Tag Archives: driver’s license

The Mandatory Deadline for Presenting a REAL ID-Compliant License to TSA is Now May 7, 2025

Will the TSA accept your driver’s license as ID for domestic travel? Due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline. The new deadline for REAL ID is now May 7, 2025.  The TSA will continue to accept your current driver’s license as an ID to fly now if it is a non REAL ID until May 7, 2025. After that date, it will need to be a Real ID. A Real ID is a federally approved state driver’s license.

TSA Accepts Your Driver’s License as ID

According to the Department of Homeland Security if on May 7th, 2025 you haven’t upgraded your license to a REAL ID you can still travel domestically but you will have to use a federal compliant form of ID to do so. Acceptable federal issued ID includes these common ones:
US passport
US passport card
DHS trusted traveler card ( Global Entry, NEXUS, SENRI, FAST)

There are more options listed on the TSA.gov site

The Real ID ACT – Will Affect How You Board a Plane Come May 7, 2025

Will the TSA accept your current driver’s license as ID? If you haven’t traveled in a while checking on your driver’s license now is timely. If you don’t have a Real ID start working on it now as due to the pandemic many state DMVs are backed up on processing requests.  Driver’s licenses are issued by the states. The states have had varying standards for the licenses they issue.  For security, the federal government has issued a common high set of standards that all states must meet to issue a driver’s license.

What is the Real ID and Real ID Act

The Real ID Act is legislation that imposes much stricter measures on how people can obtain a state driver’s license and sets more thorough standards as to what will be displayed on the licenses. States have had to increase their standards to meet the federal standards for driver’s licenses to be considered REAL IDs. Why is this important to you and domestic travel? Because you need a federally approved driver’s license or similar ID to board a plane on or after May 7, 2025.

If your driver’s license is not a Real ID on May 7, 2025, then here’s a workaround, assuming you have a passport you can use your passport as your ID to fly domestically since passports are federally issued documents.

The Purpose of the Real ID

The purpose of secure driver’s licenses and identification documents is a vital component of our national security framework. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”  This Act ensures that a driver’s license issued by all states meets all the same new higher standards of identity verification as set forth by the federal government.

Getting a Compliant Real ID Now is Easy

All states are now issuing driver’s licenses and IDs that are compliant with the federal regulations of the Real ID Act. Therefore, any new license or requested replacement license is a Real ID.
 You need to have a new federally compliant driver’s license known as a Real ID issued to you by your state to use as ID to get through TSA and board a plane as of May 7, 2025. Until October 1st, your old license or ID is still valid.

The REAL ID Act sets forth new federally mandated requirements for all state driver’s licenses and ID cards. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has set standards not entirely dissimilar from the requirements already in place for most states throughout the country, however, not all states are/were compliant. 

The bottom line is…Driver’s licenses and IDs must now meet the Act’s minimum standards when they are produced by the states. You will have to prove who you are and where you reside to get a Real ID driver’s license.  Your DMV will provide you with which documents you need to bring when applying for the newer ID. The higher standards mean your license will be tamper-proofed and signifies that your identification has been verified and approved by the TSA. The TSA will accept your driver’s license as an ID for domestic flights if it is a Real ID, meaning it meets the federal standards for driver’s licenses.
 Related Article:  Can You Fly if Your ID is Lost?

Want More Details is From the Department of Homeland Security

Please continue to check DHS’s REAL ID webpage for the most up-to-date information on individual state compliance as status can change over time. You can find a list of identification accepted by the Transportation Security Administration on TSA’s website.  You may also check with your state’s driver’s licensing agency about how to acquire a REAL ID-compliant license.

Rumor: I need a passport to fly domestically

  • If you have a driver’s license or identification card issued by a state that does not meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act,  and unless that state has been granted an extension, you must present an alternative form of identification acceptable to TSA to board a commercial domestic flight.
  • Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of federal identification such as a passport for domestic air travel.

