Airport Security: Can A Driver's Permit Get You Through?

As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that temporary driver's licenses are not accepted. However, if your driver's license expired on or after March 1, 2020, and you were unable to renew it, you may still use it as acceptable identification at the airport checkpoint. Children under 18 are not required to provide a form of identification for TSA screening when traveling within the United States. According to sources, a learner's permit can be used as a form of identification at the airport as long as it is a physical plastic card and not a paper one.

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Temporary driver's permits are not valid IDs at the airport

As per TSA guidelines, a temporary driver's permit is not an acceptable form of identification at the airport. This rule applies to both domestic and international travel originating from the United States. Passengers are advised to carry a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable forms of state-issued identification, such as a passport or an enhanced driver's license (EDL).

It is important to note that the requirements for REAL ID-compliant identification are subject to change. Passengers are strongly encouraged to check the TSA website or with their state department of motor vehicles for the most up-to-date information before travelling. This ensures that they do not encounter issues at the airport due to unacceptable forms of identification.

In certain cases, individuals below the age of 18 may not be required to present identification at TSA checkpoints when travelling within the United States. However, adult passengers aged 18 and above must provide valid identification. It is always advisable for minors to carry proper identification, and individuals should check with their specific airline for any unique requirements.

While a temporary driver's permit is not sufficient for airport security checkpoints, other forms of identification may be accepted in conjunction with additional screening procedures. For instance, passengers without acceptable identification may be directed to a separate area for further questioning and verification of personal information, such as their name and address.

To avoid any potential delays or complications, it is generally recommended that travellers ensure they have a valid, compliant form of identification before arriving at the airport. This could include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, or a passport, depending on the specific requirements of their journey.

REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are obtainable at DMVs

As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license will be mandatory for air travel within the US. REAL ID-compliant licenses are obtainable at DMVs, and they are an optional, upgraded version of a standard driver's license, displaying a star in the right corner.

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, you must bring the required documents to the DMV. These include one proof of identity, two proofs of state residency, one proof of legal presence, and proof of your Social Security number (SSN) if you have been issued one. If you know your SSN, the DMV can verify it electronically. If your name appears differently on your proof documents, you must also provide proof of name change. In addition to these documents, there is a $10 fee, plus the cost of the driver's license. All documents must be originals and will be subject to verification. However, printouts of acceptable online residency documents can be used as proof of residency.

REAL ID-compliant licenses are obtainable in several states, including Virginia and New York. In New York, the DMV's online document guide shows you the exact documents you need to bring to the DMV, such as a utility bill or Social Security card. After applying, you will receive a temporary document, and it takes about two weeks for your new REAL ID document to arrive in the mail.

It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, and travelers are encouraged to check the list before traveling to ensure they have acceptable identification. Additionally, other forms of federally-approved identification, such as a valid passport or passport card, may be used as an alternative to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.

Other valid IDs include passports, passport cards, and Global Entry cards

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. This means that a temporary driver's license or permit will not be accepted. Passengers will need to travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.

If you are under 18, you may not need an ID to fly, but it is always best to check with the TSA and your airline before traveling.

REAL ID rules go into effect on May 7, 2025

As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that do not meet REAL ID standards will not be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that passengers intending to fly within the United States must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or one of several other acceptable forms of identification at TSA checkpoints. These include:

• A state-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL). EDLs provide proof of identity and US citizenship and can be used for land and sea travel between the US and Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries, in lieu of a passport.
• A REAL ID-compliant identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent).
• A US passport or passport card.
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
• A US 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 (ETC).

REAL ID-compliant IDs are marked with a star in the top corner, although the placement and appearance of the star may vary slightly depending on the issuing state. If you are unsure whether your ID meets REAL ID standards, you should check with your state's motor vehicle department.

Regarding the use of a driver's permit at airport security, there is some indication that a temporary driver's license or permit is not considered an acceptable form of identification at TSA checkpoints. However, some sources suggest that a plastic card version of a driver's permit may be accepted for those under the age of 18. It is recommended that travelers contact the TSA directly to confirm the acceptability of a driver's permit as identification for air travel.

Minors can use a plastic driver's permit card as a valid ID

As of May 7, 2025, only a REAL ID-compliant credential, such as a driver's license, will be accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic travel in the US. This means that all travelers 18 and older must have a new type of enhanced and compliant driver's license to use it as a form of ID to board a domestic flight. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.

However, if you are a minor and have a plastic driver's permit card, this can be used as a valid ID to get through airport security. This is because, for those under 18, a physical plastic card for a driver's permit is accepted by TSA officers. It is important to note that a paper driver's permit will not be accepted.

From May 2023 onwards, you will need a REAL ID-compliant ID with a star on the corner to pass through TSA checkpoints. This is because the REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) and are accepted by the TSA.

It is always recommended to check the TSA's list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure you have the correct identification.

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