Jazmin Li
The use of temporary IDs for airport security checkpoints has been a topic of discussion, with varying opinions and experiences shared online. While some individuals claim that a temporary ID, such as a paper license or a non-driver ID, can be used for domestic flights within the United States, others have faced issues with rental companies refusing to accept temporary IDs. It is important to note that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific requirements for identification, and while they may accept temporary IDs, additional documentation may be required to confirm one's identity. These requirements include a photograph, the individual's name, and an expiration date. It is always advisable to contact the TSA and the airline beforehand to confirm the acceptability of temporary IDs and to arrive at the airport early to allow for extra security screening.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temporary ID for airport use | Generally accepted for domestic flights within the United States |
| TSA requirements | Valid ID with a photograph, name, and expiration date |
| Temporary ID considerations | Must meet TSA criteria as closely as possible; additional documentation may be required |
| TSA acceptance | Temporary IDs with photos, issue dates, expiration dates, addresses, and DL numbers are accepted |
| Additional documentation | Passport, birth certificate, social security card, or other forms of identification |
| TSA recommendations | Check in advance if a temporary ID will be accepted; arrive early at the airport for security screening |
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What You'll Learn
TSA requirements for identification
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 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. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. However, a temporary ID can be used for domestic flights within the United States, but it should meet the criteria mentioned above as closely as possible. For instance, a temporary New York State ID, often issued as a paper document while waiting for an official ID or driver's license, can be used for domestic flights. But it is advised to bring additional forms of identification if possible, as temporary IDs may lack some security features of permanent IDs, making them subject to additional scrutiny.
TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. TSA accepts variations in suffixes on boarding passes and IDs. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass and not on the ID or vice versa, it is considered an acceptable variation.
Starting 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 should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices. Passengers presenting a state-issued, non-REAL ID-compliant identification at TSA checkpoints without another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State-issued photo identity cards
- U.S. passports
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- Department of Defense IDs, including dependent IDs
- Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo IDs, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
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Temporary ID requirements
For US domestic flights, a temporary ID can be used, but it is not the preferred form of identification. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts various forms of identification for airport security checkpoints, but policies can vary based on the type of temporary ID and additional documentation presented.
The TSA typically requires that identification for domestic flights be valid and contain sufficient information to confirm the traveller'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 ID that does not include a photograph, for example, will not be accepted.
A temporary New York State ID, often issued as a paper document while waiting for an official ID or driver's license, can be used for domestic flights. However, additional forms of identification are advised to be presented alongside the temporary ID as they may lack some security features of permanent IDs, making them subject to additional scrutiny. Additional documentation can include a credit card with a photo or a Costco membership card.
Expired IDs are accepted by the TSA up to two years after their expiration date. However, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports as of May 7, 2025. Passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
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Additional documentation
While it is possible to use a temporary ID for domestic flights within the United States, it is not always guaranteed. The TSA typically requires that identification for domestic flights be valid and contain sufficient information to confirm the traveller's identity. This includes a photograph, the name of the individual, and an expiration date.
A temporary ID may be accepted if it meets these criteria, but it is advised to bring additional forms of identification, as temporary IDs may lack some security features of permanent IDs, making them subject to additional scrutiny. This could include a passport, birth certificate, social security card, or other forms of identification. It is recommended to check with the TSA and the airline in advance to confirm whether a temporary ID will be accepted and what other documentation may be needed.
In some cases, even if a temporary ID is accepted by the TSA, additional documentation may be required to confirm identity before being allowed to board a flight. This is because a temporary ID may be refused if the issuer is unable to verify the identity of the holder. It is important to note that the process of obtaining a temporary ID and getting through security with one can take longer than usual, so it is advised to arrive at the airport early to allow extra time for security screening.
It is worth mentioning 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 travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID. Therefore, it is always recommended to check the latest acceptable forms of identification before travelling to ensure a smooth airport experience.
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REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Federal agencies, including DHS and TSA, may only accept state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards as identification for official purposes if they comply with the REAL ID security standards. This means that the license or card must include the REAL ID-compliant star marking in the top right corner. If the card does not have this marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft.
Starting May 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This means that if you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID, you will not be able to use it for air travel or to enter federal facilities or military installations. However, you can still obtain a driver's license or state ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant, but you will need an alternative acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to fly.
To apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state identification card, you can visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to learn how to apply and what documentation you need. In most cases, you will need to provide proof of identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are a non-U.S. citizen. You will also need to provide proof of a Social Security number and proof of residency.
It is important to note that a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification for REAL ID purposes. 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. While a temporary ID can be used for domestic flights within the United States, it is advised to bring additional forms of identification, as temporary IDs may lack some security features of permanent IDs and may be subject to additional scrutiny.
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Flying domestically with a temporary ID
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts various forms of identification for airport security checkpoints. However, a temporary driver's license or ID is not considered an acceptable form of identification for flying. TSA-compliant forms of identification include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State-issued photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. 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)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
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.
A temporary New York State ID, often issued as a paper document while waiting for an official ID or driver's license, can be used for domestic flights. However, it is advised to bring additional forms of identification, as temporary IDs may lack some security features of permanent IDs, making them subject to additional scrutiny.
It is recommended to check with the TSA and your airline in advance to confirm whether your temporary ID will be accepted and to allow for extra time at the airport for security screening.
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Frequently asked questions
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts various forms of identification for airport security checkpoints. A temporary ID can be used for domestic flights within the United States, but it is advised to bring additional forms of identification if possible, as temporary IDs may lack some security features of permanent IDs.
This could include a passport, birth certificate, social security card, or other forms of identification.
The TSA typically requires that identification for domestic flights contains sufficient information to confirm the traveller's identity. This includes a photograph, the name of the individual, and an expiration date.
You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you do not provide acceptable identification, decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or if your identity cannot be confirmed.
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
