Initially envisioned by former President George W. Bush in 2005 as part of an effort to improve airport security in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, the federally-compliant form of identification known as REAL ID has had a rocky road toward being required to board domestic flights in the U.S.
A 2008 deadline to have a REAL ID document to fly was pushed back to 2011, 2015, 2018, and 2020 due to logistical challenges around states replacing and issuing millions of new documents.
When the Covid pandemic hit, it became necessary to keep pushing it back further and while the current Trump administration set a past May 2025 deadline as a hard one, those without this form of identification have been allowed to board flights after going through additional screening.
While some states automatically issue a REAL ID as one’s proof of identity, others have for years let one choose between two versions — the more secure REAL ID form also requires proof of both federal and state status.
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TSA warns that temporary driver’s license is no substitute for REAL ID
With the rush of people in states such as New York and Michigan rushing to replace their licenses to be REAL ID-compliant, some have been bringing to the airport a temporary paper version they received while waiting for the permanent ID to be mailed.
But in an updated warning on the types of documentation it accepts for domestic flights, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) clarified not just that REAL ID is now required, but also that the temporary document cannot be used to board a flight.
“If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles,” the TSA warning reads. “A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.”
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Accepted forms of identification include a REAL ID driver’s license or proof of identity, an Enhanced Driver’s License or passport card, a passport, a traveler card like NEXUS or Global Entry, a permanent resident card and military identification, among others.
Image source: Kena Betancur/Getty Images
TSA says passengers without REAL ID “may receive additional screening”
“Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening,” the TSA information page reads further. “This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.”
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The warning further says that the list of accepted documents may change periodically and without warning.
While a passport or a REAL ID will always be the best and accepted form of identification, some of the other cards proving one’s work with the government or residency status could be removed from the list of accepted documents.
The current page also states that a driver’s license from Canada, which does not use the REAL ID standard, can presently be used to board flights in the U.S.
“The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice,” the updated warning now states. “TSA strongly encourages you check this list again before traveling, so you do not arrive at the airport without acceptable ID.”
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