Greyhound Bus Id Checks: What You Need To Know

Greyhound is a popular bus company offering affordable travel across more than 3800 destinations in North America. While the company does require passengers to present a valid ID to board the bus, there are some workarounds for those without identification. For instance, passengers can pre-pay their ticket online, which comes with an additional fee, and present the confirmation number and password instead of an ID. Alternatively, a state ID can be used as a form of identification when travelling within the US states. It is important to note that college IDs and other non-governmental IDs are not accepted as valid forms of identification.

You can board a Greyhound bus without an ID

If you don't have an ID, you can still board a Greyhound bus. There are several ways to do this.

Firstly, you can book your ticket online and use the Greyhound app. You will need to check in with the app two hours before departure and show the QR code to the driver. No ID is required when using the app.

Secondly, if you have a booking number but no ticket, you can go to the Greyhound station and use a self-serve kiosk to print your ticket. You can also show a valid ID to the driver and be allowed to board the bus without a ticket.

Thirdly, if you have a printed ticket but don't have it with you, you can go directly to the bus and board by showing your photo ID.

Finally, if you don't have any ID, you can pre-pay a ticket online for an $18 fee on top of the ticket price. You will need to provide a password and confirmation number when you use the ticket.

So, while having an ID can make the process more convenient, it is not strictly necessary to board a Greyhound bus.

You need an ID to pick up tickets at the station

If you're picking up your Greyhound bus tickets at the station, you will need to bring a valid form of ID with you. This can be a driving license or a state ID card. If you don't have a form of official ID, you can pre-pay a ticket online, which will cost you an additional $18 on top of the ticket price. This option is only available in the United States.

When you go to pick up your pre-paid ticket at the station, you will need to provide either a photo ID or a password, chosen by the person who purchased the ticket, as well as a confirmation number. If you have a printed ticket but forgot to bring it with you, you can go to the ticket counter at the Greyhound station or use the self-serve kiosk, if there is one. You can also show a valid ID to the driver and be allowed to board the bus without a physical ticket.

If you have the confirmation email, you can show this to the driver, or go to "Manage My Booking" and choose "Resend my booking confirmation" to have the confirmation resent to your email.

You need an ID to board if you don't have a printed ticket

If you don't have a printed ticket, you will need to show a valid form of ID to board a Greyhound bus. This includes a government-issued ID with your name and photo attached. Examples of accepted IDs include a U.S. driver's license, learner's permit, permanent resident card, military ID, or school ID.

If you don't have any of these forms of ID, you can still purchase a ticket without one. You can book your ticket online or over the phone, and you will be asked to create a password. When using the ticket, you will need to provide both the password and a confirmation number. This method is designed to allow someone to buy a ticket for someone else, but it can also be used if you don't have an ID.

Additionally, you can use the self-service kiosks or the Greyhound app to present your ticket without needing an ID. If you have a confirmation email or booking number, you can also show this to the driver instead of a printed ticket.

It is important to note that "Print at Home" tickets are non-transferable, and you cannot give them to anyone else unless you set up a ticket password. While Greyhound may not check IDs to confirm the owner, it is against company policy to give your ticket to someone else.

A state ID card can be used instead of a driving license

State ID cards are also useful for other forms of transportation, such as air travel. In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accepts temporary state ID cards, in conjunction with expired driver's licenses, for boarding aircraft. This indicates that state ID cards are widely recognised as valid forms of identification for travel purposes.

Additionally, state ID cards can be useful in everyday situations where proof of identity is required, such as when banking or entering age-restricted venues. For instance, in Illinois, state ID cards are issued to individuals over the age of 21 to help them prove their identity when needed.

Obtaining a state ID card is a straightforward process. In Illinois, individuals can visit a Secretary of State facility, provide the required identification documents, and have their photo taken. They will then receive a temporary paper state ID card, valid for 90 days, which serves as proof of identification until the permanent card arrives in the mail. This process ensures that individuals have access to a valid form of identification while waiting for their permanent card.

In conclusion, a state ID card is a valuable alternative to a driving license and can be used in various situations, including boarding a Greyhound bus, air travel, and everyday identification requirements. Its recognition as a valid form of ID makes it a convenient option for individuals who may not have a driving license or need additional identification for travel or other purposes.

You can pre-pay a ticket online without an ID for an $18 fee

If you don't have a valid ID, you can still buy a Greyhound bus ticket without one. According to a response on Travel Stack Exchange, Greyhound customer service confirmed that a person without an official ID can pre-pay a ticket online, for an $18 fee on top of the ticket price. This option is only available in the United States.

To do this, go to the Greyhound website and choose the "Book a Trip" option. When you get to the point of purchase and enter the user information, you'll be asked to choose a password. The ticket will be created with a confirmation number. When you use the ticket, you'll need both the password and the confirmation number. This method is designed as a way to buy a ticket for someone else, but it works fine if you're buying for yourself.

When you pick up your ticket at the station, you'll need to provide either a photo ID or the password, as well as the confirmation number.

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