Embassy staff will guide you through:
- Completing required forms
- Attending an in-person interview
- Receiving the passport or pickup instructions

Step 3: Contact Your Airline
Inform your airline that you’ve lost your passport. Most will allow flight changes for a small fee or free with documentation. Some airlines may require a police report or embassy note.

What If You’re in a Country Without a U.S. Embassy?
- Contact a nearby embassy in a neighboring country.
- Call the U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 (from abroad).

Other Tips:
- Some countries may issue a special exit visa or require additional documentation to leave without a passport—embassies can assist with this.

Part 3: Lost ID or Passport Before a Flight

If You're Still at Home or in the U.S.:
- Visit your local DMV for a same-day replacement ID (some states offer express service).
- For passport issues, use the U.S. State Department’s urgent travel services:
- Call 1-877-487-2778
- Visit travel.state.gov for appointment booking
- Expedite passport processing (may take 24–72 hours with proof of travel)

Traveling with a Paper Copy or Digital Photo
While not legally sufficient to replace a passport or ID, having copies helps:
- Prove your identity faster
- Accelerate embassy or TSA verification
- Support travel insurance claims

Always store one printed copy and one digital copy in a secure cloud service (like Google Drive or Dropbox).

How to Prepare Before You Travel
1. **Photocopy Your Documents**
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Credit cards and insurance cards

2. **Use a Travel Document Organizer**
- Keep everything in one place
- Include a list of emergency contacts and embassy locations

3. **Enroll in STEP**
- The U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) provides alerts and helps locate you in emergencies.

4. **Have a Backup Plan**
- Carry two forms of ID (driver’s license + passport card)
- Know how to reach your bank, airline, and embassy

What If You're Traveling with Children?
- If a child loses ID on a domestic flight, TSA will work with the accompanying adult for verification.
- For international trips, you must obtain emergency documents through the embassy, just like with adults.

Final Thoughts
Losing your ID or passport is stressful—but not the end of the road. Whether you’re stuck abroad or flying home domestically, knowing the right steps can make the difference between panic and a smooth recovery.

Act quickly, stay calm, and use the resources available—airports, embassies, and TSA all have protocols in place to help travelers get home safely, even without official ID.