Key Takeaways
• Temporary paper REAL ID printouts are never accepted for airport security by the Transportation Security Administration.
• A permanent, plastic REAL ID card or other official federal identification is required to fly after the REAL ID rules start.
• Contact your DMV and use a passport or other TSA-approved ID if your REAL ID card hasn’t arrived before your trip.
This FAQ provides information about using a temporary paper REAL ID at airports, what documents the Transportation Security Administration will accept, and what steps you should take if you are waiting for your permanent REAL ID card. Each answer is written using clear, simple language to help anyone understand what is required to fly in the United States 🇺🇸.
Most Popular Questions
1. Can I fly using a temporary paper REAL ID printout from the DMV?
No, you cannot use a temporary (paper) REAL ID printout from the DMV to fly. The Transportation Security Administration does not accept any temporary paper identification, including interim driver’s licenses or temporary paper REAL ID printouts, at airport security checkpoints. You must wait until you receive your permanent, physical REAL ID card.
2. Why won’t the Transportation Security Administration accept a temporary paper REAL ID?
The Transportation Security Administration does not accept temporary paper IDs because they are easier to damage or copy than the finished plastic cards. To prevent problems with airport security and to keep air travel safe, the Transportation Security Administration only allows permanent, officially issued plastic REAL ID cards. As reported by VisaVerge.com, even though a DMV may issue you a temporary paper REAL ID when you apply, it will not work for airport travel.
3. What exactly is a REAL ID, and how is it different from a regular driver’s license?
A REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card that meets strict federal guidelines set by the United States 🇺🇸 government. These rules help make sure the card is harder to copy or change and help officials know that the person using it is who they say they are.
A regular driver’s license will not work for flying or entering some secure federal locations once the REAL ID rules take effect. Only a permanent REAL ID card, which has a special mark (like a star on the top corner), is accepted.
4. When will I need a permanent REAL ID to fly within or leave the United States 🇺🇸?
Once the federal REAL ID rules become fully enforced, travelers must show a permanent REAL ID or another acceptable identification at airport security to fly inside the United States 🇺🇸. If you do not have your permanent REAL ID card but need to travel before it arrives, you must use another accepted form of identification.
To see the most up-to-date enforcement date, you can check the Department of Homeland Security REAL ID webpage.
5. What should I do if I applied for a REAL ID and got a temporary paper printout, but my permanent card hasn’t arrived and I need to fly soon?
If you need to fly and only have a temporary paper REAL ID, you cannot use it to board a plane. Instead, you should use a different accepted identification from the list provided by the Transportation Security Administration. Acceptable documents include:
– A valid United States 🇺🇸 passport or passport card
– A United States 🇺🇸 military identification card
– A DHS trusted traveler card (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST card)
– A federally recognized tribal photo ID
For a complete list, visit the official TSA identification page.
6. Can I use a temporary paper REAL ID for things other than flying, like entering a federal building?
Policies for using temporary paper REAL ID printouts at federal buildings or military bases might be different depending on the specific location. Many federal buildings will only accept official, permanent REAL ID cards. Some places might allow you to use a temporary paper REAL ID for a short time or together with another type of ID. Always check with the building or agency before visiting.
7. I lost my permanent REAL ID card and am waiting for a replacement. Can I use the temporary paper replacement card to fly?
No, the Transportation Security Administration will not accept any temporary paper REAL ID cards, even if issued as a replacement for a lost one. If you need to fly and do not have your permanent REAL ID card, use a different accepted form of identification from the Transportation Security Administration’s list.
8. Does it matter what state issued my temporary paper REAL ID? Are any state-issued paper REAL IDs accepted by the Transportation Security Administration for flights?
No, it does not matter which state you are in. The Transportation Security Administration’s policy is the same in every state: they do not accept temporary paper IDs—this includes all temporary paper REAL ID cards issued anywhere in the United States 🇺🇸.
9. How will I know when my REAL ID is a permanent one?
You will know you have a permanent REAL ID when you receive a hard, plastic card in the mail or pick it up from the DMV. The card will have a special mark, like a gold or black star, in one corner. Temporary ones are always paper and often include wording to show they are not finished cards.
10. What happens if I show up at airport security with only a temporary paper REAL ID?
The Transportation Security Administration will not allow you to board your flight with a temporary paper REAL ID. You will be turned away at the security checkpoint unless you have another accepted form of ID. This could cause you to miss your flight and lose any money spent on tickets.
Important Note: Temporary paper REAL ID cards never count as accepted flying identification, no matter the date, location, or urgent need.
11. Are there any exceptions for people with special needs, young travelers, or emergencies?
No exceptions exist for these cases. Everyone must show one of the accepted types of ID for flying, regardless of health, age, or situation, when flying by air inside the United States 🇺🇸.
12. If I don’t have my permanent REAL ID card yet, what else can I use to fly?
If you need to travel by plane but don’t have your plastic REAL ID card yet, you can use:
– A valid United States 🇺🇸 passport
– A United States 🇺🇸 passport card
– United States 🇺🇸 military ID
– A DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
– A federally recognized tribal photo ID
Any of these are accepted by the Transportation Security Administration. Do not wait until your flight day to find your documents—plan ahead.
