Travel Alert: Airport Id Requirements And Your Expired License

The rules around flying with an expired ID can be confusing, but it's important to know what's allowed and what isn't before you travel. In the US, the TSA currently accepts expired driver's licenses or state-issued IDs up to a year after their expiration date. However, this may change in the future, so it's always best to check the TSA website for the most up-to-date information. If your ID has been expired for more than a year, you'll need to bring another form of acceptable identification, such as a passport.

TSA currently accepts expired driver's licenses or state-issued IDs a year after expiration

TSA currently accepts expired driver's licenses or state-issued IDs up to a year after their expiration date. This means that if your ID expired less than a year ago, you can use it to fly without any issues. However, if it has been more than a year since your ID expired, you will need to bring another form of acceptable identification, such as a passport.

The TSA recommends allowing extra time when travelling with an expired ID, as you may be subject to additional security checks. It is also important to note that temporary driver's licenses are not considered acceptable forms of ID.

Beginning May 7, 2025, travellers flying within the United States will need to present a Real ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative to pass through security checkpoints. The TSA has not yet confirmed whether the current rules regarding expired IDs will change after the Real ID rules come into effect.

Other acceptable forms of ID, according to the TSA, include passport cards, DHS trusted traveller cards (such as Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri, and Fast), U.S. Department of Defense IDs, permanent resident cards, and border crossing cards.

If it's been more than a year since your ID expired, you'll need another form of acceptable ID

If your ID has been expired for less than a year, you're good to go. However, if it's been longer than a year, it's a good idea to bring a different form of ID to ensure a smooth check-in and security screening process. The TSA recommends checking their acceptable ID page for updates, as the rules may change after the Real ID rules come into effect in May 2025.

Other acceptable forms of ID include 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, a photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe HSPD-12 PIV card, Canadian provincial driver's license, or Indian and Northern Aff.

It's important to note that a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of ID, so if you only have a temporary license, you'll need one of the other forms of ID listed above. Additionally, if you're using an expired driver's license, allow yourself plenty of extra time, as you may be subject to extra security checks.

A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of ID

According to the TSA, a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of ID. This means that if you've already applied for a new license but haven't received it yet, you'll need to bring another form of ID to the airport.

The TSA currently accepts expired driver's licenses or state-issued ID up to a year after their expiration date. If it has been more than a year since your ID expired, you will need to bring another form of acceptable ID, such as a passport.

It's important to note that beginning on May 7, 2025, travelers flying within the United States must have a Real ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative to pass through the security checkpoint. The TSA has not yet commented on whether the rules about using expired IDs will change after the Real ID rules go into effect.

While some people have reported being able to fly domestically within the United States with an expired driver's license, it is always best to check the TSA's website for the most up-to-date information and requirements.

In addition to a passport, other acceptable forms of ID according to the TSA include a passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri, Fast), 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, an HSPD-12 PIV card, a Canadian provincial driver's license, or an Indian and Northern Affairs card.

It's worth noting that some states' temporary licenses specifically state that they are only valid for operating a vehicle and are not a legal form of identification. For example, temporary driver's licenses in Massachusetts have the words "not valid for ID" printed in red.

Therefore, it is important to carefully read the fine print on your temporary driver's license and, if in doubt, bring another form of acceptable ID when travelling.

You may be subject to extra security checks if you're using an expired driver's license

If you're using an expired driver's license, you may be subject to extra security checks at the airport. This is because the TSA currently only accepts expired driver's licenses or state-issued IDs up to a year after their expiration date. If it's been more than a year since your ID expired, you'll need another form of acceptable ID, such as a passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveller card, or a permanent resident card.

To avoid any delays, it's recommended that you allow yourself plenty of extra time when travelling with an expired driver's license. This will give you enough time to return rental cars, check-in with your airline, check baggage, and prepare for the TSA checkpoint.

It's worth noting that, beginning May 7, 2025, travellers flying within the United States will need to present a Real ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative to be permitted through the security checkpoint. The TSA has not yet commented on whether the current rules about using expired IDs will change after the Real ID rules go into effect.

You can fly domestically within the United States with an expired driver's license or state-issued ID if it's been under a year since it expired

It is possible to fly domestically within the United States with an expired driver's license or state-issued ID, as long as it has been less than a year since it expired. This is because the TSA currently accepts expired driver's licenses or state-issued IDs up to a year after their expiration date. However, if it has been more than a year since your ID expired, you will need to bring another form of acceptable identification, such as a passport. It is worth noting that temporary driver's licenses are not accepted as a valid form of ID, so if you have recently applied for a new license but have not yet received it, you will need to bring one of the other accepted forms of ID.

From May 7, 2025, it will be important for travellers flying within the United States to have a Real ID-compliant state-issued ID or license. If travellers do not have this, they will not be permitted through the security checkpoint. The TSA has not yet commented on whether the current rules about using expired IDs will change after the Real ID rules come into effect. Therefore, it is recommended to check the TSA acceptable ID page for updates before travelling.

In addition to expired IDs, other acceptable forms of identification according to the TSA include a passport card, DHS trusted traveller cards (such as Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri, or Fast), a U.S. Department of Defense ID, a permanent resident card, a border crossing card, a photo ID issued by a federally recognised Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, an HSPD-12 PIV card, a Canadian provincial driver's license, or an Indian and Northern Affairs card.

Frequently asked questions