Rumor: TSA isn’t going to accept my driver’s license

Fact: TSA will continue to accept driver’s licenses issued by all compliant states or non-compliant states with an extension, until May 2025.

Rumor: I need to get a new driver’s license or passport

Fact: You have until May 07, 2025, to replace your current license with a REAL ID-compliant license, as long as your state is compliant or is non-compliant with an extension. Start the application process with your DMV now, as appointments and wait times at the agency can be a few months out depending on where you live.

Rumor: The Department of Homeland Security is trying to build a national database with all of our information

Fact: REAL ID does not build a national database nor does it grant the Federal Government or another state access to a state’s driver’s license data.  REAL ID is not a national identification card. States and territories will continue to issue their own unique license, maintain their own records, and determine who may access those records and under what circumstances.

Will the TSA accept your driver’s license as ID

The TSA, a federal agency, has given several years’ notice that they will refuse to let passengers with non-compliant IDs board flights as of May 3rd, 2023. The TSA will accept your driver’s license as an ID if it is a Real ID. If your driver’s license is non-compliant because it is not a REAL ID the TSA can ask you to provide another form of identification, like a passport, and if you don’t have it deny you access to the plane.

Check your license now if you’re not sure and check the expiration date of your passport while you’re at it. Protect your ID, passport, and other valuable documents in the airport by carrying them in a flat pouch you wear around your neck and under your shirt for easy access and security.

Final Thought on Your Driver’s License as ID

May 7, 2025, is fast approaching. If you plan to fly then or after that date now is the time to verify if your driver’s license is considered a REAL ID compliant document. Wait times at DMV offices are longer now than ever and processing of a new license can be lengthy. For peace of mind and a smooth experience with the TSA at the airport check your driver’s now.
Bonus Tip: Keep a photo of your ID on your phone.

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No passport? No problem! Places you can travel to without a passport include the tropical locations of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. If you are starting your travel from a US location and want to visit a tropical destination that is a US territory you can travel without a passport.

Places You Can Travel to Without a Passport

Consider the below tropical locations for your next getaway destination.

Guam
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands
America Samoa
Swains Island
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands

According to the State Department, any territory that belongs to the US and U.S. citizens or nationals who travel directly between parts of the United States, which includes Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, without touching at a foreign port or place, are not required to present a valid passport.

Our neighbors Mexico and Canada can also be visited without a passport however the requirements are a bit different.

Travel to Canada Without a Passport

In order to pass the Canadian border by land, whether it is a drive or a hike, all U.S. citizens are required to carry an identification document, which carries proof of citizenship.  Apart from a passport, U.S. citizens can also use a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, naturalization certificate, or a NEXUS card. With any of these documents, you can cross the Canadian border. However, if you wish to fly to Canada, a valid U.S. passport will be necessary.

Travel to Mexico Without a Passport

Travel to Mexico does not require a passport, However, thanks to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, when passing the Mexican border by land, a passport is not the only form of allowed documentation. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can also use a passport card, a NEXUS card or the Enhanced Driver’s License. If flying into Mexico you will need a passport.

If you choose to travel without a passport to tropical locations an additional benefit of visiting any of these locations is that the currency in use is the US dollar and English is spoken there. Additionally, your flight options are good as many US carriers have flights there.

Besides not needing a passport which can be expensive to get  ($165 minimum per traveler).

Details on Acceptable Travel IDs

U.S. Territory Travel Document Requirements for passengers traveling from the US, and not a foreign location. Passengers 18 years of age or older are required to have a valid, current U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID that contains your name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature for travel to or from a U.S. Territory (Guam, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands). Expired documents are not accepted. The following IDs are accepted:
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. passport card
  • DHS “Trusted Traveler” cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Military ID
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Border Crossing Card
  • DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
  • Drivers’ licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by a Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) that meets REAL ID benchmarks (All states are currently in compliance.)
  • A Native American Tribal Photo ID
  • An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
  • A Registered Traveler Card (that contains your name, date of birth, gender, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature)
  • A foreign government-issued passport
  • Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

Non-US/Canadian citizens are not required to carry their passports if they have documents issued by the U.S. government such as Permanent Resident Cards. Those who do not should be carrying their passports while visiting the U.S. If you do not have an acceptable ID you may be subject to additional screening.

