How the DMV can mess you up with the TSA

My license expired last week. I didn't mind so much that I was driving around with an expired license because I couldn't find time to devote to an 18 hour visit to the DMV, I just knew I had to do it before Christmas Eve when they closed because I needed an updated license to get through security at the airport. At least I figured I did.

I figured correctly. What I did not figure correctly was that laws had not changed since my last license was issued and you no longer walk out of the NC DMV with a little plastic card confirming to everyone your height, age, and that you are who you say you are. Nope. Now you walk out with a piece of paper that serves as a temporary license until your real one arrives in the mail in 10-12 business days.

It actually took awhile for it to sink in that now I had no valid ID for airport security. I was able to retain my old license so I thought, 'eh, maybe this'll work after all.' But a quick Google search and my original figuring was confirmed - an expired ID is no good.

The official statement on the TSA website is "If you lose your primary ID or it has expired, TSA may accept other forms of ID to help verify your identity." Not entirely helpful. The next FAQ is what if an ID is lost during travel. In that case (and I assume in the case that you know exactly where your expired license is) you will need:
- Two forms of ID (social security card, birth certificate, marriage license, credit card, etc.) containing the name of the passenger
- One of the two forms of ID must have one of the following: date of birth, address, gender, or a photo

The website then goes on to say "If TSA can confirm the passenger’s identity, they may enter the secured area, but they could be subject to additional screening." That sentence contains an if, a may, and a could. So vague. There's also a bit about using "publicly available databases." So I don't really know.

Bottom line - be sure you have an up-to-date form of ID. For what counts as an ID, visit here.

Luckily, I remembered I have a passport. First domestic trip with a passport!