Lois Larson
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. However, the TSA does currently allow passengers to use expired IDs for up to one or two years after expiration, depending on the source. It's important to note that this rule is subject to change, and passengers are encouraged to check the TSA's acceptable ID page for updates. If you are using an expired ID, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport early, as you may be subject to additional security checks or alternative identity verification processes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TSA's acceptance of expired IDs | The TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to one or two years after expiration. |
| TSA's acceptable forms of ID | U.S. passports and passport cards, Global Entry cards, REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards, DHS trusted traveler cards, 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. |
| TSA's requirements for passengers without acceptable IDs | Passengers without acceptable IDs may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening. They may also be asked to complete an identity verification process. |
| TSA's recommendations for passengers with expired IDs | The TSA recommends that passengers with expired IDs arrive at the airport early to allow for extra time for security checks. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA acceptance of expired IDs
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires adult passengers (18 and over) to show valid identification at the airport in order to travel. The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change, and passengers are advised to check the list before traveling.
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 are advised to carry an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or to enroll for a state-issued REAL ID.
The TSA does accept expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date. If a passenger presents an expired ID, they may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. The TSA officer may ask for additional information, such as name, current address, and other personal details, to verify the passenger's identity. It is important to note that TSA PreCheck passengers may also be subject to this additional screening if their ID is expired.
Passengers who do not provide acceptable identification, decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or cannot have their identity confirmed will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint.
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REAL ID-compliant documents
As per the REAL ID Act, starting May 2025, every US traveller must have a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. State-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. REAL ID-compliant documents include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State-issued photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- Passports
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you can check with your state department of motor vehicles. Additionally, TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. However, a temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of identification.
Citizens of Freely Associated States (FAS) may present one of the following REAL ID-compliant documents:
- Unexpired passport with a valid, unexpired visa (if applicable) and approved I-94
- Unexpired employment authorization document
- Previously issued REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, along with a valid passport and I-94
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State-issued ID requirements
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires adult passengers aged 18 and over to present valid identification at airport checkpoints. This includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, and state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID). It's important to note that temporary driver's licenses are not accepted as valid forms of identification.
Until May 2025, the TSA accepted state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that were not REAL ID-compliant. However, starting from that date, passengers must travel with a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport. If a passenger presents a non-compliant state-issued ID without an alternative, they may be directed to a separate area for additional screening and identity verification.
Regarding expired IDs, the TSA has, in the past, accepted expired driver's licenses or state-issued IDs up to two years after expiration. However, it is unclear if this policy will change after the Real ID rules come into effect. To minimize potential delays, passengers with expired IDs are encouraged to provide additional documentation and arrive at the airport early.
It is worth noting that expired IDs may have limited use beyond air travel, but they should still be kept in a safe place to prevent identity theft. Additionally, when renewing an ID, such as a passport, the old document is often required to obtain a new one.
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International travel ID requirements
When travelling internationally, you will need a valid passport. For domestic travel, you will need one valid form of identification, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued photo identity card, or a passport.
From May 7, 2025, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license/ID or another acceptable form of identification for boarding commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants. 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, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
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. Contact the airline for questions regarding their specific ID requirements for travellers under 18.
Expired IDs are accepted by the TSA up to two years after their expiration date. If you are travelling with an expired ID, 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.
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Secondary forms of identification
For US domestic flights and certain federal facilities, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other state photo identity card is required. This includes state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) cards. If a passenger's ID is not REAL ID-compliant, they must present an alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or they may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
TSA officers may accept expired IDs for up to two years after their expiration date. If a passenger's ID is expired or lost, they may be asked to provide two secondary forms of identification. These can include:
- A U.S. birth certificate
- A U.S. passport
- A Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Proof of a Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card, Form W-2, pay stub)
- Proof of residency (e.g., deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, bank statement)
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, and passengers are strongly encouraged to check the list before travelling to ensure they have acceptable forms of identification.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to one or two years after expiration. However, this only applies to certain forms of ID, such as US passports, passport cards, and REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's licenses.
If your expired ID is not accepted, you may be asked to provide another form of acceptable ID, such as a passport or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license. You may also be directed to a separate area for additional screening and identity verification.
Yes, if you do not have an acceptable form of ID, you may be asked to provide two secondary forms of identification. These can include documents such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, credit card, or employee ID.
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. Contact your airline for specific ID requirements for travellers under 18.
