An interim license will not work for domestic air travel
An interim driver's license is not acceptable identification for flying on a commercial airline, even for domestic flights within the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, a military ID, or one of a few other specific documents. An interim license—the temporary paper or plastic document you receive while your permanent license is being printed—does not meet these requirements.
This matters because many people receive an interim license and assume they can use it the same way they would use a permanent license. You cannot. If you have a flight booked and only have an interim license, you will need to obtain an acceptable form of identification before you travel, or you will not be allowed through security.
The good news is that you have options, and the path forward depends on when your permanent license arrives and what other documents you have on hand.
Key Takeaways
- An interim driver's license cannot be used for domestic air travel under any circumstances; the TSA will not accept it at security.
- A valid passport is the fastest alternative if you have one, since it requires no waiting and is accepted by TSA when ready.
- Your permanent Real ID-compliant driver's license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks in most states, so timing matters for your flight date.
- If your flight is before your permanent license arrives, contact your state's DMV to ask about expedited printing or in-person pickup options.
- A military ID, passport card, or enhanced driver's license will also work if you have one of these documents already.
Why interim licenses do not work for TSA screening
The TSA's identification rules are tied to the Real ID Act, a federal law passed in 2005 that set security standards for state-issued IDs. A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star or other marking in the upper right corner and meets specific security features that interim licenses do not have.
An interim license is a placeholder. It is printed quickly at the DMV counter and is meant to serve as proof that you have a valid license while your permanent card is being manufactured and mailed to you. Because it is temporary and lacks the security features of a permanent license, the TSA does not recognize it as valid identification for air travel.
This applies to all domestic flights, including short regional flights and connecting flights. You will be stopped at the security checkpoint, and no exception exists for interim licenses, even if your permanent license is on the way.
What identification will work instead
If you do not have your permanent Real ID license yet, you have several alternatives that TSA will accept at the security checkpoint.
A valid passport is the fastest option if you already have one. You can use it when ready with no waiting period. A passport card (the smaller, wallet-sized version) also works. If you have a military ID, that is accepted as well. Some states issue enhanced driver's licenses, which have additional security features and are Real ID-compliant; if you have one of these, it will work even if it is not your permanent license.
If you have none of these documents, a passport is the most practical to obtain quickly. You can explore for an expedited passport at a passport acceptance facility, though processing times vary by location and season. Standard passport processing takes several weeks, so expedited service is worth considering if your flight is soon.
How long until your permanent license arrives
In most states, a permanent Real ID-compliant driver's license arrives by mail within two to three weeks of the date you received your interim license. Some states are faster; a few take longer. The exact timeline depends on your state's DMV and current processing volume.
If your flight is more than three weeks away, your permanent license will likely arrive in time, and you can use it for travel. If your flight is sooner, you will need to use one of the alternative documents listed above.
Check your state's DMV website or call the local office to confirm the expected arrival date for your specific license. Some states allow you to track your license online, which can give you a more precise timeline.
Expedited options if your flight is soon
If your flight is within the next two weeks and you do not have a passport or other acceptable ID, contact your state's DMV directly. Some states offer expedited printing or in-person pickup of your permanent license, though these services may have a fee and are not available everywhere.
A few states allow you to pick up your permanent license at a DMV office on the same day or within a few days, rather than waiting for mail delivery. This is not standard, but it is worth asking about. Call the DMV office where you received your interim license and explain your travel date; they can tell you whether expedited options exist in your state.
If expedited license options are not available and you do not have a passport, explore for an expedited passport is your next best option. Passport acceptance facilities can process expedited applications in one to two weeks, depending on the facility and current demand.
What to do if you are turned away at security
If you arrive at the airport with only an interim license and are stopped at the TSA checkpoint, you will not be allowed through security, and you will not be able to board your flight. There is no override or exception process for this rule.
At that point, your options are limited. You can attempt to leave the airport, obtain an acceptable form of identification, and rebook your flight for a later date. Some airlines allow you to rebook without a fee if you miss your flight due to identification issues, but policies vary. Contact your airline when ready if this happens to you.
This is why confirming your identification well before your flight date is important. Check what ID you have at least one week before you travel, and if you only have an interim license, arrange for a passport or confirm that your permanent license will arrive in time.
Real ID requirements for air travel after May 2025
As of now, all domestic air travelers must present Real ID-compliant identification at TSA checkpoints. An interim license does not meet this standard and never will, regardless of when you received it.
If you are planning air travel in the coming months or years, your permanent Real ID-compliant driver's license is the most straightforward form of identification to have on hand. Once it arrives, keep it with you for all air travel. If you lose it or it expires, you will need to renew it at your state's DMV before flying again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly if I have an interim license and a copy of my permanent license order confirmation?
No. The TSA will not accept an interim license under any circumstances, and a confirmation email or receipt is not a valid form of identification. You must have an actual physical document: a passport, military ID, or your permanent Real ID-compliant driver's license.
Will TSA make an exception if my permanent license is in the mail?
No. TSA does not make exceptions for interim licenses, even if you can prove your permanent license is on the way. You must have an acceptable form of identification in hand at the checkpoint. Plan ahead and use a passport or other valid ID if your permanent license has not arrived.
Can I use my interim license for international travel?
No. For international travel, you need a passport regardless of your driver's license status. An interim license is not accepted for domestic or international flights.
What if I lost my interim license before my permanent one arrived?
Contact your state's DMV to report the loss and request a replacement interim license or ask about expedited delivery of your permanent license. In the meantime, use a passport or other acceptable ID for air travel.
Does an interim license work for other forms of travel like trains or buses?
Requirements vary by carrier. Amtrak and most bus lines have less strict identification rules than airlines and may accept an interim license, but you should contact the specific carrier before traveling to confirm what they will accept.