Children under the age of 18 traveling with an adult are not required to show ID at the time of check-in.

Children ages 15-17 traveling alone need one of the following:

  • Driver’s license
  • Passport
  • Credit card
  • School ID
  • Company ID
  • Library card
  • Birth certificate
  • Social Security card
  • Organization ID (such as athletic club, etc.)
  • Proof of auto insurance in passenger’s name

Children ages 5-14 traveling alone are not required to show ID at the time of check-in, however, they are encouraged to carry some form of ID during travel.

Forgot Your ID?

In the event, you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete a form to include your name and current address and may ask additional questions to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You may be subject to additional screening. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be confirmed, you chose to not provide proper identification, contact the TSA to learn more.

You can travel without a passport, but be sure to check on all ID requirements before you go.
Bonus tip: Keep photos of all your IDs on your phone in case of loss, at least you’ll have a starting point with border officials.

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An international driver’s license or international driver’s permit known as an IDP is a must if you intend to drive overseas, check with the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their driver’s license, road permit, and auto insurance requirements. The IDP allows you to drive a vehicle in a foreign country as long as you have a state-issued driver’s license. Over 150 countries recognize an IDP as valid for driving and as valid form of identification in 175+ countries.

Many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver’s license. Most, however, accept an international driver’s permit. Before departure, obtain one at the local office of an automobile association, the links are below. You must be at least age 18, and you will need two passport-size photographs and your valid U.S. license. Certain countries require road permits instead of tolls to use their divided highways and will fine drivers without a permit. Do your research ahead of time.

The Benefits of An IDP

The IDP works as an official personal ID with a photo that is recognized by the countries that require it to drive, even if you’re not driving. Additionally, the document is required for renting a vehicle.

It is important for you to know that if you lose your wallet and driver’s license, many countries will not allow you to drive with just an IDP.

International Drivers Permit (IDP)

The best and easiest place to obtain an International Drivers Permit (IDP) is from your local AAA club office. You will have to pay a fee, but it is usually less than $30.00.

When driving you must carry your regular driver’s license and well as your IDP license. The IDP is a “permit” and not a “license” and is only valid if it is paired with your state-issued driver’s license.

Make sure you read up on the driving rules of the country you are visiting, as many times they will be different than here at home. Some countries have a minimum and maximum driving age. Check the laws before you drive in any country.

International Driver's Permit, International driver's license

How Long is an International Driving Permit Valid for?

An IDP is good for one year. So ease your last minute pre-trip to-do list and apply for your international driver’s license up to 6 months prior to your trip.

Is an IDP Required to Drive in a Foreign Country?

Not every country requires an International Driver’s Permit but many do. For Example, in Europe, countries like Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy and Spain require the IDP.

What is the Cost to Apply for Each Permit?

Triple AAA has an application fee of $20 for each permit. You can apply via mail, you don’t have to go a branch to get a permit.

When to Apply for the International Driving Permit

It only takes a day to a few weeks to get the IDP. Plan ahead and get it a few months before you plan on driving. You can get your IDP issued within six months of your desired effective date.  For example, if you plan to travel on December 1, you can apply for the IDP on June 1 before December.

How to Apply for an International Driving Permit

There are only two authorized agencies that can issue an IDP.

Download the AAA IDP application

Download the AATA application

To apply for your permit, print out the form, fill it out, and follow all the instructions before mailing in. That’s it. Of course, you can visit your local office for either agency.

Geographical Areas Which Honor International Driving Permits (Convention on Road Traffic, United Nations,  Geneva 1949) as of May, 2015.

