Can I take a US domestic flight as a foreigner without my passport? [duplicate]

I'm a foreigner in the US with a J1 visa. I don't have my passport with me and I have a flight from Boston to Miami. Can I fly without the passport?

I only have a copy of my passport and visa because my original passport is stuck in the Canadian visa centre in NY (because I requested a travel visa to visit Canada).

I was supposed to receive my passport back days ago, but it's taking longer than it usually does. It won't be delivered to me in time for my flight to Miami. The other documents I have are my own country's ID, and an international drivers licence.

Is there any way I can still fly?

Best Answer

If you don't leave the United States, you do not need a passport - remember that most Americans have no passport at all.

You do need a 'Secure Government Issued ID'. That could be - aside from a biometric passport from any country:

a State issued Driver's License - if your state does already have Secure Driver's Licenses (Florida does have them)
a State issued ID card (issued if you don't have a Driver's License)
a Global Entry card
maybe some other more state specific ID cards
not your employer's badge - it isn't government issued
not any foreign ID card - it has to come from the US government
not any foreign Driver's License (unfortunately)

From what you wrote, I think if you don't have a Driver's License of your state, you might be out of luck. A photocopy would be worthless, because there is no possibility to check it for authenticity - it is easy to change something and photocopy it again.

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Do non citizens need passport for domestic flights?

All travelers flying on a domestic flight must present a valid (unexpired) photo ID issued by the state or federal government. Undocumented individuals may use the following forms of ID accepted by TSA: State photo identity card. State driver's license.

Can I fly with a photocopy of my passport?

Can you use a photocopy of a passport to travel? No, a photocopy is not the same as a passport, and therefore is not a valid travel document. You will not be allowed to travel using a photocopy to anywhere that requires a valid U.S. passport.

Can I still travel if I have lost my passport?

If you are in the U.S. and you are flying domestically, the good news is that you do not need your passport. You can fly by showing any photo ID issued by the government.

What happens if I lost my passport before my flight?

If your travel plans are urgent (such as a flight out the very next day), the embassy or consular staff will then issue you an emergency passport so you can continue your trip. They can even lend you some money if necessary.

Traveling Without a Legal Status

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