Owais Crawford
Forgetting or misplacing your ID before a flight is a common occurrence, and it can be stressful to figure out what to do in this situation. While it is possible to board a plane without any ID, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges and additional security checks that may be required. In some cases, an expired ID may be accepted, but this depends on various factors such as the time since expiration and the discretion of the TSA officer reviewing your documentation. Let's explore this topic further and provide some guidance on navigating airport security and boarding procedures when dealing with an expired ID.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is it possible to use an expired ID at the airport? | Yes, but only up to one year after the date of expiration. |
| What if my ID is more than a year expired? | You will need another form of acceptable ID. |
| What are some examples of acceptable IDs? | 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, HSPD-12 PIV card, Canadian provincial driver's license, etc. |
| What if I don't have any acceptable forms of ID? | You may still be able to clear security without an ID, but it will depend on the TSA officer verifying your identity through other means. |
| How much extra time should I allow for if I have an expired ID or no ID? | It is recommended to arrive at the airport a couple of hours early to account for additional screening and security checks. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA checkpoints and acceptable forms of ID
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. TSA strongly encourages travellers to check this list again before travelling so that they do not arrive at the airport without acceptable ID.
Adult passengers aged 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. TSA currently accepts expired ID up to two years after the expiration date for the above-listed forms of identification. However, this is not guaranteed, and it is still possible to be denied boarding with an expired ID.
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) are accepted. If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification. State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced IDs (EID) are also accepted.
Other accepted forms of ID include:
- U.S. passports
- U.S. passport cards
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense IDs, including IDs issued to dependents
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
Digital IDs are now accepted at over 250 airports, including TSA-approved digital ID apps and phone wallets such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet. However, passengers must still carry a physical ID for verification.
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Additional screening and identity verification
It is important to carry valid identification when travelling by air. While TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date, this is only the case for the above-listed forms of identification. 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 should either 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.
If a passenger presents a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant at TSA checkpoints 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 collecting information such as their name and current address to confirm their identity. If the passenger's identity is confirmed, they will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where they may be subject to additional screening.
Passengers in standard lanes may be screened by advanced imaging technology, metal detectors, or a pat-down. If the standard lane does not have advanced imaging technology, or if the passenger is eligible for expedited screening through TSA PreCheck, they may be screened by a walk-through metal detector. If a passenger does not wish to go through screening by technology, they can inform the TSA officer, who will conduct a pat-down. Pat-downs are conducted by a TSA officer of the same sex, and passengers may request private screening at any time.
Passengers with medical devices or supplies should inform the TSA officer of these prior to screening. Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. Passengers must inform the officer of medically required liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process, and these liquids will be subject to additional screening, which could include being asked to open the container. Passengers can bring medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts, as long as it is screened.
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REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers will need to 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.
A REAL ID-compliant driver's license will have a star marking at the top right corner. To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, you will need to provide proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of a Social Security number, and proof of residency. These requirements may vary by state, so it is important to check with your state's driver's licensing agency for specific documentation requirements.
If you are travelling with an expired ID, you may still be able to fly, but you should expect additional screening and identity verification processes. It is recommended to allow extra time at the airport, as you may be asked to provide additional forms of identification or personal information to confirm your identity.
It is important to note that the requirements for REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs may evolve, and certain exceptions may apply. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, it is recommended to refer to official sources, such as the TSA website or your state's driver's licensing agency.
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State-issued IDs and acceptable alternatives
State-issued IDs, such as a driver's license, are crucial for domestic air travel within the United States. However, it is important to distinguish between Real ID-compliant IDs and those that are not. 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 either obtain a Real ID-compliant license or have an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, to ensure a smooth journey through security checkpoints.
It is worth noting that an expired state-issued ID may still be used for air travel, but this depends on how long it has been expired. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), expired IDs are accepted up to one year after their expiration date. This means that if your ID has been expired for less than a year, you can use it without any issues. However, if it has been expired for longer than a year, additional forms of identification may be required.
In the case of an expired ID, it is recommended to arrive at the airport early and allow extra time for security checks. TSA officers may ask for two secondary forms of identification to verify your identity. These could include credit cards with your name on them, proof of social security, or other documents with your name and address. If your identity cannot be verified with the provided documentation, you may be directed to a separate area for an alternative identity verification process, which may include asking personal questions to confirm your identity.
While state-issued IDs are the primary form of identification for air travel, there are alternative options for those who may not have a compliant ID. These alternatives include a passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or Sentri), a permanent resident card, a border crossing card, or a photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe. Additionally, some airports accept mobile IDs, such as the California mobile ID accepted at LAX and SFO.
It is important to remember that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Therefore, travelers are strongly advised to check the TSA's list of acceptable IDs before their journey to ensure they have the necessary documentation for a smooth travel experience.
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Boarding without ID
As per TSA guidelines, adult passengers (18 and older) must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. However, in certain cases, passengers have been able to board their flights with expired IDs. Here are some important points to note regarding boarding without a valid ID or with an expired ID:
Boarding with an Expired ID:
- TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to one year after their expiration date. After one year, another acceptable form of ID is required.
- If your ID has been expired for less than a year, you can use it to board your domestic flight within the United States.
- If your ID has been expired for more than a year, it is recommended to bring another form of acceptable identification, such as a passport, to ensure a smooth check-in and security screening process.
- In some cases, TSA officers may allow passengers with expired IDs that are over a year old to proceed, especially if the airport is not crowded. However, this is not guaranteed, and you may be subject to additional security checks and delays.
Boarding without any ID:
- If you do not have any form of identification, you will be asked for two secondary forms of identification, such as proof of social security and a piece of mail with your name and address.
- The TSA officer will review the documentation provided and may ask personal questions to verify your identity.
- If your identity cannot be confirmed, you may not be allowed to board your flight.
- It is important to arrive at the airport early, especially if you do not have a valid ID, as the identity verification process may take additional time.
It is always recommended to travel with a valid, unexpired ID to avoid any potential issues or delays. The TSA guidelines are subject to change, so it is advised to check the acceptable forms of identification before travelling.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on where you are travelling and how long the ID has been expired for. In the US, TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to one year after expiration. However, this may change after May 7, 2025, when new Real ID rules go into effect. It is always recommended to check the TSA acceptable ID page for updates before travelling.
If your ID has been expired for more than a year, you will need another form of acceptable ID, such as a passport, passport card, or a permanent resident card.
If you do not have any acceptable forms of ID, you may still be able to fly, but you should allow extra time for additional security checks. TSA officers will ask for two secondary forms of identification, such as proof of social security, mail with your name and address, or credit cards with your name on them. They will use publicly available databases to verify your identity.
To avoid issues and potential delays, it is recommended to arrive at the airport early, especially during rush hours. You should also provide as much information and documentation as possible to help verify your identity.