AFGHANISTAN*
ALBANIA
ALGERIA
ANDORRA*
ANGOLA*
ANGUILLA*/**
ANTIGUA*/**
ARGENTINA***
ARMENIA*
ARUBA
AUSTRALIA
AUSTRIA
AZERBAIJAN*
BAHAMAS
BAHRAIN*
BANGLADESH
BARBADOS**
BELARUS*
BELGIUM
BELIZE
BENIN
BHUTAN*
BOLIVIA*/***
BOSNIA
BOTSWANA
BRAZIL (Inter-American Driving Permit Only)
BRUNEI*
BULGARIA
BURKINA FASO
CAMBODIA (WAS KAMPUCHEA)
CAMEROON*
CANADA
CAPE VERDE ISLANDS*
CAYMAN ISLANDS*
CENTRAL AFRICAN REP.
CHAD*
CHILE***
COLOMBIA*/***
COMOROS*
CONGO, REP OF (BRAZZAVILLE)
CONGO, DEM REP OF (KINSHASA)
COSTA RICA*/***
COTE D’IVOIRE (IVORY COAST)
CROATIA*
CUBA
CURACAO
CYPRUS
CZECH REP.		 DENMARK
DJIBOUTI*
DOMINICA*/**
DOMINICAN REP.***
ECUADOR***
EGYPT
EL SALVADOR*/***
EQUATORIAL GUINEA*
ESTONIA*
FIJI
FINLAND
FRANCE (INCLUDING FRENCH
OVERSEAS TERRITORIES)
FRENCH POLYNESIA
GABON*
GAMBIA
GEORGIA
GERMANY*
GHANA
GIBRALTAR
GREECE
GRENADA**
GUATEMALA***
GUERNSEY
GUINEA*
GUINEA-BISSAU*
GUYANA
HAITI ***
HERZEGOVINA
HONDURAS*/***
HONG KONG
HUNGARY
ICELAND
INDIA
INDONESIA*
IRAN*
IRELAND
ISRAEL
ITALY
IVORY COAST
JAMAICA
JAPAN
JERSEY*
JORDAN*
KAZAKHSTAN*
KENYA*
KOREA (REP.)
KUWAIT*
KYRGYSTAN
LAOS		 LATVIA*
LEBANON
LESOTHO
LIBERIA*
LIBYA*
LIECHTENSTEIN*
LITHUANIA*
LUXEMBOURG
MACAO*
MADAGASCAR
MALAWI
MALAYSIA
MALI
MALTA
MAURITANIA*
MAURITIUS
MEXICO*/***
MOLDOVA*
MONACO
MONTENEGRO
MONTSERRAT*/**
MOROCCO
MOZAMBIQUE*
MYANMAR*
NAMIBIA
NEPAL*
NETHERLANDS
NETHERLANDS ANTILLES
NEW CALEDONIA
NEW ZEALAND
NICARAGUA*/***
NIGER
NORWAY
OMAN*
PAKISTAN*
PANAMA*
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
PARAGUAY***
PERU***
PHILIPPINES
POLAND
PORTUGAL
QATAR*
ROMANIA
RUSSIA
RWANDA
ST. KITTS & NEVIS*/**
ST. LUCIA
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
SAN MARINO		 SAO TOME & PRINCIPE*
SAUDI ARABIA*
SENEGAL
SERBIA
SEYCHELLES
SIERRA LEONE
SINGAPORE
SLOVAKIA
SLOVENIA*
SOUTH AFRICA
SPAIN
SRI LANKA
SUDAN*
SURINAME
SWAZILAND
SWEDEN
SWITZERLAND*
SYRIA
TAIWAN
TAJIKSTAN*
TANZANIA
THAILAND
TOGO
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO***
TUNISIA
TURKEY
TURKMENISTAN*
UGANDA
UKRAINE*
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UNITED KINGDOM
URUGUAY (Inter-American Driving Permit Only)
UZBEKISTAN*
VATICAN CITY (HOLY SEE)
VENEZUELA***
VIETNAM*
WESTERN SAMOA
YEMEN*
ZAMBIA
ZIMBABWE

*Not party of 1949 Convention: International Driving Permit Honored.
**U.S. driver’s license and International Driving Permit recognized on presentation to local police and payment of Special Registration Fee upon arrival.
***Geographical Areas Which Honor Inter-American Driving Permits (Convention on Regulation of Inter-American Motor Vehicle Traffic, Organization of American States, Washington, D.C. 1943)  as of January, 2009. If you intend to drive in the following countries, be sure to check INTER-AMERICAN DRIVING PERMIT box page 1: Brazil and Uruguay.

