Can You Fly With an Expired Driver's License? What TSA Actually Accepts

An expired driver's license will not work as your ID at airport security

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a valid, unexpired ID to board a domestic flight. An expired driver's license does not meet that requirement, even if it expired yesterday. You will be turned away at the security checkpoint.

TSA accepts a narrow list of documents as primary ID: a valid passport, passport card, military ID, Real ID-compliant driver's license, or a handful of other federal documents. An expired version of any of these is not valid. If you show up with an expired license and no other acceptable ID, you cannot proceed to your gate.

The rule applies equally to domestic and international flights. If you are flying internationally, you need a passport anyway — an expired driver's license is not a backup option.

Key Takeaways

TSA will not accept an expired driver's license at security, even if it expired very recently.
A valid passport, passport card, or Real ID-compliant driver's license are the most common forms of ID that work for domestic flights.
If your license is expired, you can renew it before your flight or use a passport if you have one.
Some states issue temporary paper licenses while your renewal is processing, which TSA may accept depending on the state and how it is formatted.

What happens if you arrive at security with an expired license

TSA officers will ask for your ID at the checkpoint. When they see the expiration date has passed, they will tell you that the document is not acceptable and you cannot proceed. You will not be allowed past security, and you will not be able to board your flight.

This is not a judgment call or something an officer can override. The rule is federal and applies at every airport in the United States. There is no exception for licenses that expired a few days ago or a few weeks ago.

If you have a second form of ID — such as a passport or passport card — you can use that instead. If you do not, your options are to reschedule your flight or attempt to renew your license before you travel.

How to renew before your flight

The speed of renewal depends on your state and how you renew. Some states allow online renewal for certain situations (usually if your license is not suspended and you are renewing before it expires). Others require an in-person visit to a DMV office.

If you renew online, your state will mail you a new license, which typically takes 7 to 14 business days. That timeline does not work if your flight is in the next few days. If you need a license faster, you will need to visit a DMV office in person.

At an in-person appointment, some states issue a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 to 60 days while your permanent card is mailed. TSA will accept a temporary paper license if it is issued by your state DMV and shows an expiration date in the future. Bring the paper license and one additional form of ID (such as a Social Security card or birth certificate) to the appointment, because you will need to prove your identity to get the temporary document.

Call your state's DMV or check its website to find out whether temporary licenses are available, how long they are valid, and whether you can get one the same day or need an appointment.

Using a passport instead of a driver's license

If you have a valid passport or passport card, you do not need to renew your driver's license before your flight. A passport is a valid form of ID for TSA and works for both domestic and international flights.

A passport card is smaller than a passport book and costs less, but it is only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. If you are flying to any other destination, you need a full passport book. Check your passport's expiration date — it must be valid on the day you travel.

If you do not have a passport and your flight is soon, getting one will take longer than renewing your driver's license. A passport book takes 4 to 6 weeks through the standard process, or 2 to 3 weeks with expedited processing (which costs extra). An in-person appointment at a passport acceptance facility is required.

Real ID and why it matters for flying

Starting in 2025, TSA will require a Real ID-compliant driver's license for all domestic flights. A standard driver's license — even a valid one — will no longer be accepted. Real ID is a federal security standard that requires states to verify your identity more thoroughly before issuing a license.

Most states have already begun issuing Real ID licenses. You can tell if your license is Real ID-compliant by looking for a small star or marking in the upper right corner of the card. Your state's DMV website will show you what the marking looks like for your state.

If your current license is expired and you need to renew it anyway, ask the DMV whether your new license will be Real ID-compliant. In most cases, it will be automatically. If you renew online, check the confirmation to see whether the new license meets the Real ID standard.

International flights and passport requirements

For international flights, you must have a valid passport book. A driver's license — expired or not — will not work, and neither will a passport card for most destinations. The only exceptions are passport cards for travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean by air.

Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your trip. Some countries also require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, so check the entry requirements for your destination before you book.

If your passport is expired and your flight is soon, you have limited options. Standard passport renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks but costs extra. You can also explore for a passport in person at a passport acceptance facility, which may speed up the process slightly, but you still cannot get a passport the same day.

What to do if you realize your license is expired on travel day

If you are already at the airport and discover your license is expired, tell a TSA officer when ready. Ask whether they can contact your state's DMV to verify that your license was valid when you booked your flight, or whether there is any other documentation you can provide.

In rare cases, TSA may accept secondary forms of ID if you can prove your identity through multiple documents — such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and credit card with your name on it. This is not may provide, and the decision is made by the officer on duty. Do not count on this as a backup plan.

If TSA will not let you through, you will need to reschedule your flight. Contact your airline to see what options are available. Some airlines allow you to rebook on a later flight at no charge if you miss your flight due to ID issues, but policies vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can TSA accept an expired license if I have other ID with me?

TSA requires one valid, unexpired form of ID from their approved list. A birth certificate, Social Security card, or credit card alone will not work. However, if you have a valid passport, passport card, or military ID, you can use that instead of your driver's license.

Will a temporary paper license work at TSA?

Yes, if it was issued by your state DMV and shows a future expiration date. TSA treats a temporary paper license the same as a permanent card. Not all states issue temporary licenses, so check with your DMV first.

How long does it take to renew a driver's license in person?

An in-person renewal at a DMV office usually takes 15 to 45 minutes for the appointment itself. If your state issues a temporary paper license on the spot, you can use that for your flight. If not, you will have to wait for the permanent card to arrive by mail, which takes 7 to 14 business days.

Can I fly domestically with just a passport card?

Yes. A valid passport card is accepted by TSA for domestic flights. However, a passport card is only valid for international travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, so it is less useful than a full passport book if you travel internationally.

What if my flight is tomorrow and my license is expired?

Visit a DMV office in person and ask for a temporary paper license if your state offers them. If your state does not, or if the DMV cannot see you before your flight, use a valid passport or passport card if you have one. If you have neither, you will need to reschedule your flight.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.