Owais Crawford
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. However, until then, you may be able to enter an airport and board a domestic flight with an expired license under certain conditions. According to the TSA, expired licenses are accepted up to a year after their expiration date, and passengers with expired licenses may be subject to additional screening. It is important to note that this policy may change after the implementation of the REAL ID rules in May 2025, and travelers are advised to check the TSA's acceptable ID requirements before traveling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I enter an airport with an expired license? | Yes, under certain conditions |
| What are the conditions? | The license should not be expired for more than a year, only applicable for domestic flights within the United States |
| What are the other forms of acceptable IDs? | REAL ID-compliant driver's license, passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID, photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation, Veteran Health Identification cards |
| What if I have no ID at all? | There are processes in place to navigate the problem, but it is not recommended |
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What You'll Learn
TSA checkpoints and acceptable forms of ID
As of 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. Passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices. Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area, and may receive additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.
The TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration for the above-listed forms of identification. However, it is important to note that this rule may change after the Real ID requirements come into effect. A temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of identification.
The list of acceptable IDs at TSA checkpoints includes:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent).
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID).
- 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).
It is recommended that passengers check the TSA acceptable ID page for updates before traveling to ensure they have the necessary identification.
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REAL ID-compliant licenses
As of 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. This means that if your driver's license or ID card is expired and not REAL ID-compliant, you will need to present another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, passport card, or state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL).
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, you will need to provide proof of identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are a non-U.S. citizen. You will also need to provide proof of a Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or Form W-2, and proof of residency, such as a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement. The specific documentation required may vary by state, so it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency website for guidance.
It is important to note that even if your license or ID is REAL ID-compliant, it must not be expired. TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration or up to one year after expiration, depending on the source. However, this policy may change after the Real ID rules go into effect. Therefore, it is recommended to always check the TSA acceptable ID page for updates before traveling.
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Temporary licenses
A temporary driver's license is not considered a valid form of identification at TSA checkpoints. If you have a temporary license, you may still be allowed to fly if you have another way to verify your identity. However, you may have to go through additional screening and wait for an escort through the checkpoint. It is recommended to carry other forms of identification with your name on them, such as prescription bottles, a Medicaid card, debit card, or other paperwork.
According to the TSA, 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 are advised to carry an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or to enroll for a state-issued REAL ID. Those who do not present a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.
While a temporary license is not sufficient, it is possible 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. After one year, another form of acceptable ID is required. The TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration for domestic travel within the United States. However, passengers with expired IDs may be subject to additional screening and are advised to arrive at the airport a couple of hours early to allow for potential delays.
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Additional screening
As of 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. Passengers with non-compliant IDs who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID 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 you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.
TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration for all acceptable forms of identification. This includes state IDs and driver's licenses, passport cards, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, foreign passports, photo IDs issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations, Veteran Health Identification Cards, Global Entry cards, and more.
If you are using an expired driver's license, it is recommended that you allow yourself plenty of extra time, as you may be subject to extra security checks. The TSA recommends passengers arrive a couple of hours early, especially during rush hours.
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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 REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
If you are travelling with an expired license, it is important to note that the TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to one or two years after expiration. However, this may change after the Real ID rules go into effect in May 2025. Therefore, it is recommended to check the TSA acceptable ID page for updates before travelling.
- Passport: A U.S. passport is a valid form of identification and is widely accepted as an alternative to a driver's license.
- Passport Card: A passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized document that serves as proof of U.S. citizenship and identity.
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards: These include Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST cards, which are issued by the Department of Homeland Security to pre-approved, low-risk travellers.
- U.S. Department of Defense ID: This includes IDs issued to U.S. military personnel and their dependents.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID): Some states offer enhanced versions of their driver's licenses or state IDs, which are accepted by the TSA.
- Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe ID: An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation or Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
- Green Card: A Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is an acceptable form of identification for non-U.S. citizens residing in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to enter an airport with an expired license, but only under certain conditions. The TSA accepts expired licenses up to one or two years after expiration, depending on the source. However, this is subject to change without notice, and passengers are advised to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling. From May 7, 2025, all air travellers over 18 years old in the US will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID.
Acceptable forms of ID at the airport include REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, passports, passport cards, DHS trusted traveller cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and US Department of Defense IDs.
If you do not have any acceptable forms of ID, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint. However, if you cooperate with the identity verification process, you may still be able to enter. This includes providing information such as your name and current address.