Maps, GPS and Getting Around

If possible, obtain road maps before you go or make sure your GPS or GPS app on your phone is updated to support your travel destination. Car rental agencies often have GPS units for rent for an additional fee if you don’t plan on using your phone.

Should You Buy Collision-Damage Coverage Even if Your Credit Card Provides It?

The insurance that car-rental companies offer overseas can be very expensive, sometimes it can be more than $20 additional or more per day. Most of the time your personal auto insurance will not cover a loss so you may have to obtain the additional insurance.   Remember you are a visitor to a foreign country and becoming involved in an accident is not the time to wonder if you have proper coverage.

When I am traveling internationally, in a place unfamiliar with laws and languages, I buy the insurance. But ask first whether the coverage is for all damages or only some. Some international car rental insurance covers only damages above a certain dollar amount so make sure to check the fine print.

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How to Avoid Pickpockets While Traveling

Technology has advanced so that photos on your cell phone can quickly help save your missing valuables while traveling. When anything is missing, lost, or stolen while traveling, it can be extremely stressful. Your cell phone can actually facilitate the return of valuables if you take pictures of your valuables prior to departure.

  • If belongings are damaged inside of your luggage and you have photos, it becomes easier to file a claim with the airline.
  • If anything is stolen, the photos will help you when you file a police report.
  • If any identification needs to be replaced, the photos will help you take swift action.
  • If anything is missing, a cell phone photo will expedite its return on an airline, at a hotel, in a restaurant, or a tourist location. Lost items are oftentimes turned into a certain area. You’ll have to be able to identify the item to collect it and cell phone photos facilitate those returns.

cell phone photos while traveling

Take Photos with Your Cell Phone of Valuables

What items should you take cell phone photos of prior to your next trip?

  1. Passport – A photo of your passport can expedite a replacement or help you while traveling abroad. Take two physical copies of your passport when traveling abroad, but please guard them.
  2. Identity and Driver’s License – Cell phone photos help expedite replacements or return.
  3. Credit Cards – Photos of both sides allow you to cancel credit cards faster so you don’t have to search for direct phone numbers or credit card numbers.
  4. The Exterior of Your Luggage – A photo of the exterior of your luggage can help the airline find it or help you file a claim.
  5. The Contents of Your Luggage – Don’t leave it to memory. Instead, lay everything out on your bed so you know exactly what was inside of your luggage so you can report anything missing.
  6. The Exterior of Your Backpack – A photo of the exterior of your backpack may help file a claim or to locate the backpack faster.
  7. Contents of Your Backpack – Don’t guess what was inside of your backpack, but guarantee what you have inside of your backpack.
  8. The Outside of Your Handbag – A cell phone photo will make it easier for a hotel to find your handbag, file a claim, or to identify an item for return.
  9. The Contents of Your Handbag – A cell phone photo of all of your contents or valuables will be helpful if you need to file a police report.
  10. The Interior Contents of Your Wallet – A cell phone photo of everything inside of your wallet will help you to cancel or replace any cards faster.
  11. Valuables – Cell phone photos of jewelry, watches, or rings can also accelerate their potential return or help in filing a police report.
  12. Cell Phone – Have your travel partner take a cell phone photo of your cell phone and its cover. You never know if someone will turn in your phone to Lost and Found on an airline or other location.

After You Take Your Photos

Be sure to send a copy of those cell phone photos to a password protected cloud location, your home computer, and a relative’s computer. An extra set of photos is important in case your cell phone goes missing. If you’re traveling abroad, you can quickly call your relative to access certain photos you need or access them from the cloud via your email account.

