A temporary Real ID will not work for domestic flights

No. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not accept temporary Real IDs at airport security checkpoints. You need either a valid permanent Real ID — the card with the gold star in the upper right corner — or an alternative form of federal ID like a passport or military ID.

A temporary Real ID is a paper document issued while your permanent card is being made. It proves you have started the Real ID process, but TSA treats it as incomplete identification. If you arrive at security with only a temporary Real ID and no other federal ID, you will not be allowed through the checkpoint.

This rule applies to all domestic flights within the United States, regardless of distance or airline. The important date for Real ID compliance has been in effect since May 2025, meaning every traveler must have acceptable identification.

Key Takeaways

  • Temporary Real IDs are paper documents and are not accepted by TSA for any domestic flight.
  • You must bring a permanent Real ID card, passport, military ID, or other federally approved ID to pass through airport security.
  • If your permanent Real ID has not arrived yet, use your passport or another acceptable ID for your flight instead.
  • The TSA website lists all forms of ID that work at security checkpoints, and temporary Real ID is not among them.

What counts as acceptable ID at airport security

TSA accepts these forms of identification for domestic flights: a permanent Real ID driver's license or state ID card (with the gold star), a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, a permanent resident card, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential. Each must be current and not expired.

A temporary Real ID does not appear on this list. Even though it is issued by your state's DMV as proof that you are in the Real ID process, TSA's system does not recognize it as valid travel identification. The temporary document is meant only to show that you have submitted your process and supporting documents.

If you are waiting for your permanent Real ID to arrive and need to fly before it does, bring your passport instead. A passport is the fastest alternative and requires no additional steps.

How long a permanent Real ID takes to arrive

Most states issue a permanent Real ID card within two to four weeks of your in-person appointment at the DMV. Some states are faster — a few deliver within one to two weeks. Others take longer, especially during high-volume periods. Your state's DMV website will show the current processing time for your location.

If you have an upcoming flight and your permanent Real ID has not arrived, do not wait for it. Bring your passport, military ID, or another acceptable form of federal identification instead. There is no way to expedite a Real ID card through TSA or any federal agency — the process is controlled entirely by your state's DMV.

Some states offer rush processing for an additional fee, but this varies by state and does not may provide faster delivery. Check your state DMV's website to see whether rush processing is available and what it costs.

What to bring to the airport if your Real ID is not ready

If your permanent Real ID has not arrived before your flight, bring one of these instead: your passport, passport card, military ID (active duty or retired), a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential. Any of these will get you through TSA security.

Do not bring only your temporary Real ID. TSA officers will not accept it, and you will not be allowed to proceed to your gate. Arriving at the airport without acceptable ID can result in missing your flight.

If you do not have a passport and cannot get one before your flight, check whether your state offers any other acceptable ID. Some states issue Real ID-compliant ID cards faster than driver's licenses, or you may be able to use a military ID or tribal ID if you are a member of those groups.

International travel and temporary Real ID

A temporary Real ID will not work for international flights under any circumstances. For travel outside the United States, you must have a valid passport. Real ID — whether temporary or permanent — is only for domestic flights and federal buildings.

If you are planning international travel and do not yet have a passport, you will need to obtain one separately from the Real ID process. Passports are issued by the U.S. Department of State, not by your state's DMV, and take several weeks to arrive. Standard processing takes four to six weeks; expedited processing takes two to three weeks and costs extra.

What happens if you show up with only a temporary Real ID

If you arrive at airport security with only a temporary Real ID and no other acceptable form of identification, TSA will not allow you past the checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight. There is no exception process or override — the rule is absolute.

Some travelers have tried to argue that a temporary Real ID should count because it is an official government document. TSA does not make exceptions. The agency's position is that a temporary Real ID is proof of process, not proof of identity verification.

If this happens to you, your only option is to leave the airport, obtain an acceptable form of ID, and rebook your flight. This will likely cost you the price of a new ticket and any associated fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary Real ID if I also bring my old driver's license?

No. Your old driver's license is also not acceptable for domestic flights after the Real ID important date. You need either a permanent Real ID, a passport, a military ID, or another form of federally approved ID. An old non-Real ID driver's license will not work, even paired with a temporary Real ID.

Will TSA make an exception if I explain I am waiting for my permanent Real ID?

No. TSA does not make exceptions for temporary Real IDs under any circumstances. The rule applies equally to all travelers. If you do not have acceptable ID, you cannot pass through security, regardless of the reason your permanent card has not arrived.

Can I get a temporary Real ID replaced with a permanent one faster?

No. The temporary Real ID is straightforward a placeholder while your permanent card is being produced. You cannot exchange it for a faster version or upgrade it. Your only option is to wait for your permanent card to arrive or use a different form of acceptable ID for your flight.

Does a temporary Real ID work for federal buildings or other government offices?

No. A temporary Real ID is not accepted for federal building access either. You need a permanent Real ID card for that purpose as well. If you need to enter a federal building before your permanent card arrives, contact the building's security office to ask what alternative ID they will accept.

What if my flight is tomorrow and my Real ID has not arrived?

Use your passport, military ID, or another federally accepted form of identification. If you do not have any of these, you will not be able to fly. There is no way to obtain a Real ID in time, and TSA will not accept a temporary Real ID. Consider whether you can reschedule your flight or obtain a passport through expedited processing if you have time.