Pre-Flight ID & Document Checklist

Trip Date: Destination:

✈️ REAL ID Compliance (Required for ALL domestic flights as of May 7, 2025)

Check for REAL ID star (★) - Look in the upper right corner of your driver's license

Verify expiration date - ID must be valid through your return date

Backup ID ready - Valid passport, passport card, or military ID if no REAL ID

📋 Essential Travel Documents

Photo ID - REAL ID compliant driver's license or acceptable alternative

Boarding pass - Mobile or printed (backup recommended)

Travel insurance documents - Policy numbers and contact info

Hotel/accommodation confirmations - Digital and printed backup

Car rental confirmations - If applicable

🌍 International Travel Add-Ons

Valid passport - Must be valid 6+ months beyond return date for most countries

Visa (if required) - Check destination requirements at travel.state.gov

Vaccination records - COVID-19, Yellow Fever, or other required immunizations

Global Entry/TSA PreCheck - Known Traveler Number (KTN) added to reservation

💊 Medical & Special Needs

Prescription medications - In original containers with pharmacy labels

Medical device documentation - Letters for CPAP, insulin pumps, etc.

Medical alert information - Allergies, emergency contacts, medical conditions

🚨 Emergency Backup Plan

Digital copies stored - Photos of all IDs/documents in secure cloud storage

Physical photocopies - Separate from originals, kept in different bag/location

Emergency contacts list - Family, embassy, insurance, bank, credit card companies

Wallet reminder set - Phone alert or note to double-check ID before leaving

💡 Pro Tips:

Take photos of all documents and email them to yourself
Keep one backup copy in your carry-on, one in checked luggage
Set phone reminders to check ID expiration dates 6 months before travel
Consider TSA PreCheck ($85/5 years) or Global Entry ($100/5 years) for faster screening