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Anti-Theft Waist Packs And Hip Packs Protect Your Gear

 Question#1. Is your current waist pack an anti-theft waist pack? Would it stop a skilled thief?
Question #2 While out enjoying the sights, using public transportation, shopping or dining, where do you carry your wallet, passport, money, credit cards, phone, and other valuables? If you use a regular waist pack or purse or bag they can easily give you a false sense of security, no matter how close to your body you carry them. Upgrade your travel security gear and use an anti-theft waist pack or waist wallet and enjoy the benefit of being hands-free too. If you’re looking for something larger to secure more items consider an anti-theft cross body bag or purse for peace of mind.

Anti-Theft Waist Packs Offer Hidden Protection

A security waist pack, or anti-theft fanny pack, looks like a regular waist pack from the outside, but it’s the built-in security features that protect your valuables.

What Makes Anti-Theft Waist Fanny Packs so Special?

Security waist packs provide protection for your valuables in several ways. The following is a breakdown of the most common anti-theft features found in security travel fanny packs and bags.

Non-Cuttable Rear Strap

Street thieves know that tourists carry valuables in their waist packs. The rear strap of a regular waist pack is very vulnerable. Thieves know that the rear strap of a waist pack is usually made of a material that is easy to cut with a pair of scissors, a knife or even a razor blade. It only takes a second to slice the back strap of a regular waist pack and have it fall into waiting hands. To combat cutting most anti-theft waist packs have flexible steel cables integrated into the rear straps to stop cutting.  The steel cables do not affect the comfort of the straps.

This design feature keeps the strap from being sliced by a razor blade or knife from behind. Slicing the back strap of waist packs is common on busy streets, in tourist areas, and on crowded train platforms. The rear strap of the anti-theft waist packs and hip packs are adjustable, just like a regular waist pack, and typically expand from 29 inches to 42 inches, some go up to 50 inches.

Zipper Security Technology Protects the Main Compartment

Anti-theft waist packs have zipper pulls that lock and latch down. A skilled thief can quickly open a regular zipper on your bag without you noticing it.  A moment of distraction and your valuables are gone. Anti-theft hip packs must have zipper pulls that lockdown and that require two hands to open them, that way you keep unwanted hands out of your gear.

Waist Strap Buckle Security

A good anti-theft hip pack will incorporate a hidden buckle feature that covers or hides the strap buckle; this prevents it from being easily squeezed open by someone else allowing the bag to drop off you and into their waiting hands.

RFID Blocking Technology

Credit cards, passports, and licenses now contain Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips that contain your personal data and account information. Stop “electronic pickpockets” from accessing your personal identity information by placing your RFID-enabled cards in RFID blocking pockets. A quality anti-theft waist pack will offer RFID-blocking protection. Typically one pocket on the inside of the bag or waist wallet is lined with RFID blocking material to shield your data. Generally, when it comes to carrying your passport, we recommend you leave your passport in the hotel safe. Taking your passport with you opens you up to accidental loss, theft or even scams. If your lodging doesn’t offer a safe or you don’t trust that your possessions are 100% secure, carry your passport on your person.

Material – Anti Theft Packs Are Available in Various Durable Materials

Waist packs come in many fabrics some are reinforced so that they are”slice-proof” or “cut-resistant.” This construction prevents a thief from slicing the bottom of your bag with the hope that the contents will fall out into his waiting arms.

1. Ballistic Nylon

Originally developed for use in bulletproof vests, genuine ballistic nylon is one of the toughest fabrics in the world.  The number 1050 “denier” refers to the weight of the fiber that goes into making a fabric. 1050 Denier is a heavier fabric that is strong and abrasion-resistant. This is a more rugged-looking material.

2. Feather-Weight Nylon

Sturdy yet lightweight is the best combination of fabric features when it comes to wearing an anti-theft waist pack or hip pack. These new designs are made with the latest fabric technology to be lightweight and easy care.

