When preparing for a trip, we all inevitably get that feeling that we forgot to pack something. If you’re like me, you’ll remind yourself that as long as you have your ID and some money, you’re good-to-go. Those two items will keep you mobile no matter what part of the world you’re in. So, what do you do when you lose your ID on vacation?
It’s something that can cause extreme stress for even the most experienced traveler, but it doesn’t need to be. Being prepared for this eventuality will give you confidence to navigate a challenge that’s not as scary as it sounds.
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Things to do before you fly
When traveling out of the country, you should always know where your country’s embassy is located. Besides the Jason Bourne thriller situations, an embassy provides all kinds of practical services for nationals traveling abroad.
Let’s say a traveler needs medical attention. The embassy can direct the injured to appropriate medical services and walk them through financial options. Similarly, if someone is victimized overseas, the embassy can connect them with US-based services abroad and English-speaking lawyers. In a financial emergency, they can help get in touch with friends and family back home to organize funds transfers.
And if you lose your ID, they can help you make your way back home. Have you ever had a parent or friend stress the importance of taking a photocopy of your driver’s license and/or passport on your travels? This is precisely why.
When applying for a passport at home, a birth certificate is typically required to prove the applicant is a citizen of that country. Overseas, a photocopy of your passport is the proof of citizenship in place of other documents. Similarly, a driver’s license photocopy is proof of identity. The Real-ID Act in the United States was created to help link databases between states. When traveling domestically, if the official ID is lost, law enforcement can search the database to confirm the validity of an ID.
When you realize your ID is gone
First, don’t freak out. Remember, you are not the first, nor will you be the last person to lose your ID on vacation. You can still get home; you just need to take a few extra steps.
Make your way to the local police department and file a report ASAP, regardless of how the ID went missing. Stolen or lost, filing an official police report will show the security team at the airport that every effort has been made to find the ID before traveling. It’s a standard procedure for police, so should only take about 15 minutes. They’ll ask where you last saw your ID, so make sure you file as soon as you realize it’s gone.
If traveling abroad, head straight to your home country’s embassy. They can help arrange to file a police report and get the wheels turning on a temporary passport. It will be required to get back home, so make sure to have your travel itinerary with you. This can help them expedite the process if your return flight is coming up soon.
Stay attentive and get organized
Keep an eye on social media too. There are many good people out there who may try to make contact if they find your ID. This happened to me when I lost my driver’s license in Colorado. At the time, I didn’t have Facebook Messenger, so I didn’t even know a good Samaritan was doing their best to return it to me until eight months later.
Between filing a police report and arriving at the airport, make a quick catalogue of everything in your possession that has your name on it – even better if it has a picture. Gym cards, credit and debit cards, Global Entry cards, expired visas, travel itineraries/vouchers (like your hotel bill, flight confirmation), you name it. Keep those items in a safe place with the photocopies of identification and police report until you’re ready to depart.
What to expect at the airport
Fair warning, this is not going to be your favorite experience at the airport. It’s not bad or painful, it just requires a little extra time. Make sure to arrive well before departure time. For domestic flights, plan for at least three hours. And for international, at least four. Hey, if you end up with extra time on your hands, you can enjoy a celebratory bevy before you board.
If traveling internationally or with large bags requiring check-in, do so as usual. When it’s your turn, calmly explain to the ticketing agent that you’ve lost your ID but have filed a police report and have either a temporary passport (if overseas and arranged with the embassy), or other proof of identity you can present. They’ll have to call a security agent over who will pull you aside.
If you’re a practiced road warrior traveling with carry-ons only and your boarding pass on your mobile phone, head straight to TSA. When called up to present your ID, you’ll follow the same protocol as you would if you were speaking to the ticketing agent. Alert them that you’ve lost your ID, have a police report, and alternative identification. They’ll also call a security agent to pull you aside and work it out.
With all the items boasting your name handy, let the security agent take the lead. First, they’ll likely as for the police report, your temporary ID (if applicable), and then anything else with your name (and ideally picture) on it.
Waiting is the stressful part, so breath, remember the agent is a person just like you, and know you’ll get farther with honey than vinegar. Security agents deal with stressed-out, rude passengers every day. Being polite – and patient – is the best way to encourage them to help you.
Celebrate with friends and family at home
In 99% of cases, when you’re organized and have taken every reasonable action to find your ID and can show proof of those efforts, the agent will let you through. You might get a little pep talk about being more careful next time, but you’ll be on your way.
And then, when you get back to the comfort of home, share your story with friends and family. That way they can be prepared too if this should ever happen to them!
Safe (and stress-free) travels to all!
