Airport Security And Temporary Driver's Licenses: What You Need To Know

If you're travelling soon and are worried that your temporary driver's license won't be accepted at the airport, you're not alone. Many people have found themselves in a similar situation, unsure if their temporary license will be considered a valid form of identification. Unfortunately, a temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of ID by the TSA, even for domestic flights within the US. However, this does not mean that you cannot fly. If you arrive at the airport without valid identification, you may still be allowed to board your flight. A TSA officer will ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing personal information such as your name, address, and other details to confirm your identity. If your identity is successfully verified, you will be allowed to proceed through the security checkpoint and board your flight, although you may be subject to additional screening. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two to three hours in advance if you do not have a valid ID, as this process may take some time.

TSA recommendations for those without acceptable ID

A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification at the airport. However, if you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification, you may still be allowed to fly. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.

• Arrive at the airport at least three hours in advance of your flight time. The identity verification process can take some time, and it is better to be safe than miss your flight.
• Bring as much identification as possible. While a temporary driver's license may not be accepted, other forms of ID can help confirm your identity. This includes a birth certificate, social security card, school or work ID, passport, credit or debit cards, and even prescription bottles.
• Be prepared for additional screening and a pat-down. Your luggage will also be searched thoroughly.
• If you are under 18, bring a school ID with a photo, as this can be helpful in confirming your identity.
• If you have recently moved or have a complicated living situation, be prepared to answer questions about your address and living situation accurately.
• If your identity cannot be verified, you may not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint and board your flight. In this case, you may have to try again in 24 hours.

While it is possible to fly without a valid ID, it is essential to be prepared and arrive early to increase your chances of successful identity verification.

Identity verification process

It is important to bring valid identification to the airport, especially if you are travelling within the US. However, if you do not have valid ID, you may still be able to fly.

If you arrive at the airport without valid identification, you may be asked to complete an identity verification process. This involves a TSA officer collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal details to confirm your identity. This process can take a while, so it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance of your flight time.

If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening. This could include a pat-down and screening of carry-on property.

It is important to note that if you do not cooperate with the identity verification process or if your identity cannot be confirmed, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint.

In terms of valid identification, a temporary driver's license is not considered acceptable by the TSA. However, other forms of ID that are accepted include:

• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler 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 recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

If you are unsure whether your ID is valid, it is recommended to check with your state department of motor vehicles or an official government website.

Temporary license and expired license

A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification at the airport. This includes interim driver's licenses, which are temporary paper documents. However, if you arrive at the airport without a valid ID, 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 enter the screening checkpoint, but you may be subject to additional screening. It is recommended that individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least two to three hours before their flight time.

Expired IDs may be accepted for up to a year after their expiration date. This temporary exemption is for those who were unable to renew their ID during the COVID-19 pandemic. The TSA website should be consulted for the most up-to-date information on this exemption.

TSA's acceptable forms of ID

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires adult passengers (18+) to show valid identification at the airport in order to travel. A temporary driver's license is not considered a valid form of identification. However, in the absence of acceptable identification, you may still be allowed to fly if your identity can be verified through other means. Here is a list of TSA's acceptable forms of identification:

• Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent).
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
• Permanent resident card.
• Border crossing card.
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
• Foreign government-issued passport.
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card.
• Transportation worker identification credential.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).
• U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VA) ID.

It is important to note that TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to a year after their expiration date for the above-listed forms of identification. Additionally, children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, specific ID requirements for travelers under 18 should be confirmed with the airline.

Building a strong case to fly without ID

The short answer is yes, it is possible to fly without ID, but only for domestic flights. From May 7, 2025, a Real ID will be required for domestic flights, so it's important to check that your driver's license is Real ID-compliant.

If you're travelling without ID, it's recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight to allow extra time for identity verification and additional security screening. Here are some steps to build a strong case for flying without ID:

• Contact the TSA: Call the TSA Contact Center (TSA Cares: 1-855-787-2227) before you leave for the airport. Explain your situation and ask about alternative forms of identification that may be accepted.
• Print your boarding pass: Have your boarding pass printed or digitally accessible before reaching the airport.
• Bring multiple forms of identification: Although a temporary driver's license is not considered valid ID, bring it along with other forms of identification that include your name, photo, address, phone number, social security number, and date of birth. Examples include school IDs, work IDs, membership cards, credit cards, police reports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, and even prescription medication with your name on it. Digital copies of your IDs on your phone can also be helpful.
• Provide personal information: Be prepared to provide personal information such as your name, current address, and answers to potentially very personal questions. The TSA will use this information to verify your identity through publicly available databases.
• Expect additional screening: Be prepared for a thorough security screening, including pat-downs and bag searches.
• Report loss or theft: If your ID was lost or stolen, file a report with the local law enforcement station and bring a copy of the report to the airport. This will support your explanation for not having a valid ID.
• Arrive early: Give yourself plenty of time at the airport to go through the identity verification and additional security screening processes.

Remember that while it is possible to build a strong case to fly without ID, there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to board your flight. The TSA has the prerogative to deny airport entry, so stay calm, be polite, and cooperate with the TSA officers to maximize your chances of a successful outcome.

Frequently asked questions