How much cash can you carry on a plane in California? Here’s what the law says
Are you traveling with a lot of cash in California and worried you might be stopped by TSA?
Flying with cash isn’t against the law, but it can still lead to legal headaches for travelers.
Although the Drug Enforcement Administration suspended a controversial program used in airport seizures last year, other federal and local law enforcement agencies are still allowed to seize cash and other belongings through a practice called civil asset forfeiture, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.
Here’s what to know about traveling with cash in California:
Is there a limit to how much cash I can carry on a domestic flight in California?
There’s no federal law that caps the amount of cash you can bring on a domestic flight. That includes traveler’s checks, money orders, or foreign currency.
Technically, the only rules about cash on an airplane applies to international travelers, who must declare more than $10,000 in cash, according to San Diego Defenders.
The law firm highlighted a case its attorneys worked on after a client traveling from the Los Angeles International Airport to India had $20,270 in U.S. currency seized.
“The money was intended for a traditional Indian engagement ceremony, and the funds were lawfully earned and entirely legitimate, but it was difficult to document,” the firm said. “While passing through security, TSA officers noticed the cash and alerted U.S. Customs. Customs agents questioned our client and ultimately seized the entire amount.”
Customs and Border Patrol in Long Beach cited “failure/inaccurate report of over $10,000 out of the U.S… as the basis for the airport cash seizure,” because the client had not filed the appropriate form to declare the cash, according to the law firm.
“However, we are pleased to share that we successfully secured the return of $20,270 for our client from Customs by filing a claim on their behalf,” the firm said.
While it’s perfectly legal to bring any amount of cash to an airport, through security, and on an airplane, large amounts can definitely raise questions with authorities.
If authorities believe the money is connected to illegal activity like drug trafficking or money laundering, they can take it with no questions asked, the Star-Telegram reported.
Getting your money back can then take months or years and will likely require hiring a lawyer. Sometimes the legal fees rack up higher than the amount of your cash that was seized.
If you must bring a lot of cash on an airplane, it’s recommended you ask TSA officials to screen you in a private location so other passengers don’t know you’ve got it, The State reported. And it’s best to keep it with you in your carry-on bag rather than your checked luggage.
What do I do if my cash is seized on an airplane or in airport security?
Here’s what lawyers say you can do if your cash is seized:
You’ll have to act fast, “as there are tight deadlines to challenge the seizure before your money is permanently lost to the federal government,” San Diego Defenders said.
First, contact a lawyer who has experience with asset forfeiture.
Gather detailed information and documents about how you got the money — legally — through bank statements, business records, receipts, or affidavits from anyone who can testify to the lawful source of the cash.
Then you’ll submit a claim to get your money back, or your lawyer may file one on your behalf.
This story was originally published October 2, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
