Lois Larson
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, currently, the TSA accepts expired IDs for domestic US flights up to two years after their expiration date. If it has been more than a year since the ID expired, additional forms of identification may be required, and passengers may be subject to extra security checks. It is recommended that travelers with expired IDs arrive at the airport a few hours early to account for potential delays.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TSA's acceptance of expired IDs | Up to one year after expiration |
| TSA's acceptance of expired IDs | Up to two years after expiration, according to another source |
| TSA's acceptance of state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant | No longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports from May 7, 2025 |
| Alternative forms of ID | Passport, REAL ID, birth certificate, credit cards, etc. |
| TSA's recommendation | Arrive at the airport a couple of hours early |
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What You'll Learn
TSA acceptance of expired IDs
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific requirements for identification at airport checkpoints. Adult passengers aged 18 and above must present valid identification to travel. The TSA strongly recommends that travellers check the list of acceptable IDs before arriving at the airport, as the list is subject to change without notice.
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 obtain a REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
The TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date. However, according to some sources, the TSA previously accepted expired IDs for up to a year after expiration. It is important to note that TSA officers may direct passengers with expired IDs to a separate area for additional screening and identity verification.
In the case of travelling without a valid ID, it is recommended to bring as much documentation as possible, such as a birth certificate, credit cards, and other identity-affirming documents. Additionally, travellers without valid IDs should allow extra time at the airport, as the identity verification process may take longer.
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REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
As per the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, federal agencies, including DHS and TSA, will only accept state-issued REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards as identification for official purposes, including air travel. This means that your driver's license must have a star in the upper right corner to be considered REAL ID-compliant.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you must provide proof of identity, such as a 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, Form W-2, pay stub, or paycheck. Finally, you will need to provide proof of residency, such as a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement. The specific requirements may vary depending on your state, so it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you can still use alternative forms of identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights. However, this is subject to change, and starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights.
It is worth noting that TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration, but this may not apply to IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant. In such cases, additional screening may be required, and you may be asked to provide other forms of identification or proof of identity.
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State-issued identification
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 passengers will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport. This change is important to consider when planning travel and ensuring that identification documents are up to date.
However, in certain circumstances, individuals may be able to use an expired state-issued ID for domestic travel within the United States. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), expired driver's licenses or state-issued IDs are accepted for up to one year after the expiration date. This policy provides some flexibility for travellers who may have overlooked the expiration date or had difficulties renewing their ID. It is important to note that this policy is subject to change, and travellers are advised to check the TSA website for the most up-to-date information before their travel.
When travelling with an expired ID, it is crucial to allow for extra time at the airport. Expired IDs may trigger additional security checks, and travellers may be required to undergo an identity verification process. This process involves providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal details to confirm your identity. Having supporting documents, such as a birth certificate, credit cards, or other identity-affirming documents, can be helpful in these situations.
While the TSA currently accepts expired state-issued IDs within the one-year timeframe, it is always advisable to travel with a valid, non-expired form of identification. This helps to ensure a smoother and less stressful travel experience. Additionally, it is worth noting that temporary driver's licenses are not considered acceptable forms of identification at airports.
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TSA security checks for expired IDs
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific requirements for identification documents that passengers must present at airport checkpoints. While TSA strongly encourages travellers to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling, there are certain guidelines for expired IDs.
According to the TSA website, expired IDs are accepted up to two years after their expiration date. This applies to specific forms of identification, including REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, U.S. passports, and DHS trusted traveller cards. However, it is important to note that TSA policies are subject to change without notice, and travellers are advised to check for the latest updates before their travel dates.
In the case of state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant, there are different considerations. As of May 7, 2025, these non-compliant IDs will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers who present such IDs at TSA checkpoints without an acceptable alternative form of ID may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. This process may include identity verification, where travellers provide information such as their name and current address.
It is worth mentioning that TSA has protocols for travellers without acceptable identification or those who have lost or forgotten their IDs. In such cases, additional information can be provided to confirm the traveller's identity. This may include documents such as a birth certificate, credit cards, voter registration, or other identity-affirming paperwork. However, if the traveller's identity cannot be verified, they will not be permitted to enter the screening 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 are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. However, TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date. If your ID expired within the past year, you may be able to use it alongside other identity-affirming documents, such as a birth certificate, credit cards, or mail with your name and address on it.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, so it is recommended to check the list of approved IDs before traveling to ensure you have the necessary documentation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but only under certain conditions. TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to one year after expiration. If it has been more than a year, you will need another form of acceptable ID.
Other acceptable forms of ID include a passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and a U.S. Department of Defense ID.
If you don't have any other acceptable forms of ID, you may still be able to fly, but you will need to complete an identity verification process with a TSA officer. This may include providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal details.
Yes, 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 you arrive at the airport a couple of hours early, especially during rush hours.
