Do You Have Appropriate ID For Your Travel Plans?

Find out Which Forms of ID you may need for Each Mode of Transportation

With busy foot traffic and updated precautions amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, airports and major public transportation hubs often have heightened security measures. Safety precautions can include anything from 6-foot social distancing standards to random bag checks and TSA hand screenings. Busy traffic in airports, bus and train stations often increases the need for passengers to stay safe, be prepared, and be ready to show proper photo identification.

Whether you plan to travel by air, train, bus or car, be sure to pack proper ID and follow local safety precautions! This article will help you understand what type of ID may be required for each mode of transportation, as well as explore some COVID-19 travel safety tips.

Identification for Air Travel

If you’re traveling by air, know that the Transportation Security Administration requires that anyone over the age of 18 show a photo ID to board any foreign or domestic flight. The appropriate forms of identification include a driver’s license, permanent resident card, passport, tribal ID and other forms of identification.

Required Identification for Air Travel:

• One of the suggested forms of photo identification, including (but not limited to) a driver’s license, permanent resident card, passport, or tribal ID, is required for any passengers over 18
• A passport for any foreign travel

Identification for Train Travel

If you plan to take in the sights via Amtrak train transportation, know that you’ll need a photo ID card if you are leaving city limits. (Local subway systems in large cities may not require ID if you’re staying in town.) Amtrak requires photo ID for anyone over age 18 when they obtain their ticket and to check or store bags. To buy a ticket, one must be at least 16 years old, and valid forms of ID include a driver’s license, passport, student ID card or military ID.

Required Identification for Train Travel:

• A photo ID card, such as a driver’s license, a passport, student ID card or military ID for any passenger over 18

Identification for Bus Travel

Are you planning to save a few bucks by traveling by bus? If you’re staying within a metro area, all you need is a schedule and fare, but if you’re traveling across a few states to visit family or old friends, you will need a photo ID to ride with Greyhound. Although you can purchase Greyhound tickets online and use your password to pick your tickets up, you’ll still need to show a picture ID card upon boarding.

Required Identification for Bus Travel:

• ID may not be required to travel within small metro areas or on city-operated bus systems
• A valid photo ID is required for extended bus rides with services like Greyhound

Identification for Road Trips

Road trips are a great way to experience new places and they offer the freedom to venture outside of a planned route, unlike air travel and public transit. For your next trip across the states, you’ll still obviously need a driver’s license, but you may also need other ID upon check-in to hotels, roadside attractions and other destinations. Exploring America’s beautiful national parks and camping spots may also pose the need for a picture ID card, especially for discount pass holders or for activities like mountain climbing. If you have children or teens travelling with you, they should bring their student photo ID cards to ensure everyone can take part in every activity.

Required Identification for Road Trips:

• A driver’s license is required for any driver operating your vehicle
• Photo IDs for all passengers may also be required for check in at certain hotels, parks, and attractions

Identification for Traveling by Cruise Ship

Looking to kick back and avoid driving or navigating? A cruise is most likely what you have in mind. If you’re setting sail on a luxurious major cruise line like Carnival, depending on where you’re headed, you could be asked to show anything from a passport to a driver’s license not only upon boarding, but to take part in events on the ship, order alcoholic beverages and more.

Required Identification for Cruise Travel:

• Photo Identification may be required for each passenger to board
• Passports may be required to travel in international waters

COVID-19 Travel Safety Tips

Whether you’ll be traveling by plane, train, bus, car or cruise, safety standards for traveling have changed amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. Here are some safety tips and reminders to help you stay safe:

• Don’t forget your mask: Face masks are important, and required in some public areas to keep yourself and those around you safe.
• Keep your distance: Staying 6 feet apart from those around you can be difficult in certain methods of transportation, but do your best to keep a healthy distance!
• Stay prepared: COVID-19 safety measures (and identification requirements) may vary depending on where you are traveling. Look up safety regulations and rules wherever you plan to visit before you get there.
• Wash Your Hands: Remember to wash your hands often! Traveling can mean touching public surfaces that are hubs for germs like door handles. Don’t forget to consistently wash and sanitize your hands!

From ensuring that you have the proper identification to following best safety and health practices, there are a lot of ways to make sure you’re ready to travel!

Wherever you’re headed with your travels, stay safe and be ready to show your ID! Don’t let lack of preparation spoil the fun on your next trip.