Can I use my instruction permit at the airport to travel from state to state?

I have a instruction permit that doesn't expire til summer 2018 and it has a photo plus my state on it. Can't find my passport so this is my best best thing. I'm over 18 so I need an id.

Yes, IF besides your photo and name it has your birth date, issue date, and expiration date.

Yes, that is considered government-issued photo ID, so it should be fine.

If it is a "Paper" ID it is unlikely to be accepted by itself. Yes it is "Government Issued" and yes it does have your photo. But they generally require the actual card which is a bit more permanent and harder to duplicate to be considered valid and not a temporary permit.

If the permit has any phrase such as "Not valid for ID" then that should also tip you off that it won't be accepted.

Now, that doesn't mean that you won't be able to get through TSA. If they can verify you through other means you can still be allowed to pass through TSA. Just be sure to take what you have and be sure to arrive with plenty of time being prepared for extra screening time. The general rule is to be there 2 hours before for a domestic flight, I would suggest perhaps even an extra hour on top of that.