Ruth Haines
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. Currently, the TSA accepts expired IDs for up to one or two years after expiration. However, passengers with expired IDs may be subject to additional security checks and are encouraged to bring other forms of acceptable identification, such as a passport or passport card.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TSA's stance on expired licenses | TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. |
| If it's been more than a year since your driver's license expired, bring a different form of acceptable identification, such as a passport. | |
| 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. | |
| Alternative forms of identification | A passport, 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, 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, and Veteran Health Identification Card. |
| Additional considerations | Allow extra time for security checks and arrive at the airport early, especially during rush hours. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA's acceptance of expired IDs
As of May 7, 2025, the TSA will enforce stricter rules regarding identification for air travel, ending its current acceptance of expired IDs. After this date, travellers must possess a REAL ID-compliant license or an alternative form of acceptable identification to pass through airport security checkpoints. This means that 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.
Until May 7, 2025, the TSA accepts expired IDs for up to one or two years after expiration, depending on the source. However, travellers with expired IDs may be subject to extra security checks and additional processing times, as agents will conduct more verification steps. It is recommended that travellers with expired IDs arrive at the airport a couple of hours early, especially during rush hours.
If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you will need a valid passport or another acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport card, DHS trusted traveller cards, 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, a Veteran Health Identification Card, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.
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; Waiver for Mobile Driver’s Licenses.
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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 passengers who plan to use their state-issued ID or license to fly within the United States need to ensure that it is REAL ID-compliant. REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card: a REAL ID star marking in the top right corner, or a star marking in the upper right-hand corner. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity for boarding commercial aircraft.
If you are using an expired driver's license, you may be allowed to fly domestically within the United States, but only if it has been less than one year since it expired. However, it is important to allow extra time for additional security checks. If it has been more than a year since your driver's license expired, it is recommended to bring a different form of acceptable identification, such as a passport, passport card, or state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL).
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, you can visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to learn about the specific requirements and application process. In most cases, you will need to provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card; proof of a Social Security number; and proof of residency.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice. Therefore, it is recommended to check the TSA website or with your state department of motor vehicles for the most up-to-date information before travelling.
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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. While the TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to one year after expiration, allowing yourself plenty of extra time is advised, as you may be subject to extra security checks.
- 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 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
- Work security badge with your photo
- Costco card or Costco credit card
- Credit cards
- Checkbook
- Marriage license
- Educational diploma
- Utility bills or a magazine with your name and address
Please note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. It is always a good idea to check the TSA website for the latest information and requirements before travelling.
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Additional security checks
If you are travelling with an expired driver's license, you may be subject to additional security checks. Firstly, it is important to note that TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. However, if it has been more than a year since your license expired, it is advisable to bring another form of acceptable identification, such as a passport, to ensure a smooth check-in and security screening process.
If you are unable to present an acceptable form of identification, you may be asked to provide two secondary forms of identification. This could include documentation such as your name, current address, and other personal information. The TSA officer will review all the documentation provided to verify your identity. To minimise delays, it is recommended to provide as much information and documentation as possible.
In some cases, if your identity cannot be verified with the provided documentation, you may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. This includes collecting further personal information and asking questions to help confirm your identity. This process may vary depending on the airport and the specific protocols in place.
Additionally, it is important to be aware that beginning 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. This change may impact the additional security checks and acceptable forms of identification for those with expired licenses.
Furthermore, it is recommended to allow extra time when travelling with an expired license, as you may encounter longer processing times or unexpected delays due to additional security checks. This is especially important during peak travel times, as mentioned by the TSA spokesperson, who advised passengers to arrive a couple of hours early during rush hours.
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REAL ID deadline
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. This means that if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the United States after this date, it is important that it complies with the REAL ID Act. This Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards.
If your state-issued ID or driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant, you will need to bring an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through your state DMV offices. It is important to note that a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. Other acceptable forms of ID include a passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri, Fast), a U.S. Department of Defense ID, a permanent resident card, and a border crossing card.
If you choose to get a REAL ID, you must visit a DMV office in person when applying for the first time. You will need to show documentation proving your identity and residency in your state. The cost of a REAL ID is the same as that of a traditional license or ID card, and the process of obtaining one is similar. You can either get a REAL ID driver's license or an ID card, but you cannot hold both. Once you have a REAL ID, you may be eligible to renew it by mail or online.
It is important to plan ahead if you need to obtain a REAL ID, as the demand for these IDs is expected to be high as the deadline approaches. Additionally, if you are using an expired driver's license, allow yourself extra time at the airport, as you may be subject to extra security checks.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on how long it has been since your license expired. TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to one or two years after expiration. If it has been more than a year since your license expired, it is recommended that you bring a different form of acceptable identification, such as a passport.
Other acceptable IDs according to the TSA website include a passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri, Fast), U.S. Department of Defense ID, permanent resident card, and border crossing card.
If you do not have an acceptable form of ID, TSA officers will ask you for two secondary forms of identification. They will review all documentation provided to verify your identity.
If your identity cannot be verified, you may be required to go through an alternative identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information, and asking personal questions.
Yes, it is recommended that you allow plenty of extra time, as you may be subject to extra security checks.
