Abstract: The present invention is a temporary latch for use in an installed door until the permanent latch for the door can be installed. The temporary latch consists of two pieces, i.e. a handle portion with tabs and a tongue portion with slots. The two pieces removably secure together within a door latch opening provided in the door by rotating the tongue portion so that the tabs of the handle portion are reversibly locked in the slots of the handle portion. The handle portion is provided with a ring for grasping and a compressible arm that retracts causing the tongue portion to be withdrawn into the door latch opening as the door is being closed and when the door is being unlocked from its door frame.