You cannot use an expired driver's license as your ID to board a domestic flight

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not accept an expired driver's license as valid identification at airport security checkpoints. If your license has passed its expiration date, you will need a different form of ID to board — even if you are flying domestically within the United States.

This rule applies regardless of how recently your license expired. A license that expired yesterday and one that expired five years ago are treated the same way at security. The TSA checks the expiration date printed on your ID, and if that date has passed, the document does not meet their requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • An expired driver's license will not work for TSA security screening, even for domestic flights within the U.S.
  • You can use a passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card instead if your driver's license is expired.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses and non-compliant licenses are treated the same at security — expiration date is what matters.
  • If you are renewing your license and it arrives after your flight, bring an alternative ID rather than waiting for the new one.

What ID documents TSA will accept instead

If your driver's license is expired, the TSA will accept several other forms of identification. A U.S. passport or passport card works for domestic flights. A military ID (including dependent IDs) is also valid. A state ID card — the non-driver version issued by your state's DMV — counts as long as it is not expired.

Some states issue REAL ID-compliant identification cards that are separate from a driver's license. These work at TSA checkpoints if they are current. You can also use a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner document if you hold one.

For international flights, you will need a passport or passport card regardless of your driver's license status. A driver's license — expired or not — is never sufficient for leaving the country.

Why TSA requires current ID and what happens if you show an expired license

The TSA uses ID expiration dates as a security baseline. An expired document is considered outdated for identity verification purposes, even if the person holding it looks the same as the photo. The expiration date signals that the issuing agency (your state's DMV) has not recently verified your identity or current address.

If you arrive at security with only an expired driver's license, the TSA officer will not process you through the checkpoint. You will be turned away and will not be able to board your flight. You cannot board a flight without presenting valid ID, and there is no exception for expired licenses that are "almost current" or expired by only a few days.

The best approach is to bring an alternative ID if you know your license is expired. Check your license expiration date before you leave for the airport.

What to do if your renewed license has not arrived before your flight

If you have renewed your driver's license but the new one has not arrived in the mail yet, do not wait for it. Bring one of the alternative IDs listed above instead. License processing times vary by state — some take two to three weeks, others take longer — and you cannot predict exactly when yours will arrive.

You can check your renewal status through your state's DMV website, but even if the status shows "approved" or "in production," the physical card may not be in your mailbox yet. Plan to use your passport, state ID card, or military ID for your flight.

If you have already renewed and your old license is expired, you cannot use the old one. The new one is what matters, and only if it has arrived.

Real ID compliance does not change the expiration rule

Whether your driver's license is Real ID-compliant or not does not matter for expiration. A Real ID-compliant license that is expired will still be rejected at the TSA checkpoint. Real ID compliance affects what you will need starting in 2025 for domestic flights — but only if your license is current.

As of May 7, 2025, the TSA requires all domestic air travelers to present either a Real ID-compliant driver's license, passport, military ID, or other approved document. If your state-issued driver's license is not Real ID-compliant and is also expired, you have two problems: it is both expired and not compliant. Bring a passport or military ID instead.

If your license is Real ID-compliant but expired, the expiration is the blocking issue. The compliance status does not override the expiration date requirement.

How to check your license expiration date before traveling

Look at the front of your driver's license. The expiration date is usually printed in the lower right corner or lower left, depending on your state. It will show a month and year — for example, "05/2025" or "May 2025." If today's date is past that date, your license is expired.

If you are unsure how to read the date format on your specific state's license, check your state's DMV website. Most state DMV sites have images showing where the expiration date appears on their licenses.

Do this check at least one week before your flight. If your license is expired and you do not have an alternative ID, you have time to get a passport card (which can be faster than renewing a driver's license in some states) or to request an expedited renewal from your state's DMV.

Renewing your license before your next flight

If you know you have an upcoming flight and your license is expired or expiring soon, renew it through your state's DMV as soon as possible. Most states allow you to renew online, by mail, or in person. In-person renewal is usually fastest if you need the license quickly.

Some states offer expedited renewal for an additional fee, which can cut processing time in half. Check your state's DMV website for expedited options and costs — these vary widely by state.

If you cannot get a renewed license in time, obtain a passport card instead. A passport card is smaller than a passport book and costs less, but it works for domestic flights and is valid for ten years (or five years if you are under 16).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly if my license expired last month but I have the renewal paperwork?

No. The TSA only accepts the physical ID document itself, not paperwork showing you have applied for renewal. You will need a passport, military ID, state ID card, or other valid document. The renewal paperwork does not count as ID at the checkpoint.

What if I lost my passport and my driver's license is expired?

You can get a state ID card from your DMV, which is faster than renewing a passport in most cases. A state ID card is the non-driver version of identification and works at TSA checkpoints. You can also explore for a passport card, which is smaller and sometimes faster to obtain than a full passport book.

Does TSA ever make exceptions for expired licenses?

No. TSA policy does not include exceptions for expired ID, even if the expiration date is very recent or if you can show proof of renewal. You must bring a current, valid ID to pass through security.

If I renew my license online, can I fly before the new one arrives?

No, not with your driver's license. You will need to bring a passport, military ID, or state ID card instead. Online renewal does not give you a temporary ID you can use at the airport — you must wait for the physical card to arrive or use a different form of ID.

Does my expired license work for international flights if I also have a passport?

For international flights, you must use your passport or passport card — your driver's license is never sufficient, whether it is expired or current. Bring your passport as your primary ID for any flight leaving the United States.