Lois Larson
It is generally recommended that you bring a valid form of identification to the airport. However, there are some circumstances in which you may be able to get through airport security without one. For example, if your state-issued ID or driver's license expired on or after March 1, 2020, you can travel domestically within the US for up to a year after the expiration date. Additionally, if you have a temporary license, you may still be able to fly, provided you have another way to verify your identity, although this may result in extra screening. It is worth noting that TSA policies are subject to change, so it is recommended to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a temporary license accepted by TSA? | It depends on the specific circumstances and the type of temporary ID. TSA accepts some types of temporary IDs for air travel, but not all. A temporary driver's license or ID card may be accepted, but other types of temporary IDs, such as a temporary paper ID, may not be accepted. |
| What if I don't have a valid ID? | You may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. |
| What other documents can I use to verify my identity? | Other forms of ID such as a passport, birth certificate, social security card, student ID, work ID, school ID, credit cards, debit cards, prescription pill bottles, and Medicaid card. |
| What if I lost my ID? | Bring the police report to the airport to help confirm your identity. TSA accepts other forms of ID for domestic travel. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA's temporary ID exemptions
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. However, there are temporary exemptions for those unable to renew their ID or driver's license. If your state-issued ID or driver's license expired on or after March 1, 2020, you can travel up to a year after the expiration date. In such cases, it is advisable to bring a photocopy or a digital scan of an acceptable form of ID to show to the TSA officer.
If you do not have a valid ID, you may still be able to fly within the US. The TSA has other ways of confirming your identity using publicly available databases. You will need to complete an identity verification process with a TSA officer, providing your name, current address, and other personal details. It is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance to allow sufficient time for this process.
TSA officers may also accept multiple forms of identification with your name and photo on them, such as a student ID, work ID, school ID, Social Security card, credit cards, prescription pill bottles, or a Medicaid card. However, it is important to note that these alternative forms of identification may not be sufficient for international travel, and a passport or other acceptable forms of ID are typically required.
For added convenience and to increase the chances of a smooth travel experience, it is always best to carry a valid, acceptable form of ID when passing through airport security, as the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice.
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Acceptable forms of ID
It is important to note that a temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of ID by the TSA. However, if you have a temporary license, you can still fly as long as you have another form of acceptable ID to verify your identity. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other state photo identity card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent).
- A state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID).
- A U.S. passport or passport card.
- 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).
- A U.S. Military ID (for active-duty or retired military and their dependents, and Department of Defense civilians).
If you do not have any of the above forms of ID, you may still be able to fly by completing an identity verification process with a TSA officer. This process may include providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. However, it is important to note that this process may result in additional screening and delays.
Additionally, if you have lost your ID, bringing a police report to the airport can help confirm your identity. Even if you are unable to provide acceptable ID, bringing other documents with your name on them, such as prescription bottles, a Medicaid card, debit card, or temporary license, may help your case with the TSA officer.
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Identity verification process
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) strongly encourages travellers to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure they do not arrive at the airport without acceptable identification. While TSA requirements are subject to change, as of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers without a REAL ID-compliant driver's license should travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID.
If a traveller arrives at the airport without valid identification, they may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask them to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as their name, current address, and other personal information to confirm their identity. If the traveller's identity is confirmed, they will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where they may be subject to additional screening.
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID enhances the security screening process with facial recognition technology for faster, more efficient identity verification. Travellers can now use their Digital IDs at more than 250 airports to verify their identity at TSA checkpoints through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet or a state-issued app. TSA sees only the necessary information to verify identities, providing a faster, more secure travel experience while reducing the risk of fraudulent documents. However, all passengers must still carry an acceptable compliant physical ID for verification.
It is important to note that TSA accepts a range of other forms of ID for domestic travel. For example, a birth certificate may be used together with other documents to confirm a traveller's identity if their ID was lost or stolen. Additionally, TSA is currently making temporary exemptions for those unable to renew their ID or driver's license. If a state-issued ID or driver's license expired on or after March 1, 2020, travellers can use it to travel for up to a year after the expiration date.
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Paper temporary licenses
Firstly, if you have lost your government-issued ID or it has been stolen, you can usually obtain a temporary ID from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or another state agency. This temporary ID may be accepted by the TSA as a form of identification, but it is not guaranteed. It is important to check with the TSA in advance to confirm whether your specific type of temporary ID will be accepted. Even if the TSA accepts your temporary ID, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a passport, birth certificate, or social security card, to confirm your identity.
Secondly, the TSA may accept multiple forms of identification as long as they all have a photo. If your paper temporary license includes your photo, bringing it along with other forms of identification, such as a student ID, work ID, or credit card, may increase the chances of your identity being verified. However, it is important to note that this is not guaranteed, and you may still be denied passage through airport security.
Thirdly, the TSA may make temporary exemptions for individuals who are unable to renew their ID or driver's license. For example, if your state-issued ID or driver's license expired on or after March 1, 2020, you may be able to travel up to a year after the expiration date. In such cases, bringing a photocopy or digital scan of an acceptable form of ID can help your case.
It is important to note that the process of getting through airport security with a paper temporary license can take longer than usual. It is recommended to arrive at the airport early to allow sufficient time for identity verification. Additionally, the rules and regulations regarding acceptable forms of identification are subject to change without notice. Therefore, it is essential to check with the TSA and your airline before travelling to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
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Additional documentation
While a temporary driver's license may be accepted by the TSA, it is not considered an acceptable form of ID. Therefore, you may need to provide additional documentation to confirm your identity and be allowed to board your flight. This could include a passport, a birth certificate, a social security card, or other forms of identification. It is recommended to bring as many forms of identification as possible and arrive at the airport early as verifying your identity without a valid ID may take some time.
If you have lost your government-issued ID or it has been stolen, you can usually obtain a temporary ID from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or another state agency. This temporary ID can then be used as a form of identification when travelling. However, it is important to note that not all temporary IDs are accepted by the TSA. For example, a temporary paper ID may not be accepted.
In some cases, if you arrive at the airport without a valid ID, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal information. Even if you don't have an acceptable form of ID, bringing other items with your name on them, such as prescription bottles, a Medicaid card, or a debit card, can help your case with the TSA officer.
Additionally, if you have brought a police report that proves your ID was lost or stolen, it can help confirm your identity and protect you from identity theft. While a birth certificate cannot be used as a primary document when flying, it may be used together with other documents to confirm your identity. It is always a good idea to check with the TSA and your airline in advance to confirm what documentation you will need to bring.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the country and type of temporary license. In the US, a temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of ID by the TSA. However, if you have another way to verify your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or other forms of identification, you may still be allowed to fly but will have to undergo additional screening.
Other forms of identification that can be used include a state-issued photo identity card, US passport, US passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards, US Department of Defense ID, and an acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe.
If you arrive at the airport without any valid identification, you may still be allowed to fly. A TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing personal information such as your name and current address.
Different countries have different rules about the identification they accept for commercial flights. It is highly recommended that you do not travel internationally without a passport.
If your driver's license is lost or stolen, you can obtain a temporary ID from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or another state agency. It is also recommended to inform your local DMV so they may flag your license number if someone tries to use it.
