Anyone fly with an 18 year old who doesn't have photo ID???

[chefmb]

So, I should have known all this, but we only fly once every 3-4 years. DS just turned 18 in May. No license/learner's permit yet. Had a Photo ID card from the state for our last trip 3 years ago---it expired. We leave in 5 days, and realized tonight that DS has no valid photo ID. After looking up on web, looks like Identification cards are MAILED now (I know when we got them last time, they were handed to us. Not sure if that was because he was a minor) So, our next option is to get the Learner's Permit before we go. Just were told that if you fail that (as 51% of first time takers do), you have to wait a week to retake it. So, I'm totally freaking out, not sure what to do if he fails. Will make phone calls tomorrow to DMV to see if we can get identification card handed to us, and then try to get Learner's Permit if we can't get ID card. Any ideas, help, valium????? (Just kidding about that last one!)

 

[jlewisinsyr]

It is possible to board a plane without a photo ID, however, expect additional screening/security checks and I would also plan on bringing any sort of identification that has a photo and his name (ie. School ID) and some additional supporting documentation.

 

[emmabelle]

So, I should have known all this, but we only fly once every 3-4 years. DS just turned 18 in May. No license/learner's permit yet. Had a Photo ID card from the state for our last trip 3 years ago---it expired. We leave in 5 days, and realized tonight that DS has no valid photo ID. After looking up on web, looks like Identification cards are MAILED now (I know when we got them last time, they were handed to us. Not sure if that was because he was a minor) So, our next option is to get the Learner's Permit before we go. Just were told that if you fail that (as 51% of first time takers do), you have to wait a week to retake it. So, I'm totally freaking out, not sure what to do if he fails. Will make phone calls tomorrow to DMV to see if we can get identification card handed to us, and then try to get Learner's Permit if we can't get ID card. Any ideas, help, valium????? (Just kidding about that last one!)

Does he have a school id with a picture?

My son was 19 when we flew last and they didn't ask him to show his. It seems that when a teenager is with his parents TSA doesn't seem to question as much.

 

[n2mm]

My mom lived in MD and did not drive. She just went to DMV and they would issue her a non-drivers' state ID card. I'm sure they still do that. Other than that, you adult DS will have to go through extra security measures at the airport in order for him to fly. I'm sure someone else knows about this and will add more to this. Personally I would get to DMV tomorrow and check out the non-drivers' state ID card.

 

[chefmb]

Thanks for the responses so far. n2mm, the question with the photo ID card is will they give it to him right then, or mail it? The DMV site says that it will be mailed. We'll be calling in the morning to see if that's true, or if they issue it right there. Do you know if your mom got the card right away or if they mailed it to her??? When DS was younger and we got the ID card, they gave it to us right there ( we even were able to go to the express office). Like I said though, the website says they will mail it. That's what has me all worried!

 

[n2mm]

Thanks for the responses so far. n2mm, the question with the photo ID card is will they give it to him right then, or mail it? The DMV site says that it will be mailed. We'll be calling in the morning to see if that's true, or if they issue it right there. Do you know if your mom got the card right away or if they mailed it to her??? When DS was younger and we got the ID card, they gave it to us right there ( we even were able to go to the express office). Like I said though, the website says they will mail it. That's what has me all worried!

My mom would get her card immediately (and that was in PG county). I can't believe they would step backwards and start mailing now. Seems kind of primitive. (I would expect that for my state-WV, but not Maryland). I guess you'll know more tomorrow. Good luck! Maybe you DS will fool you and pass his learner's test if it comes to that. My 16yo grandson nailed it on the first try.

 

[tjmw2727]

I would go to the DMV and hope they issue same day, here in DE they do issue the "walking license" or state ID same day.

FWIW a learners permit isn't an acceptable form of ID for the TSA anyway.

here is the section on the TSA website that deals with ID :
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm

If you can't get the state ID in time I suggest you bring along as many other forms of ID as you can find including the expired state ID. I would bring his birth certificate, school ID, etc @ the more the better and allow extra time to clear security.

Good luck,

 

[chefmb]

That's encouraging. Actually, since this all started earlier this evening, we got our son to start taking some of the practice online learner's permit tests. He failed the first, but has gotten 20/20 for about 5 others. So, we'll start with that--if he passes, problem solved. If not, it sounds like it is pretty likely to get the ID card right there. I wish they would update their website and make it more accurate!!

After a walk and a shower, I'm calming down! Had a little meltdown earlier. Doing better now!

 

[francie57]

I know someone who just took a trip to FL and when she got to the airport to go to FL realized she didn't have her license. She was able to get on after an extremely tough time. The one thing they asked her was was she a member of Costco or Sams or a wholesale club. They would have accepted her membership card since it had her name and photo on it. If you can't get an ID through the DMV, get a year membership for your son at a wholesale club and have his picture put on the card. It will have his name on it and the TSA told her that would be acceptable.

