Can You Get On A Plane With An Expired ID?

The Quick Answer

Yes, you can fly with an expired ID — but only if it expired less than two years ago. TSA accepts expired identification for domestic flights within that window. You'll likely face extra screening and should budget an additional 15-30 minutes at security, but you won't be turned away at the gate.

That said, the rules have gotten more complicated since REAL ID enforcement kicked in. Let's break it all down.

TSA's Expired ID Policy

TSA currently accepts expired forms of identification at airport security checkpoints, as long as the ID expired no more than two years ago. This applies to all forms of acceptable ID, including:

• REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
• U.S. passports and passport cards
• Military IDs
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, etc.)
• Tribal IDs

If your ID expired within that two-year window, you'll present it at the checkpoint like normal. The TSA officer will likely flag you for additional identity verification, which can include questions about your personal information or a secondary screening. It works — it just takes longer.

What If Your ID Expired More Than Two Years Ago?

If your ID is more than two years past its expiration date, TSA won't accept it as a valid form of identification. At that point, you'll need an alternative — and as of recently, there's a paid option for that (more on that below).

The REAL ID Factor

Here's where things got trickier. Since May 7, 2025, TSA enforces REAL ID requirements. That means standard state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that aren't REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted at airport checkpoints — even if they haven't expired.

You can tell if your license is REAL ID-compliant by looking for a gold star or gold circle in the upper corner. No star? It's not REAL ID-compliant, and TSA won't accept it as your primary ID for domestic flights.

So if your expired ID also isn't REAL ID-compliant, you've got a double problem. Even if it's within the two-year window, a non-compliant license won't cut it.

What Counts as Acceptable ID Now?

With REAL ID enforcement in place, your acceptable options include:

• REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID (look for the star)
• U.S. passport or passport card
• Military ID
• DHS trusted traveler cards
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Permanent resident card

A passport is your safest bet as a backup. It's accepted everywhere, and a passport card costs just $65 if you already have a passport.

The $45 TSA ConfirmID Option

Starting February 1, 2026, TSA rolled out a new option called TSA ConfirmID for travelers who show up without acceptable identification. Here's how it works:

• You pay a $45 fee through the TSA ConfirmID portal
• TSA verifies your identity using their databases
• You receive a receipt that's valid for a 10-day travel period
• The verification process takes 10-15 minutes, but can take up to 30 minutes or longer

This isn't a get-out-of-jail-free card for travelers who just forgot their ID. It's designed as a last resort. TSA strongly recommends paying online before arriving at the airport to avoid delays.

Think of it this way: if you realize the night before your flight that your license is expired and non-compliant, you can go to the TSA ConfirmID portal, pay $45, and still make your flight. It's not ideal, but it beats missing your trip.

What Happens If You Show Up With No ID At All?

Even before TSA ConfirmID existed, showing up without any ID didn't automatically mean you couldn't fly. TSA has always had an identity verification process for travelers who arrive without identification. Officers can attempt to verify your identity through other means — asking you personal questions, checking databases, etc.

However, this process is not guaranteed to work, and it can take a long time. With the ConfirmID program now in place, this is the more formalized (and reliable) version of that process.

International Flights Are Different

None of this applies to international travel. For international flights, you need a valid, unexpired passport. Period. There's no two-year grace period, no ConfirmID option, no workaround. If your passport is expired, you're not getting on that plane.

Some countries also require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, so check entry requirements for your destination before you book.

Practical Tips If Your ID Is Expired

Before Your Trip

• Renew your ID immediately. Most states offer expedited renewals, and many now offer online renewal
• Bring backup documents. A Social Security card, birth certificate, or credit cards with your name can help support the identity verification process
• Consider a passport card. At $65, it's a compact, wallet-sized backup ID that TSA always accepts. It takes 6-8 weeks to process (or 2-3 weeks expedited for an extra fee)
• Check your license for REAL ID compliance. Look for the gold star. If it's not there, you need to upgrade at your DMV

At the Airport

• Arrive early. Give yourself at least an extra 30 minutes beyond your normal arrival time. The additional screening takes time
• Be patient and polite. TSA officers have discretion in how they handle these situations. Being cooperative makes everything go smoother
• Have your boarding pass ready. This confirms you're a ticketed passenger and speeds things up
• Don't panic. People fly with expired IDs regularly. It's inconvenient, not impossible

State-by-State Temporary IDs

If you've recently renewed your driver's license and are waiting for the new one to arrive, most states issue a temporary paper ID. TSA generally accepts these temporary IDs when accompanied by an expired license. The combination of the two documents — one showing your photo and the other showing your renewal status — usually satisfies TSA's requirements.

Some states also issue interim digital IDs through apps. Check with your state's DMV to see what options are available while you wait for your renewed license.

The Bottom Line

An expired ID isn't the end of the world for domestic travel. If it expired within the past two years and it's REAL ID-compliant, you can still fly — just expect extra screening. If it's not compliant or expired beyond two years, the $45 TSA ConfirmID program is your backup plan. And for everyone: get a passport or passport card. It's the single best piece of travel ID you can own, and it eliminates all of this hassle entirely.