Can You Use Expired ID at Airport According to TSA?

While traveling on a flight, it is relatively common to have a valid ID with you. This is, essentially, to corroborate your identity as well as validate that you are the person who has booked tickets and is going to fly. For this, you will also need to show the boarding pass along with a valid ID for cross references. As per the latest rules of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you can use expired IDs at airports as well. However, it comes with certain rules and restrictions that one must abide by. These rules are regarding the duration of the ID and its type.

Can You Use an Expired ID at the Airport?

According to the rules of TSA, it has been accepting expired IDs that are issued by the federal or state government. However, the ID should not have expired for more than a year. In case a flier still has a doubt, it is important to connect with the TSA officials at the airport or via a call for further details.

What IDs can be Used at the Airport after Expiration?

A passenger who is 18 years of age or older will need to show a valid ID document at the airport during security checks. This is a mandatory process and passengers cannot travel without clearing this point.

Further, you should know the options of an expired ID you can use at the airport:

• Driving license or similar document issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles
• Enhanced driving licenses issued by the state
• The US passport card
• Border crossing card
• The US passport
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Permanent resident card
• ID issued by the US Department of Defense
• DHS traveler cards such as FAST, Global Entry, SENTRI, NEXUS, etc.
• Passports issued by the foreign government
• ID cards issued by Indian Tribe, Tribal Nation, or Federally-recognized departments
• US Merchant Mariner Credentials
• Driving license issued by Canada
• Northern Affairs Canada or Indian card
• VHIC or Veteran Health ID Card
• US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• Transportation Worker ID Credential

Kindly note that weapon permits are not accepted as ID. Along with this, passengers cannot use temporary driving licenses (whether active or expired) at the airport.

The General Rule for TSA Expired ID

If your REAL ID-compliant license or state ID has expired, the old two-year grace period may not always apply after May 7, 2025. To avoid any issues at the airport, it’s best to make sure your REAL ID is up to date and not expired.

What if Your ID is Expired and Not REAL ID-compliant after May 7, 2025?

If you don’t have a valid ID, the TSA officer might still let you fly after going through an identity verification process. The process involves:

• Asking you to complete an identity verification process with your personal information, like your name, current address, and other identifying details.
• Additional screening, which can include a pat-down, bag search, and other security procedures.

Arrive at the airport significantly earlier than recommended (at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled flight time) to allow ample time for these additional steps.

However, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoints if,

• You fail to provide acceptable identification information or documents.
• You decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.
• Your identity cannot be confirmed.

In a Nutshell

Whether you can use an expired ID at the airport or not can depend on the travel destination chosen. Therefore, flyers must collect the relevant details from the concerned authorities to avoid unnecessary issues. Also, as much as possible, they should prefer traveling with validated documents.

Frequently Asked Questions