 

[tinkerbell313]

My mom would get her card immediately (and that was in PG county). I can't believe they would step backwards and start mailing now. Seems kind of primitive. (I would expect that for my state-WV, but not Maryland). I guess you'll know more tomorrow. Good luck! Maybe you DS will fool you and pass his learner's test if it comes to that. My 16yo grandson nailed it on the first try.

In Virginia, they mail your licenses (they have always mailed the renewels...you did not have to go into the DMV for those) and state IDs...its not a step backwards...its to enhance security and reduce risks for fraud by issuing driver's licenses and identification cards from an over-the-counter process to issuance from a secure, central location. However, VA is switching its licenses to a more secure license so I do have to go in and get an updated "mug shot". But, my license will still be mailed to me.

Driver's license applicants will be given temporary driving permits that cannot be used for identification purposes. ID card applicants will be given a receipt. You will receive your new driver's license or ID card in the mail.

It is my understanding that, currently 25% of the US States DMVs operate this way with more changing to mailing the licenses.

 

[nicksmom87]

My guess is he'd be fine with the expired State ID card. They are mostly just looking for matching names on the photo ID & ticket. I doubt they'd even check the expiry, unless you point out to them that it's expired. Also, bring along any other ID that he may have -- school ID, health insurance card, etc.

 

[bumbershoot]

My guess is he'd be fine with the expired State ID card. They are mostly just looking for matching names on the photo ID & ticket. I doubt they'd even check the expiry, unless you point out to them that it's expired. Also, bring along any other ID that he may have -- school ID, health insurance card, etc.

I agree. I have a friend who boarded a plane (post 9/11) with only her expired passport as her ID. She wasn't flying out of the country and it's all she had, and they were fine with it.

 

[bookgirl2632]

I live in Maryland as well. My sister doesn't drive and she has a state ID, which was issued at the DMV. They process it and give it to you just like a Driver's License. She got it the same day. I just don't see why they would switch to mailing it out to people. What if someone loses their ID and needs it immediately? There must be some way to get one immediately.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[n2mm]

In Virginia, they mail your licenses (they have always mailed the renewels...you did not have to go into the DMV for those) and state IDs...its not a step backwards...its to enhance security and reduce risks for fraud by issuing driver's licenses and identification cards from an over-the-counter process to issuance from a secure, central location. However, VA is switching its licenses to a more secure license so I do have to go in and get an updated "mug shot". But, my license will still be mailed to me.

Driver's license applicants will be given temporary driving permits that cannot be used for identification purposes. ID card applicants will be given a receipt. You will receive your new driver's license or ID card in the mail.

It is my understanding that, currently 25% of the US States DMVs operate this way with more changing to mailing the licenses.

Wow to think we are neighbors (West Virginia) and we still do it by going in person and leaving with your ID or DL. We have to put our thumb print on the back of the ID and they hand it to us. They still do it like that as of a couple of weeks ago when my SIL went it for a renewal. We now have more secure ID/DL then we did 4 years ago as they now have a hologram on them. Are you switching to the "real ID" with the chip in it? That's what our work IDs are here in the USG.

 

[ssawka]

It might be too late now, but I know you used to be able to expedite a passport and have it in 3 days. I think it was expensive though!

 

[emmabelle]

I was actually able to go through customs after a cruise with no picture ID! I had accidentally packed it in the luggage that gets shipped off, god only knows how, and didn't realize it until we had to go through customs. I'm not sure if I even had my birth cert., anyways they let me through, probably because the rest of the family had theres. It was scary.

 

[mamapajama]

Thanks for the responses so far. n2mm, the question with the photo ID card is will they give it to him right then, or mail it? The DMV site says that it will be mailed. We'll be calling in the morning to see if that's true, or if they issue it right there. Do you know if your mom got the card right away or if they mailed it to her??? When DS was younger and we got the ID card, they gave it to us right there ( we even were able to go to the express office). Like I said though, the website says they will mail it. That's what has me all worried!

My DD just got her permit and they gave her a temporary with no pic and mailed the actual one. You may be able to use the temp in conjunction with the expired id and school ids.

 

[HoneyPooh]

Not sure about where you live but here our County Clerks office can issue a photo ID that is good for 5 years and the cost when we got one for my son was only $10.00. They took the picture and made the card right there in the clerks office. It's a government issued ID card and he's used it numerous times to fly with no problems at all.

If you go that route be aware they ask a LOT of questions and require something sent to your physical address with the applicants name on it as well as other forms of ID such as school ID, library cards etc. You have to prove that the applicant has lived at their physical address for at least a year.

 

[Sadie22]

So what happened, did some nice MVA employee give your child the card? (You must be my age -- you call it the DMV).

 

[delmar411]

I'd hustle and go get the photo id. We didn't realize the switch had occurred either but both DH's DL and the boys' IDs arrived within 3 business days.

And they do issue a temp form of ID, ours had pics on them.