Flying is stressful for everyone, but if you're an undocumented immigrant, the stress levels can go through the roof. The big question is: can you even board a plane without legal immigration status? Will TSA agents ask for proof of residency? What if they flag you for extra screening? The good news is that undocumented immigrants can fly domestically within the U.S. But it’s not as simple as buying a ticket and arriving at the airport. You need to have the right kind of ID, understand what TSA looks for, and be aware of potential risks (especially if you're flying from certain locations).
At Ibrahim Law Office, our Chicago immigration lawyer wants undocumented immigrants flying domestically within the U.S. to understand the requirements and risks they may face. In this guide, we’ll cover what forms of ID you can use, how the REAL ID Act affects air travel, and what to do if you’re questioned at the airport.
When you arrive at the airport, one of the first things TSA (Transportation Security Administration) officers do is verify your identity. The TSA is not an immigration enforcement agency. Their main goal is security, not checking citizenship status. However, that doesn’t mean you’re entirely in the clear. If your ID raises questions or looks suspicious, you might be referred for extra screening. So, what forms of ID actually work if you’re an undocumented immigrant flying domestically?
TSA has a list of approved identification documents for domestic flights. You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need an officially recognized form of identification. If you're undocumented, your best options include:
If you’re an undocumented immigrant flying domestically, bring one of these forms of personal ID if you have them. But make sure your ID isn’t expired, damaged, or unreadable. The TSA is very strict about this. A worn-out passport or ID with missing information might not be accepted, which could cause delays or extra screening.
TSA does have a process for passengers without ID, but this can be risky. If you show up without one, TSA may ask you additional questions, run a database check, and require extra screening. In some cases, they might still let you board. But you won't be allowed to fly if they can’t verify your identity. More importantly, the extra attention could increase your risk of being flagged, which is not ideal if you’re an undocumented immigrant. If you don’t have a valid ID, your safest option is to get one before your trip. A foreign passport is usually the best choice.
If you’ve been to the DMV lately or seen those “REAL ID is coming” posters at the airport, you might be wondering what that is about. The REAL ID Act is a law that’s been in the works for years, and it's finally going into full effect on May 7, 2025. This change is important because, after that date, not all driver’s licenses or state IDs will be valid for air travel.
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 as part of national security efforts after 9/11. In short, the government wanted to make sure that people getting driver’s licenses were actually who they claimed to be. So, they added more rules about how IDs are issued and what documents states need to verify before handing them out.
REAL ID-compliant licenses look much like regular ones but have a gold or black star in the top corner. If your ID has that little star, it meets the federal security standards! But if it doesn’t, it won’t be enough to get you through airport security after May 2025. For most U.S. citizens, the REAL ID Act going into effect simply means they’ll need to update their driver’s license to a REAL ID. However, for undocumented immigrants, this change could be a big deal. Many states don’t issue REAL ID-compliant licenses to those without legal status.
The good news is that the REAL ID isn’t the only form of identification TSA accepts. Even after the deadline, undocumented immigrants can still fly domestically with:
If your state-issued ID won’t be REAL ID compliant after May 2025, make sure you have one of these instead.
Even with a valid ID, flying while undocumented still comes with risks. TSA isn’t an immigration agency, but that doesn’t mean you’re entirely off the radar. If you are flagged for extra screening, things could get complicated. That said, most undocumented travelers make it through security without any issues. But it’s always better to be prepared, just in case. Let’s go over some potential risks and how to handle them:
Most travelers breeze through TSA in about 10–15 minutes. But if something about your ID raises questions, TSA might send you for secondary screening. What does that mean? It could be as simple as answering a few extra questions, or it could involve a deeper identity verification process. Sometimes, TSA agents will call in a supervisor or check your name in a database.
In rare cases, they might ask you to provide additional proof of your identity. TSA officers aren’t immigration agents—they don’t have the power to detain you for your legal status. However, if they suspect something’s off, they could involve Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which has the authority to enforce immigration laws.
Flying from certain airports can be riskier than others. If you’re flying out of a big city like Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York, your risk level is lower. But if you’re traveling from an airport near the U.S. border, you might want to be extra cautious.
CBP officers have more authority within 100 miles of the border, which means extra enforcement at airports. Some of the riskiest airports include:
At these locations, it’s more common to see CBP agents working alongside TSA officers. While TSA isn’t supposed to check immigration status, CBP can if they’re involved in screening. If you have the option, avoid airports near border zones to reduce the chances of extra scrutiny.
First thing: don’t panic. If a TSA officer or CBP agent asks about your immigration status, you don’t have to answer. You have rights, even if you’re undocumented. If they ask where you were born or how you entered the country, you can stay silent or say, “I prefer not to answer.” If they push harder, you can ask, “Am I free to go?” If they say yes, walk away. If they say no, ask to speak to an immigration lawyer before answering any queries.
While you aren’t required to answer questions regarding your legal status, remember that you should never provide falsified information. Lying about your name, status, or documents can make things worse if you ever apply for legal status in the future. It’s always better to say nothing than to give false information. To be extra safe, keep an immigration lawyer’s contact info saved on your phone. If anything goes wrong, you’ll have someone to call.
Flying while undocumented can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation goes a long way. That means having the proper documents, knowing what to expect at security, and being ready for any potential challenges. Here are some best practices to follow when flying:
The immigration team at Ibrahim Law Office wants undocumented immigrants to know they can fly domestically. Having a valid ID, knowing your rights, and staying calm at security can help you get through the airport without issues. Most travelers don’t encounter problems, but being prepared is always wise. A little caution and the proper documents can make all the difference in having a smooth and stress-free trip.
Have more immigration-related legal questions? At Ibrahim Law Office in Chicago, our immigration lawyer proudly supports migrants with residency and U.S. citizenship applications, deportation defense, visas and green cards, asylum bids, and more. Connect with our law office today at 321-767-8611. Together, we can turn your immigration dreams into reality!
How Can We Help?
Our Services
More Immigration Blogs
Hear From Our
Clients
"One of the top immigration lawyers in Chicagoland. Michael Ibrahim is attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable. One of his best abilities is his availability. He responds to emails with attention and detail, often on the same day. Don't underestimate that in dealing with any immigration matter. He is personable; he does not simply collect fees and treat you like a client but rather like a friend. Your success is his success, and he understands that. If Michael were a surgeon, accountant, or another lawyer in any other field. I would want him. You cannot replicate him.." -Yousef S.
"My wife and I are very thankful for Micheal Ibrahim. Before we hired him, we approached many immigration lawyers over ten years to duplicate documents that were destroyed in a fire. The results were disappointing. Micheal was able to find the lost documents. My wife got her permanent residency. He was always available for us during a stressful time. We would like to thank Michael for his knowledge, professionalism, and expertise. We would definitely recommend Michael for immigration services." -Farzad D.
"Michael took over my case, which had been in immigration proceedings for many years, and I am so glad that he did. He is very professional, kept my husband, and I informed of every step of the process, and gave us the most honest and beneficial advice! Highly recommended for anyone who is in need of a great immigration attorney! Thank you again, Michael!" -Nida F.
