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. This means that temporary paper driver's licenses are not accepted as a sole form of ID. However, TSA may be lenient and accept multiple forms of ID as long as they have a photo. Some alternatives to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license include a passport, a photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, or a Veteran Health Identification Card.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paper driver's license accepted at the airport | Not accepted as a sole form of ID. TSA will accept multiple forms of ID as long as they have a photo. |
| Alternative forms of ID | Credit cards, bills, prescription pill bottles, marriage certificate, passport, etc. |
| REAL ID | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) are accepted. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA's acceptance of paper licenses varies
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific requirements for acceptable identification at airport checkpoints. While TSA strongly encourages travellers to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling, there have been varying reports and experiences regarding the acceptance of paper driver's licenses.
Some sources indicate that TSA only accepts REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agencies. Interim or temporary paper driver's licenses are not considered acceptable forms of identification. In such cases, travellers may be directed to a separate area for additional screening and identity verification.
However, there are also reports of individuals successfully using paper driver's licenses at airports without encountering any issues. In these cases, TSA officers may accept multiple forms of identification, including a combination of paper licenses, debit cards, credit cards, and other documents with the traveller's name and photo. It is important to note that the acceptance of paper licenses in these instances may be due to the leniency of individual TSA officers or specific airport policies.
The varying acceptance of paper driver's licenses by TSA can be attributed to several factors. One factor is the type of paper license presented. Some states issue temporary paper licenses that include a photo, address, signature, and official stamp, making them more comparable to a standard driver's license. Other states may issue simpler paper notices as temporary licenses, which are less likely to be accepted.
Additionally, TSA's acceptance of paper licenses may depend on the availability of alternative forms of identification. Travellers who present multiple forms of identification, such as a combination of paper and digital IDs, increase their chances of successfully verifying their identity. Providing additional documentation, such as a marriage certificate in the case of name changes, can also help support the traveller's identity.
In summary, while official TSA guidelines may not accept paper driver's licenses as valid forms of identification, there have been instances where individuals have successfully used them at airports. To avoid potential issues, travellers are advised to check the latest TSA guidelines and, if possible, obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative form of identification before their trip.
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REAL ID-compliant licenses
As per the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, starting May 7, 2025, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license/ID or another acceptable form of identification for boarding commercial aircraft, entering certain federal facilities, and accessing nuclear power plants. REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card: a black or gold star, a black or gold bear, or a black or gold eagle. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity for boarding flights.
State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) and identification cards (EIDs) are acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will be accepted for boarding commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants. Enhanced Driver's Licenses issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards.
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. You can also use a passport or one of the other acceptable forms of identification to fly.
It is important to note that temporary paper driver's licenses are not considered acceptable forms of identification at airports. While some TSA agents may be lenient and accept multiple forms of ID as long as they have a photo, it is best to carry an acceptable form of ID to avoid any issues.
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Temporary paper licenses and international travel
Temporary paper licenses are generally not considered valid identification for air travel, especially for international travel. According to the TSA, a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. However, if you arrive at the airport without a valid ID, you may still be allowed to fly after completing an identity verification process. This involves providing information such as your name, address, and other personal details to confirm your identity.
It is important to note that TSA officers have the discretion to accept multiple forms of identification as long as they have a photo. In some cases, individuals have been allowed to fly with a combination of a temporary paper license and other forms of identification, such as a punched driver's license, debit cards, insurance cards, or a social security card. However, this may not be sufficient for international travel, as the requirements for crossing borders are typically more stringent.
To avoid any issues at the airport, it is highly recommended to travel with an acceptable alternative form of identification, such as a passport or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license. Passengers should check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have the necessary documentation. Additionally, some countries may have specific entry and exit requirements, so it is essential to check the regulations of your destination country.
In cases where individuals are awaiting the arrival of a new driver's license, it is advisable to contact the relevant authorities or the airline directly to inquire about acceptable forms of identification. While a temporary paper license may not be sufficient on its own, providing additional forms of identification can increase the chances of being allowed to fly.
International travel typically requires a valid passport or a similar form of identification. Temporary licenses may not be accepted as a sole form of identification when crossing borders. It is crucial to research the specific requirements of the destination country and any countries that may be included in layovers or connecting flights.
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Paper licenses and domestic travel
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 without REAL ID-compliant identification can either 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.
A temporary paper driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of ID. However, some individuals have reported being able to board their domestic flights with a paper license and other documents, such as credit cards, bills, etc. to help prove their identity. It is important to note that this is not guaranteed, and individuals without acceptable forms of identification may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening.
If you are travelling domestically and do not have a REAL ID-compliant license, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport earlier than usual to allow for additional time for verification and potential further screening.
To ensure that you have the most up-to-date information, it is always a good idea to check the TSA website or consult with your state department of motor vehicles before travelling.
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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 without a REAL ID-compliant driver's license should travel with an alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
A temporary paper driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of ID at the airport. However, TSA may sometimes be lenient and accept multiple forms of ID as long as they have a photo. For example, a paper driver's license along with a new temporary paper license has been accepted in the past. Other combinations of ID that have been accepted include a paper ID along with a debit card, or a temporary ID along with a college ID, credit cards, and a Facebook profile.
If you arrive at the airport without valid identification, 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 to confirm your identity. TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to two years after expiration.
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Frequently asked questions
A paper driver's license is not considered a valid form of identification at the airport. TSA only accepts REAL ID-compliant identification.
Other than a REAL ID, TSA accepts various forms of federally issued and recognized identification. These include a passport, a State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), or a photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe.
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 to confirm your identity. You may also be directed to a separate area and be subject to additional screening.
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