Waist Pack Sizes

Waist packs or hip packs come in various sizes, some can be converted to fit onto your own belt, and a few can be worn in other ways, making them versatile travel bags, not just waist bags.  A current trend is to wear the larger bags bandoleer style with the pouch in front. Some travelers prefer to carry their valuables on their body so an anti-theft waist wallet worn next to your skin and under your shirt is ideal for them. So what size is right for you? Think about what you will want to carry for the day and shop for your waist pack accordingly.

Under-Clothing Styles

Underclothing styles are really larger money belts. These styles offer discreet protection of your valuables with built-in anti-theft features. They are designed to hold just your passport, money, a few cards and maybe your phone. They can be noticeable under your shirt when fully loaded. If you’re comfortable lifting your shirt a bit to access the waist pack then look for this style as having your shirt hanging over it over additional protection.

Best Fanny Packs and Waist Wallets for Travel

Pacsafe Coversafe X100 Anti-Theft RFID Blocking Waist Wallet, Black

Pacsafe Coversafe X100 Anti-Theft RFID Blocking Waist Wallet,

  • Discreet, soft, and secure, waist wallet with RFID blocking technology to protect id, credit cards and passport from hacking scanning
  • Adjustable wire-reinforced slashguard waist strap fastens with a hidden buckle to help prevent theft.
  • Size (H x W x D): 5.3 x 10.2 x .25 in  Strap Length 29 to 45 inches
  • Pockets: 1 interior slip

 

Zero grid anti theft travel wallet, waist pack

Zero Grid Money Belt w/RFID Blocking – Concealed Travel Wallet

  • Built-in RFID Blocking safeguards your passport and credit cards and personal information inside the wallet belt against identity theft.
  •  EXCLUSIVE $300 TRIP ASSURANCE: In the event, items are stolen from this travel security belt.
  • Constructed from ultra-lightweight, water-resistant 210D Ripstop Nylon. Breathable, moisture-wicking backing. Adjustable; fits waists up to 40 inches.
  • Two zippered security compartments. Carabiner clip secures keys

BONUS GIFT – 7 RFID Blocking Sleeves (6 Credit Card & 1 Passport) – For use ONLY when your passport or credit cards aren’t inside the money belt.

 

RFID Travel Money Belt Hidden Money Belts for Travel

VAN BEEKEN RFID Travel Money Belt Hidden Money Belts for Travel 

  • 2  premium security buckles and a unique double-waist-strap-system with 2 adjustable elastic straps for max security during travel or sports
  • Mesh fabric on the back helps avoid sweating, made of durable and water-resistant ripstop nylon
  • RFID  protection, 2 big zippered front pockets, 3 inner credit card pockets and a hidden compartment on the back
  • Dimensions 14.5 x 5.9 x 1 inches

Travelon Anti-Theft Waist Pack with Water Bottle Holder

  • Locking compartments, slash-resistant body construction
  • RFID blocking organizer compartment
  • Adjustable strap accommodates a waist to size 50 inches
  • Pull out water bottle holder. Zips closed when not in use
  • Dimensions 11 x 7 x 3 inches

Travelon anti -theft waist pack for travel, security hip pack

Travelon Anti-Theft  Travel Waistpack 

  • Pockets: 2 slip, 2 zip, 1 exterior
  • Smart zippers lock closed, RFIDsafe technology inside an interior pocket
  • Cut-resistant materials protect your belongings
  • Fits a 7″ tablet in a padded sleeve for extra protection
  • Dimensions 2.2 x 11 x 6.7

PacSafe  High Security Waist Pack Anti-Theft Hip Pack

  • 4 RFID protected card slots, 1 RFID protected passport
  •  Anti-theft features include locking zippers, slash-resistant body panels, and a slash-resistant, adjustable strap that can be attached to a stationary object to prevent a grab-n-go theft, hidden buckle
  • water and stain-resistant material
  • Dimensions 10.5 X 17 x 2.5 inches, Fits up 56-inch waist

