Domestic travel in the US with no passport

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Reporting back: I successfully flew ORD-SEA without a passport! The process was super easy to be honest. I presented my Argentinian national ID, a US debit card, and my US SSN card as proofs. I had many more things, but they weren't needed. I suppose this may be a bit harder without any formal ties to the US, but should still be doable. As I understand it, they just check your identity to see that you actually have a flight that day and are not on a no-fly list. But you do need to absolutely prove your identity to the TSA officer.

When you fly without ID you do need to go through "additional screening", which means you get a very very thorough patdown and they manually search your bags. The TSA officer was very professional during the whole thing, asked if I had any medical conditions or preferred a private screening too. Also, I got to skip the line at security, and I think I actually saved time! :)

I recommend getting a state ID if time allows (I think I will anyway now), but this is a definite possibility too.

Upvote:4

You can (legally) fly without ID:

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

However, as other people have said in the comments, I'm not sure how easy this is for people who have no other 'ties' to the USA. Generally speaking, in my experience, it's been similar to the kinds of questions that would be asked to verify your credit report - a list of cars you've owned, addresses you've lived at, or bank accounts that you've had. You might not have a large enough file for this process to work for you.

I'd ask if the Argentine consulate has some kind of identity document that they can make for you.

Alternatively, as an Argentine citizen, you are eligible for a US Global Entry card:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/international-arrangements/argentina

This may be going the long way around to fix your problem, but it's a definite possibility.

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