What the TSA accepts at airport security

A temporary paper license issued by your state's DMV is not accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as a valid form of identification for domestic flights. The TSA requires a Real ID-compliant driver's license, passport, passport card, or one of several other approved documents — but a paper temporary license does not appear on that list.

If you arrive at security with only a paper temporary license, you will not be able to pass through the checkpoint. The TSA agent will direct you to contact your airline about rebooking or canceling your flight. This applies whether you are flying domestically within the United States or on a domestic leg of an international journey.

The reason is straightforward: a paper temporary license is too straightforward to forge and contains no security features. It is meant to be valid only until your permanent card arrives in the mail, usually within two to four weeks depending on your state.

Key Takeaways

  • A paper temporary license will not get you through TSA security, even if it is your only form of ID.
  • The TSA accepts Real ID driver's licenses, passports, passport cards, military IDs, and several other documents, but temporary paper licenses are not among them.
  • If your permanent license has not arrived yet, you can use a passport or passport card instead.
  • If you have no other acceptable ID, contact your airline before your flight date to understand your options.

What documents the TSA will accept instead

If your permanent driver's license has not arrived yet, you have other options. A U.S. passport or passport card will get you through security on a domestic flight. A military ID (active duty, retired, or dependent) is also accepted. If you are a permanent resident, a Permanent Resident Card (green card) works. Native American tribal IDs issued by federally recognized tribes are accepted as well.

For domestic flights, you do not need a Real ID-compliant license — any of these documents will work. The Real ID requirement applies only to domestic flights starting May 7, 2025, and only if you are using a driver's license or state ID card. If you use a passport or military ID instead, Real ID status does not matter.

If you have a passport or passport card at home, that is your fastest solution. If you do not, you can request an expedited passport from the State Department, though this takes time and costs extra.

What happens if you show up without acceptable ID

If you arrive at the airport with only a paper temporary license and no other acceptable ID, the TSA will not let you through the checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight that day. Your airline may allow you to rebook on a later flight at no charge, or they may charge a change fee — policies vary by airline and ticket type.

Some airlines will cancel your reservation and issue a credit or refund, but this depends on the airline's policy and whether you contact them before or after your scheduled departure time. The sooner you contact your airline, the more options you typically have.

The TSA does not have a process to override this rule or to verify your identity in other ways at the checkpoint. Your only path forward is to either obtain an acceptable form of ID or reschedule your flight.

How to get your permanent license before your flight

If your flight is coming up soon and your permanent license has not arrived, contact your state's DMV when ready. Most states allow you to request a replacement card to be expedited, though this usually costs extra — typically $10 to $25 on top of the standard fee. Some states can print and mail a replacement within one week; others take longer.

Call your state DMV's customer service line or visit their website to find out how long expedited processing takes in your state and whether it is available for your situation. Be prepared to provide your driver's license number or the date you applied for the temporary license.

If expedited processing will not get the card to you in time, your best option is to use a passport or passport card if you have one. If you do not have a passport and cannot get one before your flight, you may need to reschedule.

Real ID requirements starting May 2025

Beginning May 7, 2025, the TSA will require a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card for all domestic flights — or an alternative document like a passport. This does not change the fact that a temporary paper license is not accepted; it straightforward means that when your permanent license arrives, it must be Real ID-compliant to use for flights.

Most states have been issuing Real ID-compliant licenses for years. When you receive your permanent license in the mail, check the front for a small star or flag symbol — that indicates it is Real ID-compliant. If your state has not yet issued you a Real ID license, you can request one at the DMV, though this may require an in-person visit and additional documents.

If you are unsure whether your current permanent license is Real ID-compliant, check your state's DMV website or call their customer service line. They can tell you based on your license number.

International flights and connecting flights

For international flights, you will need a passport or passport card regardless of your driver's license status. A temporary paper license will not work, and neither will a permanent driver's license. The passport requirement is separate from TSA security and is enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

If you are taking a connecting flight — for example, flying domestically to another city and then internationally — you will need an acceptable ID for the first leg (where TSA checks you) and a passport for the international leg. A temporary paper license will not work for either segment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary paper license if I also have an expired passport?

No. The TSA will not accept the temporary paper license. An expired passport is also not accepted for domestic flights. You would need either a valid passport, a valid passport card, a military ID, or another document on the TSA's approved list.

What if my permanent license is Real ID-compliant but hasn't arrived yet?

It does not matter. Until you have the physical card in hand, you cannot use it at security. You must use an alternative document like a passport. The TSA cannot verify Real ID status based on a temporary paper license.

Can the airline let me board without TSA-approved ID?

No. Airlines are required to follow TSA rules. They cannot override the ID requirement or allow you to board without passing through TSA security with an acceptable document.

Do I need Real ID to fly domestically before May 7, 2025?

No. Before May 7, 2025, a non-Real ID driver's license is still accepted for domestic flights. After that date, you will need either a Real ID-compliant license or an alternative document like a passport. A temporary paper license is not accepted either way.

Can I use a photo of my temporary license on my phone?

No. The TSA requires a physical, original document. A photo on your phone is not accepted, even if the document itself would be acceptable.