Come prepared with additional forms of identification (credit card, photo business card, student ID, even mail or prescription medication with your name and address). Once the airline representative is satisfied that you are who you say you are, they will issue a boarding pass with a note that you don't have an ID.

In 2026, flying without a standard government-issued ID is still possible within the United States, but the process has become more structured and potentially costly. Beginning February 1, 2026, the TSA introduced "TSA ConfirmID," a modernized identity verification system for those without a REAL ID or acceptable alternative. If you arrive at the airport without ID, you may be required to pay a $45 fee to undergo this verification process, which uses digital databases to confirm your identity. This process can take 30 minutes or more, so arriving early is essential. For those who simply forgot their ID, the TSA may still use a combination of other documents (like credit cards, utility bills, or student IDs) and interview questions to verify your identity. However, with the full enforcement of the REAL ID Act in mid-2025, travelers are strongly urged to obtain compliant identification to avoid significant delays or being denied boarding entirely at the security checkpoint.