Has anyone ever used backup travel documents for TSA?

[LuvOrlando]

Someone in our group loses ID a lot, I have no idea why but it is what it is. We are currently waiting for this person's Real ID Driver's License replacement to show up and are leaving for Florida soon. Hopefully it will be here before trip but since we have a few trips coming up I started to wonder what else other people may have used successfully? Passport is a good one but is, of course, expired and also missing but this is expensive to deal with and can be a long wait. I read about Global Entry cards being an option and of course this is missing too but a replacement one of these is only $25 and looks quick, plus it has absolutely no other use so this would be a good backup to store safely, I just hope it is enough if needed.

 

[jimmymc]

I typically bring my Nexus card on domestic flights even though my driver's license is a Real ID. My passport doesn't leave the house unless I specifically need it. I fly domestically a lot more often than I drive to Canada, so losing the Nexus card wouldn't be as bad as losing a passport or DL.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Here is the list from TSA of acceptable forms of Real ID link

If by some magic they happen to still have their new Global Entry card on them by the time they get to the TSA officer, it will be fine as an ID.

 

[Mle8308]

Do they have a regular drivers license? Looks like you can pay a fee and get through TSA without a Real ID or passport. Though I am not sure of the starting date for that. Guess if you pay $45 or $50, that's all it takes to deem you safe and you don't have to be verified!

 

[CarolynFH]

Guess if you pay $45 or $50, that's all it takes to deem you safe

I'm not so sure about that - I've read that there is information you have to submit (can do online ahead of time) as well as extra procedures at the airport. It definitely sounded like it would require more time and more documentation and be more complicated than simply paying a fee.

 

[CarolynFH]

I just found the official TSA page at https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/rele...w-45-fee-option-for-travelers-without-real-id, and in part in reads:

All travelers without an acceptable ID, including those who present a non-REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID, will be referred to the optional TSA Confirm.ID process for identity verification upon TSA check-in and prior to entering the security line. This process will differ airport to airport, and TSA is working with private industry to proactively offer online payment options prior to arrival at the airport.

It also says that passengers who have to go throught the Confirm.ID process should expect delays!

 

[msmayor]

This is not a "if you pay $45, you can get through TSA screening without Real ID" at all - it isn't considered an alternative to obtaining a Real ID. If you do not have a Real ID, you will still have to go through all steps of the alternative screening in place now, which may take more time, and is no guarantee that you actually get through and to your flight.

The $45 is now collected to help pay for this extra work and processing.

 

[MikeF;NJ]

This is not a "if you pay $45, you can get through TSA screening without Real ID" at all - it isn't considered an alternative to obtaining a Real ID. If you do not have a Real ID, you will still have to go through all steps of the alternative screening in place now, which may take more time, and is no guarantee that you actually get through and to your flight.

The $45 is now collected to help pay for this extra work and processing.

I agree entirely with your first sentence. Not so sure about the rest. It appears they are trying to set up an online identity verification process (presumably at least what I needed to provide when I set up an ID.me account a few years ago, probably more. I've got a Real ID, so I am not familiar with the current airport alternate process.) I agree this is what the $45 is for.

 

[msmayor]

I agree entirely with your first sentence. Not so sure about the rest. It appears they are trying to set up an online identity verification process (presumably at least what I needed to provide when I set up an ID.me account a few years ago, probably more. I've got a Real ID, so I am not familiar with the current airport alternate process.) I agree this is what the $45 is for.

For clarification - from TSA.gov:

 

[wdwfan94]

Passport cards (that fit in your wallet) are a good backup form of ID that is accepted by TSA. It’s a small additional cost (I think $30) when you get a passport and good for 10 years.

 

[Lewisc]

You can use your passport to create a TSA approved digital ID card. It works at many airports. You're supposed to also have your physical ID. Google Wallet (and Apple equivalent?)

Great backup if your wallet is lost or stolen.

Some states drivers license can also be digitally used.
Edited to add a link
https://www.tsa.gov/digital-id

 

[Dug720]

Someone in our group loses ID a lot, I have no idea why but it is what it is. We are currently waiting for this person's Real ID Driver's License replacement to show up and are leaving for Florida soon. Hopefully it will be here before trip but since we have a few trips coming up I started to wonder what else other people may have used successfully? Passport is a good one but is, of course, expired and also missing but this is expensive to deal with and can be a long wait. I read about Global Entry cards being an option and of course this is missing too but a replacement one of these is only $25 and looks quick, plus it has absolutely no other use so this would be a good backup to store safely, I just hope it is enough if needed.

They definitely need to deal with the passport being lost ASAP. Even if they're not replacing it, they need to report the other one lost.

I have to wonder if states have a way to track (or are keeping track) of how many times someone loses their ID and has to get it replaced. I'd like to think there's a certain number that triggers red flags - if it's found, there are ways it could be altered for others to use it (thinking specifically of underage people using it, but other nefarious reasons as well). But that's probably me being too optimistic that they'd care since the state gets a replacement fee every time.