Don't cancel that flight: How to fly without proper ID

Gail Elis, 65, of East Meadow, is trying to do something simple in theory: fly her mother to Florida.

Her mother, Marion Razler, 96, previously lived in Lindenhurst and is now staying with Elis after a series of family losses, including the unexpected death of Elis’ brother on March 26, who had been her mother’s caretaker.

The plan is to relocate Razler to Florida to be closer to family, including her grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

"She’s all for it," Elis said. "She won’t be cold anymore."

But what should have been a straightforward trip has turned into a maze of paperwork. After speaking with Newsday, Elis said she is now exploring a new TSA program that could allow her mother to fly without standard identification.

"We're open to anything. We'll do whatever we have to do," Elis said. "We just want to get her there."

Missing documents, mounting delays

Razler does not have a valid driver’s license, non-driver ID, birth certificate or marriage certificate readily available. Her expired driver’s license dates to 2018, and her passport expired in 1998.

Elis said her brother, who had been their mother's primary carefiver, had not updated many of the documents before his death, leaving the family now trying to replace them while also planning urgent travel.

State agencies require certified documents to issue replacements, and processing times can range from several weeks to more than a month, depending on the record requested. The family said they were initially told some documents could arrive in about two weeks, but were later told it could take as long as six weeks.

"We don’t have six weeks," Elis said. "Why should a 96-year-old woman have to go through this?"

TSA alternative verification process: What Long Island families should know

TSA generally requires a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or passport for domestic travel. However, passengers without acceptable identification — including those with expired, lost or noncompliant documents — may still be screened through an alternative identity verification process known as ConfirmID. The process is available at major area airports, including Long Island MacArthur Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Kennedy Airport.

As of Feb. 1, TSA’s ConfirmID system allows travelers who arrive without valid ID to attempt identity verification at the airport by providing personal information such as name, address and date of birth, which TSA uses to confirm identity through available records. Expired identification and supporting documents such as a Social Security card, medical records or other paperwork showing identifying information may also be used to assist the process, but are not required.

A $45 fee applies regardless of the reason for travel, including medical emergencies or bereavement. As of February, the fee can be paid in advance at tsa.gov/confirm-ID, and travelers should bring a copy of the receipt — printed or on a phone — to the airport.

If identity is successfully confirmed, travelers may be allowed to proceed through security screening, though TSA notes approval is not guaranteed.

Travelers should also contact their airline and ask about flexible or "compassionate" travel options, and call TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 before travel to request a Passenger Support Specialist who can meet them at the airport and assist with screening and identity verification at no extra cost.

Passengers should plan to arrive at least three hours before departure, as screening may take longer than usual. At the airport, TSA officers may ask questions and attempt to verify identity using available records.

More information on the ConfirmID process is available at tsa.gov.