Whether you misplaced your ID or you forgot that your license has expired, there are so many reasons you might wonder if you can fly with an expired license or id?
For domestic flights, the TSA states that you can travel with an expired U.S. passport, passport card, or real ID-compliant driver’s license, provided it expired less than 24 months (two years) ago.
In this detailed guide I will break down everything you need to know about traveling with expired documents and what to do if you show up at the airport with an expired driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- You can usually fly domestically in the U.S. with an expired driver’s license, state ID, or passport if it falls within TSA’s current 24-month expiration window.
- A real ID is not the only ID TSA accepts. You can also use a valid passport, passport card, and other TSA-approved forms of identification.
- If your ID is lost or stolen and you don’t have another acceptable ID, TSA may need to verify your identity before letting you through security.
- You can’t travel Internationally with an expired license or ID.
- You’ll need a valid passport and any required visa or travel documents.
- If you’re traveling with an expired ID, arrive at the airport early in case TSA needs extra time to verify your identity.
Can You Fly With An Expired License On Domestic Flights?
What Are the TSA Rules for an Expired Driver’s License?
On domestic flights, the TSA and most airport security in the US need to verify your identity before you board the airplane.
So, if your ID or driver’s license has expired, you can still use it to confirm your identity, and you can board the airplane without any issue, provided it is real ID-compliant and expired within the last 24 months.
Ensure that the information on your ticket is identical to the information on your driver’s license because the security officers may ask you to complete an identity check if your ID is invalid.
I checked the TSA social media to find some other answers from the TSA team.
Even an expired passport is a valid form of identification.
Here, Jess lost her license somewhere and wondered if she could fly with an expired passport.
The response from the TSA customer service:
“Passports that have expired for less than two years are still valid identification at the checkpoint for domestic travel within the U.S.”
Also, even a voided ID is acceptable at the security checkpoint if the personal information is clear and visible and it meets the standard 24-month grace period rules.
What Other IDs Can You Use to Fly Without a Driver’s License?
If you forget your ID or lost it, there are over 15 forms of identification that you can use on a domestic flight.
- U.S. passport
- Permanent resident card
- U.S. passport card
- An optional identity and trace card issued by the the U.S. federal government in the size of a credit card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- Travel program provides members speed up the security checkpoint process
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Military identification cards that service members get to permit them access to military services and programs
- Border crossing card
- Border Crossing Cards are only issued for Mexican residents
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
- State-issued enhanced driver’s licenses (EDLs) provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship.
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) calls for a mandatory, government-wide standard for secure and reliable forms of identification issued by the federal government to its employees and to the employees of federal contractors
- Foreign government-issued passport
- A Passport issued with another country or international organization
- Canadian provincial driver’s license
- Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
- An identification card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans to receive medical care at VA Medical Facilities.
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- A credential issued by the United States Coast Guard in accordance with the STCW guidelines to the United States Seafarers to show evidence of a mariner’s qualifications.
Can You Fly With a Copy of Your ID?
I don’t think the TSA will accept a copy of your ID when traveling domestically, so you will still need to provide an alternative accepted document, or complete the online identity check before arriving at the gate.
Can You Fly With An Expired License On International Flights?
Nope.
If you are traveling internationally, you can’t fly with an expired license.
You can’t even present a valid ID or driver’s license.
Only valid passports are accepted on international flights and to cross other countries’ borders, and for certain countries, you may also need a visa stamped in your passport.
What if Your ID Was Lost or Stolen?
If your state-issued ID or driver’s license is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed and you don’t have any other sort of ID, you must complete the TSA ConfirmID verification process online before you fly.
You can no longer clear security by simply showing physical utility bills or birth certificates at the checkpoint.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, you can fly on domestic flights within the US with an expired ID, driver’s license, and even a passport.
And it doesn’t matter whether you are flying with American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, etc.
If your state-issued ID or driver’s license is real ID-compliant and has expired for less than two years, it can still be used as a valid form of identification at the security checkpoint.
If it is expired longer than two years, or if it is a standard non-real ID license, you will need to log into the online TSA ConfirmID portal, complete your identity verification, and pay the $45 fee before heading to the airport.
So, ensure that you prepare ahead and arrive at the airport early to confirm your identity before your flight departure.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
FAQs About Flying With an Expired License
Can you fly with a driver’s license that expired more than one year ago?
If your driver license is expired for more than the period TSA allows, don’t rely on it as your only ID. Bring another TSA-accepted form of identification if you have one.
Can you fly with an expired REAL ID?
You can still present an expired ID for domestic travel if it falls within the TSA current expiration window.
Can you fly with a non-REAL ID driver’s license?
Yes, you can still use a non-REAL ID as identification if it meets TSA’s current requirements. REAL ID is not the only type of ID TSA accepts.
Can you fly with a temporary driver’s license?
A temporary or paper driver’s license may not work the same way as your regular photo ID. If you only have a temporary license, bring another TSA-accepted ID if possible.
Can you fly if you recently renewed your driver’s license?
Yes, but if you haven’t received your new physical license yet, don’t assume the temporary document will be enough.
What happens if TSA doesn’t accept your expired driver’s license?
TSA may ask you additional questions or use other steps to verify your identity. You may also face additional screening, so it’s a good idea to arrive early.
What happens if TSA cannot verify your identity?
If TSA cannot verify who you are, you may not be allowed through the security checkpoint. That’s why bringing another acceptable ID is the safest option when possible.
Can you fly without any ID if your driver’s license is expired?
You may still be able to fly if you don’t have acceptable ID, but TSA will need to verify your identity. Don’t assume you’ll be allowed through automatically.
Can you use an expired license on your return flight?
Yes, the same TSA identification rules apply when you’re flying home. However, if your ID is close to or beyond the allowed expiration period, bring another acceptable ID if possible.
Does TSA accept an expired state ID card?
An expired state-issued ID may be accepted for domestic travel if it falls within TSA’s current expiration window, but it is better to bring another acceptable ID if you have one.
How early should you arrive at the airport with an expired ID?
I’d arrive a little earlier than usual. An expired ID may mean extra time and identity checks, and you don’t want to be late going to your gate.
Can you fly with an expired driver’s license and a passport?
If you have a valid passport, you can use it as your ID for domestic TSA screening. You don’t need to rely on your expired driver’s license alone.
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