If you recently renewed your driver’s license or lost your identification, you may be wondering if you can still apply for a passport. The good news is that not having your permanent ID does not always mean you have to put your travel plans on hold.
However, whether you can get a passport with a temporary ID depends on the type of ID you have and whether you can provide other acceptable documents.
The U.S. Department of State has specific identification requirements for passport applications. Here is what you should know before submitting your paperwork.
Can You Get a Passport With a Temporary ID?
Possibly, but a temporary ID is not automatically accepted.
When you apply for a U.S. passport in person, you generally need to present a physical, government-issued photo ID. The State Department’s primary identification list includes documents such as a valid driver’s license and certain previously issued U.S. passports.
A temporary paper driver’s license or temporary identification document may not meet the primary identification requirements. Acceptance can depend on the document and the circumstances.
If you only have a temporary ID, check with the passport acceptance facility before your appointment. Ask whether your document is acceptable and what additional identification you should bring.
What IDs Can You Use to Apply for a Passport?
The State Department accepts specific forms of identification for passport applications.
Depending on your situation, acceptable primary identification may include:
- A valid driver’s license
- An enhanced driver’s license
- A valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card
- Certain government employee IDs
- Certain military IDs
You must present a physical photo ID. We do not accept digital IDs or mobile driver’s licenses for this purpose.
The State Department also requires a photocopy of the front and back of each ID you present.
Review the current requirements on the official Passport Photo ID Requirements page.
What if Your Temporary ID Is Not Accepted?
If your temporary ID does not qualify as primary identification, you may have other options.
Bring Additional Identification
The State Department may accept secondary identification when you cannot provide an acceptable primary ID. Examples can include a Social Security card, credit card, employee ID, or library card.
You may need to present secondary documents together to establish your identity. The acceptance facility or passport agency will determine whether the documents you provide meet the requirements.
Do not assume that a temporary driver’s license and one additional document will automatically be enough.
Check Whether You Have Another Accepted ID
You may already have another qualifying document.
For example, an eligible, undamaged U.S. passport book or card may serve as identification, even if it is expired. Check the current rules to confirm that your document qualifies.
If your ID was issued by a different state from the one where you are applying, you should also bring a second photo ID.
Contact the Passport Acceptance Facility
Before your appointment, explain which documents you have available. The facility can tell you what to bring and whether it will accept your temporary ID.
This step is especially helpful if you have upcoming international travel and cannot afford to make an unnecessary trip.
Do You Need Proof of Citizenship Too?
Yes. Identification and proof of U.S. citizenship serve different purposes.
Your ID helps establish who you are. Citizenship evidence establishes that you qualify for a U.S. passport.
For a first-time adult passport application, acceptable citizenship evidence may include:
- A qualifying U.S. birth certificate
- A previously issued, full-validity U.S. passport
- A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- A Certificate of Naturalization
- A Certificate of Citizenship
You generally need to provide the original or a qualifying certified document, along with a photocopy. Electronic copies of birth certificates are not accepted as citizenship evidence.
Review the official citizenship evidence requirements before applying.
Can You Get an Expedited Passport With a Temporary ID?
Expedited service does not remove the identification requirements.
If you need a passport quickly, you still need to provide acceptable identification, proof of citizenship, a completed application, and any other required documents.
The State Department offers expedited processing, while urgent travel appointments may be available for qualifying travelers with imminent international travel. Appointment availability and processing times can vary.
If your permanent ID hasn’t arrived and your departure date is approaching, check your ID options as soon as possible. Resolving the ID issue early can help you avoid additional delays.
How The Passport Office Can Help
The Passport Office is a private passport expediting company that helps travelers prepare passport applications and understand the available service options.
Our team can review your application documents, identify common paperwork issues, and explore expedited passport services for upcoming travel.
If you need to apply for a passport with a temporary ID, contact The Passport Office to discuss your circumstances before submitting your application. We can help you understand the next steps, although the government determines whether your identification is acceptable and makes all final passport decisions.
Final Thoughts
You may be able to apply for a passport without your permanent ID, but a temporary ID may not qualify.
Check whether your document meets the State Department’s identification rules, ask about secondary identification if needed, and gather your citizenship evidence before applying.
If you have an upcoming trip, start checking your options early. Proper preparation can help prevent avoidable delays in your passport application.