Sachin Walls
If you plan on flying domestically and realize your government-issued ID has expired, you may be wondering if you can still use it at the airport. While some sources suggest that IDs that expired within the last year may be accepted, the TSA strongly encourages travelers to refer to their list of acceptable IDs before arriving at the airport. If you do not have an acceptable form of ID, you may be asked to complete an identity verification process, which may include providing additional personal information and undergoing extra screening.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TSA's acceptance of expired IDs | Expired ID accepted up to two years after expiration |
| TSA's acceptance of other forms of ID | Yes, TSA accepts other forms of ID with the person's photo and name, such as Costco membership or school ID |
| TSA's identity verification process | Yes, TSA has other ways of confirming identity using publicly available databases |
| TSA's requirements for children | Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling within the US. Unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show acceptable ID to receive expedited screening |
| TSA's requirements for REAL ID-compliant IDs | From May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports |
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What You'll Learn
TSA's acceptable forms of ID
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires adult passengers aged 18 and over to show valid identification at the airport in order to travel. From May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of ID at airports. Passengers without a REAL ID-compliant ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be subject to additional screening. They may also be directed to a separate area.
The TSA recommends that passengers travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices. The TSA also accepts digital IDs that are compliant with the 6 CFR Part 37: Minimum Standards for Driver’s Licenses and Identification Cards Acceptable by Federal Agencies for Official Purposes. Passengers can use a TSA-approved digital ID app or their phone's digital wallet to store their ID.
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
It is worth noting that TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date. However, passengers without acceptable identification or those who decline to cooperate with the identity verification process will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint.
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Identity verification without ID
For US domestic flights, adult passengers aged 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport in order to travel. This can include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state photo identity card, or a passport.
If you do not have a valid ID, there are other ways to confirm your identity. The TSA can use publicly available databases to verify who you are. You will need to complete an identity verification process with a TSA officer, providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal details. This process may take some time, so it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of your flight's scheduled departure time. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to go through security screening and may be subject to additional screening.
Expired IDs are sometimes accepted, with TSA currently taking expired ID up to two years after the expiration date for the above-listed forms of identification. However, this is subject to change without notice, so it is always best to check the TSA website before traveling.
If you have lost your ID, it is worth bringing a police report to the airport as proof of your story. A birth certificate cannot be used as a primary document when flying, but it may help to confirm your identity if used in conjunction with other documents.
For online identity verification, you may need to provide photos of the front and back of your driver's license or state ID, as well as your Social Security number.
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State-issued ID requirements
For state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant, passengers are advised to use an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or to enrol for a REAL ID through their state DMV offices. From May 7, 2025, non-REAL ID-compliant IDs will no longer be accepted at TSA checkpoints. If a passenger presents a non-compliant ID without an alternative, they may be directed to a separate area for additional screening and identity verification.
In some cases, individuals may be able to fly without a valid ID by undergoing additional screening and identity verification processes. This typically involves providing information such as their name, current address, and other personal details to confirm their identity against publicly available databases. However, travellers are cautioned not to rely on this method, as there is no guarantee of success, and they may be denied boarding if their identity cannot be confirmed.
It is worth noting that TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date. However, this is at the discretion of the individual screener, and travellers are advised not to assume that their expired ID will be accepted. To increase the chances of a successful verification process, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of the scheduled departure time.
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TSA PreCheck for unaccompanied minors
As for the first query, the TSA website states that passengers are allowed to fly domestically within the United States with an expired driver's license or state-issued ID if it has been less than a year since it expired. However, it is important to note that this policy may change in the future, and passengers are encouraged to check the latest information on the official website before their travel.
Now, regarding TSA PreCheck for unaccompanied minors, here is some detailed information:
Unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must present an acceptable form of identification to receive expedited screening. This means that even though children under 17 generally do not need their own Known Traveler Number (KTN) and can accompany their parents in the TSA PreCheck lane without the indicator on their boarding pass, unaccompanied minors will need to show ID. The specific requirements for acceptable ID may vary, so it is recommended to contact the airline directly to understand their ID requirements for unaccompanied minors.
If an unaccompanied minor has their own KTN, they can use the TSA PreCheck lane when travelling alone. To ensure the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on their boarding pass, the child's reservation should include their KTN, and they should be on the same airline reservation as the adult. If the child does not have their own KTN, leave the KTN field blank when making the reservation.
In summary, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show acceptable ID, and if they have their own KTN, they can use the TSA PreCheck lane when travelling alone, provided the necessary steps are taken to ensure the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on their boarding pass.
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International travel with expired ID
For US domestic flights, the TSA will accept expired IDs for up to one year after the date of expiration. However, this does not apply to international travel. For international travel, an ID that is more than 12 months expired will not be accepted. Passengers must present a valid passport or other acceptable forms of ID, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state photo identity card, or a US passport card.
If you are travelling internationally with an expired ID, you may still be able to fly, but it is important to note that this is not guaranteed. It is recommended to arrive at the airport early and prepare for additional screening. You will be asked to present two secondary forms of identification, such as a driver's license, credit cards with your name, or a picture of your passport or ID. The TSA officer will review the documentation and may ask you personal questions to verify your identity. If your identity cannot be confirmed, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint.
It is always best to travel with a valid passport or other acceptable forms of ID to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience when travelling internationally. Checking the list of acceptable IDs before travelling is highly recommended, as the list may change without notice.
In some cases, if you have lost your ID or it has been stolen, you may be able to use other documents to confirm your identity. For example, a birth certificate may be used alongside other documents to confirm your identity. Additionally, a police report can help confirm your story and protect your identity.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to use an expired government ID at a domestic airport. While the TSA may accept expired IDs up to two years after expiration, this is not guaranteed and you may be denied entry at the security checkpoint. It is best to arrive at the airport early and prepare for additional screening if you are using an expired ID.
If you do not have acceptable ID at the airport, the TSA has other ways of confirming your identity using publicly available databases. You will need to complete an identity verification process with a TSA officer, providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal details.
In addition to REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, other acceptable forms of ID include passports, birth certificates (when used together with other documents), and police reports in the case of lost or stolen IDs.
The TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