Flat waist wallet for phone and gear wear the waist bag while working out or under clothes

Travel/Running Belt Waist Fanny Pack  Carry Phone, Passport, Keys, ID, Money

  • Slim design lay flat against the hip area, wear under or over clothing
  • Adjustable elastic strap fits  28″ to 45″
  • Perfect for running, walking, traveling, shopping and amusement parks.
  • Compartmentalized main pocket with two small side pockets
  • Measures 16 inches by 4 inches with a 9-inch main pocket
  • Made from neoprene fabric

Cross body waist bag or anti theft waist pack

Sling Chest Bag Cross Body Anti Theft Body Travel Bag Daypack

  • Large zippered pocket fits tablets. Small zippered pocket for phones, power bank, wallet, etc.
  • The shoulder strap length of this chest bag is 30-39 inches, fits smaller and larger people
  • Wear this bag  as a chest bag for maximum security of possessions
  • Water-resistant material. Tucked in zipper pulls act as theft deterrent design
  • Anti-degaussing function prevents RFID copying or stealing of information

More About Anti Theft Fanny Belts / Waist Packs

Money belts now seem to be a standard element of a traveler’s accessories. They are more secure than a regular, backpack, purse, or hip pack. One suggestion is that you keep yours with your toiletry kit so you don’t forget to pack it. As a side note, I keep my toiletry bag, money belt, extra phone charger, and luggage locks all together so I don’t forget any of them while packing.

Fanny belts and anti-theft waist packs are fashion-forward again, they no longer scream American tourist. One reason is that most are designed to be flatter against your body and smaller in overall size. Why? Nowadays we longer carry big video cameras, regular cameras or guidebooks in our hip packs or waist packs. Our small and lightweight phones serve as both our video and a regular camera, GPS, and guidebook.  Additionally, the benefit of being hands-free or having a secure place to keep your phone when not in use is appealing and smart.

Scams You Can Foil with a Security Travel Hip-Pack 

Here is a couple of theft modus operandi.  You may even know someone who has fallen victim to one of them.

Cardboard Children Scam

First off, a disclaimer. The term gypsy used is made in reference to a specific segment of the Roma population who support themselves through various organized criminal activities, and who call themselves Gypsies. The majority of Romany people are not criminals.

While not restricted to Europe, the “cardboard children” can be seen unabashedly choosing their victims, confronting them and making off with their valuables. This is how they operate. Roving bands of usually 6 to 10 children of various ages, confront you while holding a piece of cardboard. Usually, the cardboard has something written on it like “Food Please” or some other sympathetic plea. You are poked by the cardboard being shoved up against you. The purpose of the cardboard is to distract. While the gypsy children swarm you and press the cardboard against your body, they also create a scene by shouting and begging for money or candy. The distraction desensitizes your body to the feel of little hands entering pockets, wallets, purses, unsecured waist packs, or even cutting the strap of a waist pack or purse. The raucous event can take less than 20 seconds. As the pack of children dissipates, you regain your composure until you realize your valuable property is missing.

Train Platform Scam

This scam is frequently reported to take place on train/subway platforms, as well as on subways and buses. The crime almost always occurs when a crowd is present, allowing the thief to get very close behind an unsuspecting traveler.  Due to the many people, it does not raise suspicion to be standing so close.  When the train pulls up to the platform, everyone begins to “pulse” towards the opening door.  When this occurs, the thief naturally presses up against your backside, unbuckles your unsecured waist pack, or more brazenly cuts the rear strap with scissors or razor blade allowing the bag to drop or slide off.

This is all quickly accomplished and goes unnoticed by you and fellow passengers caught in the chaos of boarding.  A few moments later you go to place your hand on your pack, discovering its disappearance while the train or bus begins to move. A few seconds prior it fell into the hands of the “slight of hand” expert who removed it and most likely placed it in a shopping bag to conceal it. Often the thief does not stay on the train. Many times he simply turns around and exits the train, leaving you to go on to the next station.