13. If my permanent REAL ID is delayed or lost in the mail, what can I do?
Contact the DMV as soon as you notice your card is missing or delayed. They may be able to track the card or re-issue a new one. However, you still cannot use the temporary paper REAL ID for flying, so keep another federal ID ready as backup.
14. Can I use a digital or electronic copy of my REAL ID to fly?
No. At this time, the Transportation Security Administration only accepts official, physical documents. Electronic or digital images on your phone are not acceptable.
15. Will the Transportation Security Administration ever accept temporary paper REAL ID cards in the future?
There is no public plan from the Transportation Security Administration to accept temporary paper REAL ID cards. Their policies focus on making flying as safe as possible, and this means only accepting finished, plastic identification cards and other official IDs.
16. How long does it take to get a permanent REAL ID after applying with the DMV?
Wait times can be different depending on the state and how busy your local DMV is. Some people receive their permanent REAL ID in about two weeks, but others might wait up to six weeks. It is a good idea to apply early—well before your planned trip—to avoid any problems with air travel.
17. What should I do if my name or other information is not correct on my new REAL ID card?
If you notice any problems on your permanent REAL ID card, contact your DMV right away. Do not try to use the card with mistakes for flying. The Transportation Security Administration will require your ID to match your current name and information.
18. Will a non-REAL ID driver’s license work to fly if I don’t have my permanent REAL ID yet?
Once the REAL ID rules start, only a permanent REAL ID or another accepted document will work for flying within the United States 🇺🇸. A regular driver’s license will not be accepted by TSA after the federal deadline passes.
19. Why is it important to have a permanent REAL ID or another accepted ID for flying?
A permanent REAL ID card or another Transportation Security Administration-approved identification proves who you are, helps keep flights secure, and is required by law after the REAL ID rules are fully enforced. If you do not have the right ID, you cannot fly.
20. How can I find out if my REAL ID card has been mailed yet?
Contact your state’s DMV office or check their website. Some DMVs offer online tracking tools, while others provide updates by phone. Do not go to the airport until you have your finished, plastic REAL ID card in your hand.
Common Misconceptions
- “A temporary paper REAL ID issued by the DMV will work the same as my permanent card at the airport.”
FALSE. A temporary paper REAL ID is not accepted at airport security checkpoints for any flights. -
“My temporary paper REAL ID is good enough since it proves the DMV is making my card.”
FALSE. Only the permanent, physical card is accepted by the Transportation Security Administration. -
“If I forget my ID card but show a printed or digital copy, that is good enough.”
FALSE. Only official, physical cards work for airport security.
Key Takeaways
- Temporary paper REAL ID printouts are not accepted by the Transportation Security Administration for flying.
- Wait for your permanent REAL ID card before you plan to use it at the airport.
- Use a valid United States 🇺🇸 passport, military ID, or other accepted document if you need to travel while waiting for your REAL ID.
- Contact your DMV if you have questions about the mailing, status, or replacement of your REAL ID card.
- Only permanent plastic cards—never paper printouts—count for flying after the REAL ID deadline.
Where Can I Get More Help?
- For more about which identification is accepted when you fly, check the Transportation Security Administration’s official identification page.
- For state-specific information, go to your DMV website.
- For updates or federal policy questions, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID FAQs.
- For more information and ongoing coverage, visit VisaVerge.com for original reporting and updates on REAL ID requirements and deadlines.
By following these rules and planning ahead for your trip, you can avoid problems at airport security and make sure your travel goes smoothly. Remember: Only your permanent REAL ID card—not a temporary paper REAL ID printout—will get you on your flight. Always double-check your ID before you travel and keep another approved document handy as a backup if you’re still waiting for your card.
Learn Today
Temporary paper REAL ID → A paper printout issued as proof you’ve applied for a REAL ID, not valid for airport security checks.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) → The federal agency that enforces airport security policies and decides which identification documents are acceptable for travel.
Permanent REAL ID → The official, hard plastic identification card meeting federal requirements; accepted at airport security checkpoints.
DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) → State agency responsible for issuing driver’s licenses, REAL IDs, and identification cards in the United States.
Trusted traveler card → A special ID like Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, issued by DHS and accepted by TSA for travel verification.
This Article in a Nutshell
Planning to fly? A temporary paper REAL ID isn’t enough—only a permanent, plastic REAL ID or official federal ID works at airport security. The Transportation Security Administration will turn you away otherwise. Always check your ID status and bring an approved backup document if waiting for your REAL ID card.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• TSA lets travelers fly with expired REAL ID before May 2025
• REAL ID deadline nears, but a U.S. passport works at TSA checkpoints
• TSA Acceptable ID Checker Online Tool
• TSA allows 11 new items in any size through CT scanners
• TSA mandates REAL ID for domestic flights by May 2025
