Jazmin Li
It is generally possible to fly within the United States with an expired license, although this is subject to certain parameters and exceptions. While it is not recommended, some individuals have reported successfully boarding flights with expired licenses, sometimes in conjunction with other forms of identification. In such cases, travellers may be subject to additional security checks and verification processes, which may include questions about personal information. 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 identification at airports. Passengers will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I bring an expired license to the airport? | Yes, but only within the United States and up to a year after expiration. |
| What if my license expired more than a year ago? | Bring a different form of acceptable identification, such as a passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards, or a U.S. Department of Defense ID. |
| What if I don't have any other form of identification? | You may be asked to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal information. |
| Do I need to arrive at the airport earlier if I have an expired license? | Yes, it is recommended to arrive at the airport a couple of hours early to allow for extra security checks and identity verification. |
| Will I be allowed to fly if my identity is confirmed? | Yes, but you may be subject to additional screening and security checks. |
| What if my license is not Real ID-compliant? | Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative will be required to fly within the United States. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA's acceptance of expired licenses
TSAs Acceptance of Expired Licenses
As of May 7, 2025, the TSA has enforced stricter rules regarding identification for air travel, ending the acceptance of expired IDs. After this date, travelers must possess a REAL ID-compliant license or an alternative form of acceptable identification to pass through airport security checkpoints. This means that an expired license is no longer considered valid.
However, prior to this deadline, the TSA did accept expired IDs within certain parameters. The TSA accepted expired state-issued identification as valid ID in certain circumstances, such as when accompanied by other forms of identification or documents that verify a person's name, age, and current address. This included expired driver's licenses and state-issued identification cards that expired after March 1, 2020, as long as the expiration date was less than one year. This temporary measure was implemented to provide flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic and allowed travelers who may have overlooked license renewal to still be able to fly.
It is important to note that even before the May 7, 2025, deadline, the acceptance of expired IDs by the TSA was not guaranteed and may have depended on the discretion of the TSA officer and the specific airport. Travelers using expired licenses were often subject to additional screening and verification steps, which could result in longer processing times. Therefore, it was always recommended to arrive at the airport early and to prioritize obtaining valid identification whenever possible.
The REAL ID Act of 2005 was enacted to establish federal standards for obtaining identification and inhibit terrorists' ability to evade detection by using fake or fraudulently obtained IDs. While the deadline for REAL ID compliance has been postponed several times, the TSA has confirmed that the May 7, 2025, deadline will not be extended. Passengers who do not present a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative after this date will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.
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Alternative forms of ID
As of 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 identification at airports. Passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
If you are using an expired driver's license, allow yourself plenty of extra time, as you may be subject to extra security checks. It is recommended that passengers arrive a couple of hours early, especially during rush hours.
- Passport
- Passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- Photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card
If you have no ID at all, there are processes in place to navigate the problem. The TSA may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name, age, current address, and other information. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.
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REAL ID compliance
The REAL ID regulation requires states to recertify their compliance with the Act every three years. DHS determines whether a state meets the minimum requirements of the REAL ID Act based on certifications submitted by the state to the Secretary of Homeland Security. While DHS recommends that states adopt the general design marking (the "gold star"), states may submit alternative methods of marking compliant and non-compliant cards for DHS review and approval. These methods can include differentiations in colour, lettering, and/or format.
If a passenger presents a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant and does not have another acceptable alternative form of ID, they will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers. The TSA officer may ask the passenger to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as their name and current address. If the passenger's identity is confirmed, they will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but may still be subject to additional screening.
Acceptable alternative forms of identification include a U.S. passport or passport card, a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID), DHS trusted traveller cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), a U.S. Department of Defense ID, permanent resident card, border crossing card, a photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, HSPD-12 PIV card, Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card, transportation worker identification credential, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766), and more. It is recommended to check the TSA acceptable ID page for the most up-to-date list of acceptable forms of identification.
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Additional security checks
If you are travelling with an expired license, it is recommended that you allow for extra time at the airport, as you may be subject to additional security checks. While it is possible to fly domestically within the United States with an expired license, it is not recommended, and you may encounter issues at the security checkpoint.
TSA agents may ask you questions to complete an identity verification process. This may include providing information such as your name, age, and current address. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to pass through the security checkpoint, but you may be subject to additional screening, including screening of your carry-on luggage.
To ensure a smooth check-in and security screening process, it is advisable to bring a different form of acceptable identification, such as a passport, passport card, or a DHS trusted traveller card. Other acceptable forms of ID, according to the TSA, include a U.S. Department of Defense ID, a permanent resident card, a border crossing card, a photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, a transportation worker identification credential, and a Veteran Health Identification Card, among others.
It is worth noting that the TSA's list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, so it is always a good idea to check the list before travelling and to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. 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 identification at airports. Passengers will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable alternative form of ID.
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Verification processes
If you are travelling with an expired license, it is important to note that TSA policies and acceptance of expired IDs can vary across different airports and agents. While some travellers have reported successful experiences with expired IDs, others have faced challenges. To minimise potential delays, it is advisable to arrive at the airport early and carry additional forms of identification, such as a passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveller cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), or other acceptable alternatives listed on the TSA website.
In some cases, TSA officers may ask for two or more secondary forms of identification to verify your identity. These documents should include your name, current address, and other personal information. You may also be asked personal questions as part of the identity verification process.
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 identification at airport security checkpoints. Passengers who do not present a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative may be directed to a separate area for additional screening and verification.
It is always recommended to check the TSA website for the latest information on acceptable forms of identification and to allow extra time at the airport to ensure a smooth verification process.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to bring an expired license to the airport and board a flight, but only under certain conditions. The TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to a year after expiration, and in some cases, up to two years. However, it is important to note that this policy may change after May 7, 2025, when state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted.
Other acceptable forms of identification include a passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID, permanent resident card, border crossing card, photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, and more.
If you do not have any acceptable forms of identification, you may be asked to provide two or more secondary forms of identification, such as credit cards, that can verify your name, current address, and other personal information. You may also be directed to a separate area for additional screening and identity verification.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours early to allow enough time for the identity verification process and additional security checks that may be required when travelling with an expired license.
