Airports And Temporary Licenses: What You Need To Know

As of May 7, 2025, the TSA will no longer be offering alternate verification methods to confirm a traveler's identity. This means that a temporary driver's license will not be accepted as a valid form of identification at the airport. However, if you arrive at the airport without any valid identification, you may still be allowed to fly. A TSA officer will ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal details. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to proceed through the security checkpoint, but you may be subject to additional screening. It is recommended that individuals without acceptable identification arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight.

TSA does not accept temporary driver's licenses as identification

As of May 7, 2025, the TSA will no longer be offering alternative verification methods to confirm a traveler's identity. This means that TSA officers will no longer work with passengers to confirm their identity by providing personal information such as their name, current address, and other specific details. Instead, passengers will be required to present a valid ID to get through airport security.

A temporary driver's license is not considered a valid form of identification by the TSA. This includes interim driver's licenses, which are temporary paper documents issued by the DMV. While a temporary license may contain all the necessary information, such as a photo, issue date, expiration date, address, and DL number, it is still not accepted as valid identification for travel.

If you arrive at the airport without a valid ID, you may still be allowed to fly, but you will have to go through an identity verification process. This involves providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal details that can be used to confirm your identity against a database. This process can be time-consuming, so it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance, preferably at least two hours ahead of your scheduled departure time.

It is important to note that even if your identity is confirmed through this process, you will still be required to undergo additional screening before being allowed to enter the security checkpoint. If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be permitted to proceed.

To avoid any delays or issues at the airport, it is always best to ensure that you have a valid, REAL ID-compliant form of identification with you when traveling. This can include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a US passport, a Global Entry card, or other acceptable forms of ID listed on the TSA website.

A temporary license holder may be asked to complete an identity verification process

As of May 7, 2025, a temporary driver's license is not considered a valid form of identification at TSA checkpoints. This means that a temporary license holder will not be able to use their license to board a domestic flight within the US. However, if you arrive at the airport without any valid identification, you may still be allowed to fly.

In such cases, a TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process. This typically involves providing personal information such as your name, current address, and other specific details that can be used to confirm your identity against certain databases. It is important to note that this process may take some time, so it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of your scheduled departure time.

If your identity is successfully verified, you will be allowed to proceed to the security screening and board your flight. However, you may be subject to additional screening measures. On the other hand, if your identity cannot be confirmed, you will not be permitted to enter the security checkpoint and board your flight.

It is worth noting that the TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to a year after their expiration date. Additionally, there are other forms of acceptable identification that you can use for domestic flights, such as a US passport, passport card, or a trusted traveler program ID card.

TSA will not offer alternative verification methods after the Real ID rules come into effect in May 2025

As of May 7, 2025, the TSA will enforce the Real ID requirement at airports across the United States. This means that all travelers aged 18 and over must present a Real ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to pass through airport security. A temporary driver's license is not considered a valid form of identification for air travel.

The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act prohibits federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. The Act was enacted in response to the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.

The deadline for the Real ID requirement has been extended multiple times due to low adoption rates and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, no further extensions are expected. As of May 7, 2025, travelers without a Real ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification will not be permitted through airport security checkpoints.

The TSA has stated that it will not provide an alternate verification process to confirm a traveler's identity. Therefore, it is essential for travelers to ensure they have a Real ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification before arriving at the airport. Acceptable forms of identification include:

• A US passport or passport card
• An ID card from a federal "trusted traveler" program, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST
• Permanent resident cards
• Foreign government-issued passports
• Federal IDs issued by a Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe

It is worth noting that a standard driver's license or ID will still be accepted for other types of travel within the US, such as driving or riding a train. It can also be used for most everyday services and for accessing courthouses, Social Security offices, and healthcare services.

A temporary license holder should arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of their flight

If you are a temporary license holder, it is important that you arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of your flight. This will give you ample time to complete the necessary identity verification process and make your way through security. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure a smooth journey:

Firstly, be aware that a temporary driver's license is not considered a valid form of identification by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This means that you will need to go through an alternative identity verification process. The TSA officer will ask for information such as your name, current address, and other personal details to confirm your identity against a database. Having a temporary license with your photo and details can still be useful in this process, so be sure to bring it with you.

To ensure a smooth and timely process, it is advisable to bring multiple forms of identification that include your photo and personal information. This could include your passport, social security card, credit cards, student or work ID, and even prescription medication bottles with your name and address. The more forms of identification you have, the stronger your case will be. Additionally, consider filing a police report for your missing or lost ID as this can help confirm your identity and prevent identity theft.

Arriving early at the airport is crucial, especially if you are travelling during peak hours or busy seasons. The identity verification process can take a significant amount of time, and you don't want to risk missing your flight. By arriving at least two hours in advance, you allow yourself enough buffer time to complete the necessary checks and make your way through security without feeling rushed.

Once your identity has been verified by the TSA officer, you will be allowed to proceed to the security screening. Here, you may be subject to additional screening measures, so it is important to cooperate with the security personnel and follow their instructions. Remember to be patient and understanding throughout the process, as it is in place to ensure the safety and security of all travellers.

If you are already registered for expedited airport services, such as Clear, you may not need to show your ID as often. However, do not solely rely on this, as random ID checks may still be conducted. Additionally, keep in mind that starting May 7, 2025, the Real ID regulations will come into effect, requiring all travellers over 18 years old to have a compliant form of identification, such as a Real ID-compliant driver's license or a passport.

Other forms of identification, such as a passport, are required for international flights

For those travelling on a domestic flight within the US, it is possible to get through security without a valid ID. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can use other ways to confirm your identity, such as checking your details against publicly available databases. However, this is not recommended, as it takes a lot of time and, if your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed through security.

From May 2025, the TSA will no longer be offering alternative verification methods. From this date, all travellers aged 18 and over will need a new type of enhanced and compliant driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID, to pass through airport security.

A temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of ID by the TSA. However, if you have another photo ID, such as a passport, this will be accepted. Other acceptable forms of ID include:

• DHS trusted traveller cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• State-issued Enhanced Driver's License
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognised Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

If you are travelling internationally, it is highly recommended that you carry a passport.

Frequently asked questions