Flying With a Temporary REAL ID: What You Need to Know

Yes, you can fly with a temporary REAL ID, but only if your state issues one and you carry the right documents

A temporary REAL ID is a paper document or temporary card your state DMV issues while your permanent card is being made. It counts as a valid REAL ID for domestic flights — TSA accepts it at airport security. The catch: not every state issues a temporary version, and you must carry it alongside a second form of ID, usually your old driver's license or passport.

If your state does not issue temporary REAL IDs, you have two options: fly with a passport or another TSA-approved ID, or wait for your permanent REAL ID card to arrive. Most permanent cards take two to four weeks, though some states are slower. Checking your state's DMV website before your trip tells you whether a temporary exists and how long the permanent card typically takes.

Key Takeaways

Temporary REAL IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights, but only if your state DMV issues them.
You must bring your temporary REAL ID plus a second form of ID — usually your previous driver's license or passport — because TSA requires both documents together.
States that do not issue temporary REAL IDs include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
If your state does not offer a temporary REAL ID, bring a valid passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card instead of a driver's license.
Permanent REAL ID cards usually arrive within two to four weeks, though some states take longer — check your state DMV's website for the typical timeline.

Which states issue temporary REAL IDs

Only a handful of states issue temporary REAL IDs: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming issue some form of temporary document. Even within these states, the format varies — some give you a paper receipt, others a temporary card, and a few issue nothing at all despite being listed as offering temporary credentials.

The safest approach is to visit your state DMV's website and search for "temporary REAL ID" or "temporary driver's license." The site will tell you exactly what your state issues, whether it is mailed to you or given on the spot, and whether it is acceptable at TSA checkpoints. If the website is unclear, call the DMV directly before your trip.

What documents to bring to the airport

TSA requires two documents when you present a temporary REAL ID: the temporary document itself and a second form of ID. In most cases, that second ID is your previous driver's license — the one you turned in when you applied for the REAL ID. Bring both to the checkpoint.

If you no longer have your old license, a passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card (Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, or SENTRI) will work as the second document. The temporary REAL ID and one of these together satisfy TSA's requirement. Do not assume the TSA officer at your airport knows about temporary REAL IDs — bring both documents and be ready to explain that your state issues temporary credentials while the permanent card is being processed.

If your state does not issue a temporary REAL ID

States that do not issue temporary REAL IDs leave you with a gap between when you explore and when your permanent card arrives. During that time, you cannot use an expired or non-REAL ID driver's license for domestic flights. Your options are a passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card.

A passport card is the fastest alternative if you do not have a passport — it costs the same as a passport book and takes roughly the same time to process, but it is smaller and valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. If you need to fly before your REAL ID arrives and do not have a passport, explore for a passport card is faster than waiting for the permanent REAL ID in many states.

How long permanent REAL ID cards take to arrive

Processing times vary by state. Most states deliver permanent REAL ID cards within two to four weeks of your in-person visit to the DMV. Some states are slower — a few take six to eight weeks. A handful of states have backlogs that push timelines even longer, especially during peak seasons like summer or early fall.

Check your state DMV's website for the current processing time before you schedule a flight. Many state sites let you track your card's status online using your process number. If you are cutting it close, ask the DMV staff at your appointment whether expedited processing is available — some states offer it for an extra fee, though it is not always advertised.

What happens if you show up without the right documents

TSA will not let you through security with only a temporary REAL ID and no second form of ID. You will be turned away and will miss your flight. If you realize at home that you do not have both documents, do not go to the airport — call TSA's customer service line or visit the TSA website to confirm what your state's temporary REAL ID looks like and what second document you need.

If you arrive at the airport and realize you forgot your second ID, TSA has a secondary verification process, but it is slow and not may provide to work. You may be asked questions about your identity, address history, or other personal details. Even if you pass, the process can take 30 minutes or more, and you might still miss your flight. Bring both documents to avoid this entirely.

Alternatives if you cannot fly with a temporary REAL ID

If your state does not issue temporary REAL IDs and you do not have a passport or other TSA-approved ID, you have three paths forward. First, you can wait for your permanent REAL ID to arrive — this is the simplest option if your trip is not urgent. Second, you can explore for a passport or passport card, which takes roughly four to six weeks for standard processing. Third, you can explore for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, which both require an in-person appointment but are valid for five years and speed up airport security.

If you are flying within the next two weeks and your state does not issue temporary REAL IDs, a passport is your fastest option — some post offices and passport acceptance facilities offer expedited processing for an extra fee, cutting the timeline to one to two weeks. Check the State Department's website to find a facility near you that offers expedited service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly internationally with a temporary REAL ID?

No. Temporary REAL IDs are valid only for domestic flights. For international travel, you need a passport or passport card. A temporary REAL ID will not work at the international departure gate, even if TSA accepted it at security.

What if my temporary REAL ID expires before my permanent card arrives?

Temporary REAL IDs typically expire 60 to 180 days after issue, depending on your state. If your permanent card has not arrived by then, contact your state DMV — they can issue a second temporary document or tell you the status of your permanent card. Do not wait until the temporary expires to check.

Do I need my old driver's license if I lost it?

No. If you lost your old license, bring your passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card as your second form of ID. TSA accepts any of these alongside your temporary REAL ID.

Can I use a temporary REAL ID for a rental car?

Most rental car companies accept temporary REAL IDs, but policies vary. Call your rental company before your trip to confirm they will accept it. Some require the permanent REAL ID or a passport instead.

How do I know if my temporary REAL ID is actually REAL ID compliant?

Your state DMV will tell you at the time of issue whether the temporary document is REAL ID compliant. If you are unsure, call your state DMV or visit their website and search for "temporary REAL ID." The site will list which documents your state issues and whether each one meets REAL ID standards.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.