Can I go through security and board an airplane without goverment issued photo ID?

Question

I recently applied for my NY state drivers license. However, they don't issue you a photo license right away. I have a paper license...and my photo license "may" come in the mail before I fly in 3 weeks. I have my temporary paper license, my birth certificate, social security card, and marriage license even. Will I be able to go through and board the plane if I dont recenve my photo ID in time?? Been planning a family vacation now for months...and didnt think about it until today that I dont have photo ID at this moment. Leave in 3 weeks.

Answer 1

Do you have a credit card with your photo on it?

You need photo ID.

A piece of paper won't be acceptable.  But something like a library card, student card, etc., will be PROVIDED it has a photo on it.

Answer 2

Sorry, Sam's/Costco card won't cut it. Has to be government issued photo ID.

The other answers have more detail, but I think you may be looking for getting any sort of ID before you fly. You might ask your drivers license bureau to issue you an ID-only card as more immediate way to get on board. Most states offer on-the-spot ID cards as long as you supply all the documentation they need.

Another suggestion is to check with the drivers license bureau to see if they can expedite processing, and maybe pick it up from their main office directly, which I would assume is in Albany.

Another angle might be to apply for an expedited passport. Depending how close you are to a passport office (and a lot of luck), you could have one in hand in a couple of days. It would be expensive, but you could travel fairly soon.

Answer 3

To add to the previous poster, they may still let you fly, but you will be tagged for additional screening.  Someone several flights ago told me it happened to them because of a lost license, and the process took over 2 hours, so allow additional time, and understand they may choose to not let you through.

Answer 4

I think you need a government issued photo ID. try calling the airline tosee if anything else will do.  

Answer 5

Beginning on May 26, 2008, adult passengers (18 and over) will be required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID that contains the following: name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature. These IDs include:

U.S. passport

U.S. passport card

DHS "Trusted Traveler" cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

U.S. Military ID

Permanent Resident Card

Border Crossing Card

DHS-designated enhanced driver's license

Drivers Licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) that meets REAL ID benchmarks (All states are currently in compliance)

A Native American Tribal Photo ID

An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)

A Registered Traveler Card (that contains the following: Name; Date of Birth; Gender; Expiration date; and a Tamper-resistant feature)

A foreign government-issued passport

Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

Non-US/Canadian citizens are not required to carry their passports if they have documents issued by the U.S. government such as Permanent Resident Cards. Those who do not should be carrying their passports while visiting the U.S.

This standardization of the list of accepted documents better aligns TSA with other DHS components, including Customs and Border Protection, and REAL ID benchmarks.

Between April 28 and May 26, passengers who present a photo ID that does not include a name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature will be reminded of the upcoming changes at the checkpoint. After May 26, passengers who do not present an acceptable ID may be subject to additional screening.

Click here to view samples of acceptable documents (PDF, 159 KB).