Owais Crawford
As of May 7, 2025, a temporary ID may not be used as a valid form of identification at airports. Adult passengers aged 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant identification card to board domestic flights. However, TSA officers may allow passengers without valid identification to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as their name, address, and other personal details. If their identity is confirmed, they will be allowed to proceed through security screening. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of the scheduled departure time to complete this process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temporary ID for domestic flights within the US | Acceptable |
| TSA requirements for identification | Valid ID, photograph, name, and expiration date |
| TSA's take on temporary IDs | Not acceptable, unless REAL ID-compliant |
| TSA's take on expired IDs | Acceptable up to two years after expiration |
| TSA's take on identity verification | Allowed, but may lead to additional screening |
| TSA's take on children under 18 | No ID required |
| TSA's take on identity verification for children under 18 | Unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show acceptable ID |
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What You'll Learn
TSA requirements for identification
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires adult passengers aged 18 and over to show valid identification at airport checkpoints. The list of acceptable IDs may change without notice, so travellers are encouraged to check the list before travelling.
From May 2025, all US travellers must have REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- US passports
- US passport cards
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- US Department of Defense IDs, including IDs issued to dependents
- Federally recognised Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo IDs, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
Passengers without REAL ID-compliant identification will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. The TSA officer may ask for additional information, such as the passenger's name and current address, to confirm their identity. Passengers who do not cooperate with the identity verification process or whose identity cannot be confirmed will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint.
Passengers with temporary IDs may encounter challenges when travelling. A temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of identification by the TSA. However, in some cases, a temporary ID may be used for domestic flights within the United States. To increase the chances of acceptance, the temporary ID should include a photograph, the name of the individual, and an expiration date. It is also advisable to bring additional forms of identification to supplement the temporary ID.
The TSA also offers a Touchless ID program for TSA PreCheck members, which uses facial recognition technology to verify identity and expedite the security process.
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Temporary ID for domestic flights
As per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), adult passengers aged 18 and above must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Hence, it is recommended to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling.
A temporary driver's license is usually a paper document issued while you wait for your official ID or driver's license to arrive. While TSA does not accept a temporary driver's license as a valid form of identification, you can generally use a temporary ID for domestic flights within the United States. However, there are specific considerations and requirements. The TSA accepts various forms of identification for airport security checkpoints, and policies can vary based on the type of temporary ID and additional documentation provided.
For a temporary ID to be acceptable, it should contain sufficient information to confirm the traveler's identity, including a photograph, the name of the individual, and an expiration date. It is advised to carry additional forms of identification along with your temporary ID as they may lack some of the security features of permanent IDs, making them subject to additional scrutiny. You can carry other forms of identification such as a student ID, work ID, Social Security card, credit cards, or a passport.
In the absence of valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process that includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity.
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Acceptable alternative forms of ID
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
The TSA typically requires that identification for domestic flights be valid and contain sufficient information to confirm the traveler's identity. This includes a photograph, the name of the individual, and an expiration date. For a temporary ID to be acceptable, it should meet these criteria as closely as possible.
A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. However, a temporary New York State ID, often issued as a paper document while you wait for your official ID or driver's license to arrive, can be used for domestic flights. It is advised to bring additional forms of identification if possible, as temporary IDs may lack some of the security features of permanent IDs, making them subject to additional scrutiny.
Some other acceptable alternative forms of ID include:
- Passport
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
TSA accepts expired ID up to two years after expiration. They do not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and IDs.
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Identity verification process
As per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), adult passengers aged 18 and above must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, and it is recommended to check the list before travelling.
A temporary driver's license is usually not accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. However, a temporary ID may be used for domestic flights within the United States, but certain conditions and requirements must be met. The TSA requires that identification for domestic flights must be valid and contain sufficient information to confirm the traveller's identity, including a photograph, the name of the individual, and an expiration date. A temporary ID should meet these criteria as closely as possible.
For instance, a temporary paper ID issued by the state of New York can be used for domestic flights. However, it is advised to bring additional forms of identification, as temporary IDs may lack certain security features, leading to additional scrutiny. Other forms of identification that can be used include a school ID, Social Security card, credit cards, or a government-issued photo ID.
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is another option that uses facial recognition technology for faster and more efficient identity verification. This process is voluntary, and passengers can opt-out and request the standard ID verification process. Digital IDs are also accepted at over 250 airports through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app. However, passengers must still carry a physical ID for verification.
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REAL ID-compliant identification
As of May 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper portion of the card: a star in the top right corner, an image of the U.S. flag, or the word "Enhanced". If a card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and will not be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, you can apply or renew your current card through your state's driver's licensing agency. The process and required documents may vary depending on your state, but generally, you will need to provide proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of a Social Security number, and proof of residency.
If you are travelling domestically within the United States, you will need either a REAL ID or another acceptable alternative form of identification, such as a passport. It's important to note that a temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of identification at airports. However, in some cases, a temporary ID may be used for domestic flights if it meets certain criteria, such as including a photograph, the name of the individual, and an expiration date. It is always recommended to bring additional forms of identification whenever possible when travelling with a temporary ID.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of temporary ID you have. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification at the airport. However, a temporary New York State ID can be used for domestic flights within the United States. It is recommended to bring additional forms of identification as temporary IDs may lack some security features, leading to additional scrutiny.
Acceptable forms of identification at the airport include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, a Veteran Health Identification Card, a U.S. Department of Defense ID, and a photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe.
If you do not have an acceptable form of ID, you will need to complete an identity verification process with a TSA officer. This includes providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal details. It is recommended to arrive at the airport early, as this process may take some time.
Yes, the TSA has made temporary exemptions for those unable to renew their ID or driver's license. If your state-issued ID expired on or after March 1, 2020, you can travel up to a year after the expiration date. Additionally, children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the United States.
