Son Lost His I.D. & No Time To Receive It - Now What?!!

[heaven2dc]

My DS23 lost his I.D. card a couple of days ago so we went to DMV with hopefully all the documents that he needed to get it replaced. But we were told he needed his selective service card or school transcripts. We didn't have either with us, went back home and tore the house apart and couldn't find them. Plus we were told that they no longer just give you the I.D. that same day, they now mail the I.D. card which takes up to 15 days! So even if we had all the documents, we wouldn't have the card in hand when we go to the airport next Sunday.

I called TSA, Reagan Airport and Orlando International Airport asking what we need to bring to get him through screening. TSA said that we just need to tell the agent he doesn't have an I.D., they will put him in line for special screening and to bring his birth certificate and social security card. Reagan told me that all they have to do is call a 1-800# and he would be cleared. Orlando told me to bring the DMV receipt proving the I.D. was applied for but I can't get his transcripts or selective service card in time since it takes 7-10 days to receive both.

Has anyone else had problems with I.D.'s and could share your experience please? Also my 17 yr old doesn't have an I.D. but I was told that he just needs to bring his birth certificate and social security card and they will ask to see my I.D.

 

[Tara]

You'll be fine- allow a little extra time because they'll do special screening, but the fact is that you can fly without photo ID. I've done it- they'll ask a lot if questions and give him a thorough screening and that will be it.

 

[TagsMissy]

Does he not have a passport - it would substitute as ID? i cannot imagine, personally, not having a valid passport; especially at the ages of 17 and most certainly at 23. If your children have expired passports can they get a rush passport as ID?

 

[N965VJ]

If your children have expired passports can they get a rush passport as ID?

Passports that have been expired for up a year can still be used for ID at the TSA checkpoint.

 

[tjmw2727]

Have the 23yo bring as much ID as he can including expired ones, school ID, BC SS card anything you can put your hands on esp if it has a photo. Also bring as many of the documents you have for the replacement ID. Arrive early, have some one else take care of his carryon items and be patient.

The 17yo doesn't need any ID at all. Only passengers 18 and over are required to show ID. The TSA agent willl simply ask him is name and date of birth.

The TSA website is a good source of info :

http://www.tsa.gov/

Direct link to info on acceptable ID - and what to do if you can't provide acceptable ID:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm

 

[Tara]

Does he not have a passport - it would substitute as ID? i cannot imagine, personally, not having a valid passport; especially at the ages of 17 and most certainly at 23. If your children have expired passports can they get a rush passport as ID?

There's no need to pay expedite fees for getting a new passport as flying without an ID is completely possible. But I agree that having a valid passport is a good idea and once the 23yo gets his new ID, I'd encourage him to get his passport. (same for the 17yo)

 

[CPT Tripss]

Personnally, I would not carry my Social Security card while on a trip for any reason. I have to give out the number way too much anyway, but I sure would not want to risk losing my SS card and having my number who knows where. He should take any photo ID he has, whether expired or not - it's a good faith proof that some time in the past he was who he says he is.

There are reports of travelers being cleared to fly with no ID at all, as always, ymmv.

 

[Chuck-PA]

We left Disney and arrived at the airport and our son told us he left his wallet back in the hotel room.

We called Disney and they said they found the wallet in the room and had it but they could not get it to the airport in time for our flight. They would ship it to us. Panic mode set in......
We didn't know what to do, so we got in line to go through security. Our son was 20 at the time. We explained the situation. They asked for my ID and my wife's ID and asked us to verify his identity and they marked his boarding pass accordingly, and his was given a pat down screening. We were then sent on our way. At boarding, we were questioned again to his identity and then sent through to the plane.

But now, it is the first question we ask everyone before we check out, do you have your ID? LOL, now it is funny but not back then.

Hope this helps.

 

[NYDisneyKid]

Does he not have a passport - it would substitute as ID? i cannot imagine, personally, not having a valid passport;

i hope the government never makes it a law for every usa citizen to be required to have a passport. i for one have no desire to leave this country. on the other hand, think of all the $$$$ the feds could make.

 

[MmmmDisney.]

