Originally Posted by
TomMM
I understand not having a passport but don't you have your old DL? I renew my DL by mail and have never had to return it.
It likley depends on the state. In MN you cannot renew by mail you have to go to the DMV and they keep your DL and give you a sheet of paper (without a photo) that is generally useless for identification. They then mail you your new DL in a week or two.
To the OP....go really early and be nice. They will find a way to make it work. You are right that the TSA will let you though without an ID and I am pretty sure DL has procedures for dealing with a domestic passenger without ID as well. As an alternative, you could FedEx your bag the day before.