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As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. However, currently, the TSA accepts expired IDs for up to two years after expiration. If you are using an expired ID, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance, as you may be subject to additional security checks and identity verification processes. While you may be able to fly domestically within the United States with an expired ID, it is important to note that this is not guaranteed, and allowing extra time can help ensure a smoother experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is an expired ID accepted at the airport? | In some cases, it is acceptable to fly domestically with an expired driver's license or state-issued ID. |
| How long has the ID been expired? | If it has been less than a year, it may be accepted. |
| What if the ID has been expired for more than a year? | Bring a different form of acceptable identification, such as a passport. |
| What if there is no other acceptable form of ID? | The TSA officer may ask for information such as name, current address, and other personal information to confirm identity. If the identity is confirmed, the passenger will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but may be subject to additional screening. |
| What if the ID is not REAL ID-compliant? | Passengers should travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID. |
| Is there a deadline for getting a REAL ID? | The deadline is May 7, 2025. After this date, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license will be required for domestic flights. |
| Is there anything else to keep in mind? | Allow extra time for additional screening and security checks, especially during rush hours. |
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What You'll Learn
Domestic flights may accept expired IDs
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, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
However, according to some sources, it may be possible to fly on domestic flights within the United States with an expired driver's license or state-issued ID. The TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to one or two years after expiration. If your ID has been expired for less than a year, the screener may not notice and may still accept it. However, this is not guaranteed, and you should not rely on this method.
If you are planning to fly with an expired ID, it is important to allow for extra boarding time and arrive at the airport early. You may need to undergo additional screening and identity verification processes, which can take extra time. The TSA recommends arriving at least two hours in advance of your flight time to account for these potential delays.
It is always best to check the TSA's acceptable ID page for the most up-to-date information before travelling, as the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice.
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International travel requires a valid ID
In the United States, the TSA currently accepts expired IDs for domestic flights, up to two years after their expiration date. However, this is subject to change without notice, and passengers are encouraged to check the list of acceptable IDs 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 with non-compliant IDs will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. They will only be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint if their identity can be otherwise confirmed.
If you are travelling internationally, it is important to ensure that your ID is valid. If your ID has expired, you should check with your country's relevant authorities to determine what forms of identification are acceptable. It is always better to be prepared and allow extra time for additional screening, but having a valid ID will ensure a smooth check-in and security screening process.
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REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses will be mandatory from 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 airports. This means that passengers will need to 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 at TSA checkpoints 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 but may still be subject to additional screening.
To be REAL ID-compliant, a driver's license or state identification card must meet certain minimum security standards for issuance and production as set by the Federal Government. This includes requiring proof of identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) for non-U.S. citizens, proof of a Social Security number, and proof of residency.
It is important to note that a temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification, and passengers should allow for extra time at the airport if they are using an expired ID, as they may be subject to additional security checks. While it is currently possible 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, this may change after the Real ID rules come into effect on May 7, 2025.
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Non-compliant IDs may require additional screening
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 with non-compliant IDs will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.
TSA officers may ask passengers without REAL ID-compliant identification 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. This may include a pat-down and screening of carry-on property. Passengers should allow for extra boarding time and arrive at the airport early, especially during rush hours.
According to the TSA website, passengers flying domestically within the United States are currently allowed to use an expired driver's license or state-issued ID if it has been less than a year since it expired. However, this rule may change after the REAL ID requirements come into effect in May 2025. After that date, passengers using a driver's license to fly domestically will need to have a REAL ID-compliant license.
It is important to note that other forms of acceptable identification, such as a passport, passport card, or DHS trusted traveler cards, can be used instead of a driver's license or state-issued ID. Passengers should ensure they have acceptable forms of identification before traveling to avoid delays or being denied boarding.
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Alternative forms of ID are recommended
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not 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.
If you are using an expired driver’s license, allow yourself plenty of extra time, just in case you are subject to extra security checks. It is recommended that passengers arrive a couple of hours early, especially during rush hours.
- 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
- Transportation worker identification credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card
- Credit cards
- Checkbook
- Library card
- Costco card
- Work security badge
- Police report for a stolen wallet and/or passport
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on where you are travelling and how long your ID has been expired. In the U.S., you can fly domestically 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, you will need to bring another form of acceptable identification, such as a passport. From May 7, 2025, all state-issued IDs and driver's licenses must be REAL ID-compliant.
Other acceptable forms of ID 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 arrive at the airport without valid identification, you may still be allowed to fly. A TSA officer will ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but will be subject to additional screening.
If you are travelling with an expired ID, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance of your flight time to allow for additional security checks and screening.
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. Contact the airline for specific ID requirements for travellers under 18.