I lost my wallet (w/ my ID and SS card) right before a trip to WDW. All I had was my birth certificate and my medical insurance cards. I was traveling with my DH and kids. At JFK, they gave me a hard time, along with a lecture about traveling w/o ID. My family went through, they held me in line. Called a few different TSA agents. More lectures. I was embarassed, but mostly mad at myself. Kept cool calm and collected, and then they brought me over to have a thorough screening of myself and bags and then let me go through. The plane was boarding when we made it to the gate. Now, on the way home totally different story... At MCO, I told then the same thing and gave them my birth certificate and ins. card, TSA brought it to her supervisor, he said "well, that's all she needs" smiled and sent my on my way. It took literally a min and that was it. No extra screenings!

So, my advice is to give yourself a lot of extra time. Don't get impatient. Your son will get through, it just might take a lot longer.

 

[heaven2dc]

Does he not have a passport - it would substitute as ID? i cannot imagine, personally, not having a valid passport; especially at the ages of 17 and most certainly at 23. If your children have expired passports can they get a rush passport as ID?

We have never traveled outside of the United States so never had the need to purchase a passport nor feel the need for a passport (plus they are SO expensive!) but thanks for the tip!

Thanks everyone for your helpful comments! I think it will be all okay - I just told him to be prepared for a pat down and just to be polite. We will bring everything we can to prove his identity and allow an extra half hour at the least.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Now that OP has the answers, I was thinking. If a person has their luggage screened and their body screened and both come up clear, what does showing ID do to improve safety beyond the level of safety provided by the screening?

 

[Lewisc]

Now that OP has the answers, I was thinking. If a person has their luggage screened and their body screened and both come up clear, what does showing ID do to improve safety beyond the level of safety provided by the screening?

You already know the answer, you just don't agree with it.

For the benefit of people reading this thread.

ID allows the TSA to make sure the person going through security has been checked against the no-fly list.

I certainly don't want a terrorist on my plane, even if he leaves his weapons behind.

People without IDs are generally subject to secondary screening. I guess the reason to check IDs would be diminished if every passenger gets subjected to detailed screening.

The positive match requirement of passengers and checked luggage was eliminated after the requirement of screening all checked luggage was implemented.

Strip search every passenger, perform a body cavity search and carefully inspect every item the passenger wants to bring on the plane and the need to check ID would be greatly diminished.

Having to show ID isn't the issue most people have with TSA.

 

[CPT Tripss]

snip

For the benefit of people reading this thread.

ID allows the TSA to make sure the person going through security has been checked against the no-fly list.

SNIP

That's not quite correct . . . the no fly list is checked before a boarding pass is issued. There is no verification done by the document checker. Not even a scan to verify that the bar code is legit. Any somewhat skilled pc operator could fabricate an authentic looking boarding pass to match an authentic (but false) ID.

And, truth be told . . . TSA has discovered bogus IDs. But, I am not aware of one wanted terrorist that was caught based on these ID checks. Do you know of any?

 

[chamonix]

Even if you are positive you will never leave the country, having a passport is a great idea because you always have a second form of official ID available if you need it (lose your DL, whatever).

We always carry and use our passports for ID when traveling even domestically. I don't want to be on vacation, lose my wallet and then have no ID. Also, my passport has zero information in it, unlike my DL which shows my home address.

They may be "expensive" but they are good for 10 years, so when you break it down by each year, it's cheaper than a DL. If you don't get a passport for a second ID, consider getting a state ID card. I just cant imagine only having one form of official ID. YMMV, of course.

 

[NYDisneyKid]

Even if you are positive you will never leave the country, having a passport is a great idea because you always have a second form of official ID available if you need it (lose your DL, whatever).

We always carry and use our passports for ID when traveling even domestically. I don't want to be on vacation, lose my wallet and then have no ID. Also, my passport has zero information in it, unlike my DL which shows my home address.

They may be "expensive" but they are good for 10 years, so when you break it down by each year, it's cheaper than a DL. If you don't get a passport for a second ID, consider getting a state ID card. I just cant imagine only having one form of official ID. YMMV, of course.

not at $120 (or more) a pop. makes no difference to me if its good for life.