Ruth Haines
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 does allow passengers 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. If it has been more than a year, passengers will need to provide another form of acceptable identification, such as a passport or passport card. It is important to note that TSA strongly encourages travelers to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have the proper documentation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you use an old driver's license at the airport? | Yes, if it has been less than a year since it expired. |
| What if it has been more than a year since expiration? | You will need another form of acceptable ID. |
| What are some examples of acceptable IDs? | A passport, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID, an acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs). |
| What if I don't have any acceptable forms of ID? | You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint. |
| Are there any exceptions? | Yes, TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration for children under 18 traveling within the United States. |
| What if I have a temporary driver's license? | A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. |
| Are there any upcoming changes to ID requirements? | Yes, 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. |
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What You'll Learn
- TSA checkpoints require a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or alternative ID
- TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date
- Non-compliant state-issued IDs are not accepted as of May 7, 2025
- Passengers without acceptable ID may be directed to a separate area for additional screening
- Alternative forms of ID, such as credit cards, can be used in some cases
TSA checkpoints require a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or alternative 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 TSA checkpoints in airports. Passengers must 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 and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.
REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card: a REAL ID-compliant star marking, an image of the U.S. flag, or the word "Enhanced". 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 to board commercial aircraft. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes.
It is important to note that TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration for the above-listed forms of identification. However, a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. TSA strongly encourages travelers to check the list of acceptable IDs before their journey to ensure they have the necessary documentation.
In addition to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, other acceptable forms of identification for TSA checkpoints include a U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), a U.S. Department of Defense ID, and an acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
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TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date
As per the TSA website, TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date for the above-listed forms of identification. This means that if your ID expired less than two years ago, you may still be able to use it at the airport for domestic travel within the United States. However, it is important to note that this policy may change, and it is always best to check the TSA website or with your airline for the most up-to-date information before travelling.
The list of acceptable forms of identification at TSA checkpoints includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, US passports, passport cards, and certain trusted traveler cards. It is worth noting that temporary driver's licenses are not considered acceptable forms of identification.
If you are travelling with an expired ID, you may be subject to additional screening measures and identity verification processes. This could include providing additional information such as your name, current address, or other forms of non-official identification with your photo on it, like a credit card. The TSA officer will work with you to confirm your identity before allowing you to enter the screening checkpoint.
While TSA does accept expired IDs within the two-year window, it is always recommended to travel with a valid, unexpired form of identification to avoid any potential issues or delays during the security screening process. Additionally, keep in mind that each airline may have its own specific ID requirements, especially for international travel, so it is important to check with your airline beforehand.
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Non-compliant state-issued IDs are not accepted as of May 7, 2025
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 airport security checkpoints. This means that passengers must 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.
It is important to note that this change only applies to state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant. If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID standards, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. Additionally, the TSA recommends checking their list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure that you have the proper documentation.
For passengers who arrive at the airport with a non-compliant state-issued ID and no alternative form of ID, there are procedures in place to handle these situations. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address. If your identity is confirmed through this process, you will be allowed to proceed to the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.
To avoid any delays or complications at the airport, it is always best to ensure that you have a compliant state-issued ID or an acceptable alternative form of identification before travelling. This will help ensure a smooth and efficient security screening process.
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Passengers without acceptable ID may be directed to a separate area for additional screening
All passengers aged 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport in order to travel. The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change, so it is important to check before travelling.
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 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.
It is important to note that TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date. However, temporary driver's licenses are not an acceptable form of identification. Passengers without acceptable ID will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if they choose not to cooperate with the identity verification process or if their identity cannot be confirmed.
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Alternative forms of ID, such as credit cards, can be used in some cases
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.
The TSA recommends that you check their list of acceptable IDs before traveling, so you do not arrive at the airport without acceptable ID. REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) are acceptable forms of ID. A temporary driver's license is not acceptable.
Alternative forms of ID may be accepted in some cases. For example, TSA has accepted Costco credit cards with a low-resolution photo of the passenger on the back as ID. However, this is not guaranteed, and passengers without acceptable ID may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening.
Passengers without ID may be asked to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as their name and current address to confirm their identity. If their identity is confirmed, they will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where they may be subject to additional screening.
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Frequently asked questions
TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. If it has been more than a year since your driver's license expired, you will need another form of acceptable ID.
Other acceptable IDs include a passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and a U.S. Department of Defense ID.
If you do not have acceptable identification, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport with acceptable ID to avoid this situation.
