Roberta Aguirre
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. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. However, you can generally use a temporary ID for domestic flights within the United States, but there are specific considerations and requirements. The TSA typically requires that identification for domestic flights be valid and contain sufficient information to confirm the traveler's identity, including a photograph, name, and expiration date. It is advised to bring additional forms of identification, such as a passport, birth certificate, or expired ID with your name and photo.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a temporary ID accepted at the airport? | No, a temporary ID is not accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. |
| What are some acceptable forms of ID? | A REAL ID-compliant driver's license, passport, passport card, permanent resident card, foreign government-issued passport, federal ID issued by a Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, Global Entry card, NEXUS card, SENTRI card, FAST program card, etc. |
| What if I don't have an acceptable form of ID? | You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint. However, you may be asked to complete an identity verification process which includes providing information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. |
| What if my ID is expired? | The TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. |
| What if I'm traveling with children? | The TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for specific ID requirements for travelers under 18. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA requirements for identification
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific requirements for identification that passengers must meet to be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. Adult passengers aged 18 and over must present valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be permitted to travel. The list of acceptable IDs may change without notice, so travellers are strongly encouraged to check the list before travelling to ensure they have acceptable ID.
From 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 can either present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport. Other acceptable forms of ID include:
- DHS Trusted Traveller cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. military ID
- Permanent Resident Card
- Border Crossing Card
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- Native American Tribal Photo ID
- Airline or airport-issued ID (under a TSA-approved plan)
- Registered Traveller Card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or INAC card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Children under 18 do not need to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, children must have their own passport for international air travel.
A temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of identification by TSA. However, some sources suggest that a temporary ID may be used for domestic flights within the United States, but additional forms of identification are recommended to verify identity. This may include a passport, birth certificate, or any expired ID with the holder's name and photo.
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Temporary ID for domestic flights
A temporary ID can be used for domestic flights within the United States, but it may be subject to additional scrutiny and requirements. It is important to note that policies can vary based on the type of temporary ID and additional documentation presented. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) typically requires valid identification for domestic flights, they have the discretion to accept alternative forms of ID under certain circumstances.
To ensure a smooth airport experience, it is recommended to bring additional forms of identification, especially if the temporary ID lacks security features or does not include a photograph, name, and expiration date. Acceptable alternative forms of ID include a passport, birth certificate, or any expired ID with your name and photo. Other documents with your name on them, such as prescription bottles, a Medicaid card, debit card, student ID, or work ID, can also help verify your identity.
It is worth noting that TSA requirements for identification are subject to change without notice, and 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 starting May 7, 2025. Passengers should either obtain a REAL ID or travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID.
In addition, TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States, and there are variations in suffix requirements on boarding passes and IDs. It is always advisable to arrive at the airport early when traveling with a temporary ID to allow ample time for identity verification.
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Additional forms of identification
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.
If you have a temporary ID, it is recommended to bring additional forms of identification to help verify your identity. This might include a passport, a birth certificate, or any expired ID that has your name and photo. Other forms of identification that can be used are prescription pill bottles with your name on them, a Medicaid card, a debit card, a credit card with a photo, or a student or work ID.
If you are unable to provide acceptable identification, decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint.
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Real ID rules
The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued IDs and prohibited Federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs for official purposes. This includes TSA airport security checkpoints.
From May 2025, US travelers must be Real ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state photo identity card will have a star in the top right corner. If your ID does not have this, you will need to bring another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to board a domestic flight.
The TSA typically requires that identification for domestic flights be valid and contain sufficient information to confirm the traveler's identity, including a photograph, the name of the individual, and an expiration date. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. However, some sources suggest that a temporary ID can be used for domestic flights, as long as there is another way to verify your identity, although this may result in additional screening. It is advised to bring additional forms of identification if you are using a temporary ID.
Children under 18 do not need to provide identification when traveling within the United States.
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Alternate verification methods
As per TSA guidelines, adult passengers aged 18 and above must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. A temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of identification. However, in the absence of a valid ID, there are alternative methods to verify your identity.
Firstly, it is important to note that TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. Additionally, TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date.
If you are an adult without a valid ID, you may still be able to verify your identity through other means. The TSA may ask you to fill out a form, provide additional information, or present another form of identification. This could include a passport, birth certificate, or any expired ID with your name and photo. Credit cards, especially those with your photo on them, can also be used as an alternative form of identification.
In some cases, TSA agents may use publicly available databases or ask you questions to verify your identity. They may inquire about your previous addresses, date of birth, or other personal details. This process is similar to what happens when someone has their ID stolen while on vacation. It is important to note that this process may take additional time, and passengers without confirmed identities will not be allowed to go through security. Therefore, it is recommended to arrive at the airport early, at least three hours before a domestic flight, to allow sufficient time for identity verification.
While the above methods may help verify your identity without a valid ID, it is always advisable to carry acceptable identification as per TSA guidelines to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of temporary ID you have and where you are located. In the US, the TSA does not accept temporary driver's licenses or ID cards as proof of identification. However, for domestic flights, the TSA accepts various forms of identification, and you may be able to use a temporary ID along with additional documentation to verify your identity.
If you don't have a valid ID, you may be able to use other forms of identification such as a passport, birth certificate, expired ID, debit or credit card with a photo, or a government-issued digital photo ID.
If you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint and board your flight. It is important to check the specific requirements and guidelines of the airport and the TSA before travelling to ensure you have the necessary documentation.
