An expired passport usually cannot be used as a valid ID, but the answer depends on what you need it for
A passport that has passed its expiration date is not valid identification for most purposes. Government agencies, banks, airlines, and other institutions that check ID will reject an expired passport because it no longer proves your identity or citizenship. However, some situations treat an expired passport differently — a few states accept it for voting, and it may work for certain background checks if paired with other documents. The key is understanding which specific transaction you are trying to complete, because the rules are not the same everywhere.
The expiration date on your passport is printed on the data page and is legally binding. Once that date passes, the document is no longer considered current identification by federal law. This is different from a driver's license or state ID, which some states allow you to use for a limited time after expiration if you renew it within a certain window. Passports have no such grace period.
Key Takeaways
- An expired passport cannot be used as valid ID for air travel, bank transactions, government offices, or most private businesses.
- A few states allow expired passports to be used for voting in local and state elections, though federal elections have stricter rules.
- Some background check companies may accept an expired passport if you provide it alongside a current ID, but this varies by company and situation.
- If you need your passport for identification, you will need to renew it through the State Department before you can use it.
- An expired passport is still useful as proof of citizenship for passport renewal and certain immigration matters, even though it cannot serve as ID.
When an expired passport will not work
Airlines will not let you board a domestic or international flight with an expired passport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a valid, unexpired passport for all air travel. If you try to check in at the airport with an expired passport, you will be turned away, and your ticket may be forfeited depending on the airline's policy.
Banks and financial institutions will reject an expired passport when you open an account, explore for a loan, or conduct transactions that require identity verification. They follow federal anti-money-laundering rules that specifically require current, valid government-issued ID. An expired passport does not meet that standard.
Government offices — including Social Security, the DMV, and local housing authorities — will not accept an expired passport as proof of identity. If you are explore for benefits, renewing a license, or handling any official transaction, you will need a current ID. The only exception is that an expired passport can sometimes be used as proof of citizenship when you are renewing the passport itself, but that is different from using it as identification.
Private businesses like hotels, bars, and retailers that check ID for age verification will turn away an expired passport. Their liability insurance and state laws require them to use only current identification.
Situations where an expired passport may be accepted
Some states allow expired passports for voting in state and local elections. However, this varies by state, and federal elections have stricter rules. If you are planning to vote, check your state election office website to see whether an expired passport is accepted in your area. Do not assume it will work — call ahead or check online rather than showing up at the polling place unprepared.
Background check companies sometimes accept an expired passport as a secondary document if you pair it with a current ID. For example, if you are explore for a job and the background check company asks for two forms of ID, an expired passport plus your current driver's license might be acceptable. However, this is not may provide and depends on the company's own rules. Always ask the background check company or your employer what documents they will accept before you submit anything.
An expired passport is still valid proof of citizenship for passport renewal. If you are renewing your passport and it has expired, you can still use it to prove you are a U.S. citizen. You will mail it in with your renewal process, and the State Department will accept it even though it is no longer valid as ID.
How to renew an expired passport
If you need your passport to work as ID again, you will need to renew it through the U.S. State Department. The process depends on how long ago it expired and whether you still have the physical passport.
If your passport expired fewer than five years ago and you still have it, you can renew by mail using Form DS-11 or DS-82, depending on your situation. You will mail in the expired passport, the completed form, a new photo, and the renewal fee. Processing by mail takes several weeks to several months depending on the State Department's current workload.
If your passport expired more than five years ago, or if you have lost it, you will need to explore in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. This requires Form DS-11 and takes longer because the State Department treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. Bring the documents listed on the State Department website, including proof of citizenship and identity.
You can pay for expedited processing if you need your passport sooner, but this costs extra and does not may provide a specific timeline. Check the State Department website for current processing times before you decide whether expedited service is worth the cost.
What to do if you need ID before your passport is renewed
If you need valid identification right away and your passport is expired, you have other options. A state-issued driver's license or ID card is the fastest route — most states can issue a replacement or new ID within days if you go to the DMV in person. If you do not have a driver's license, you can get a state ID card, which serves the same purpose for identification.
A military ID, tribal ID, or passport card (a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport) also counts as valid government ID. If you have any of these, they will work while you wait for your passport to be renewed.
If you are in a situation where you need to prove citizenship but do not need a photo ID — such as opening a bank account online or explore for certain benefits — an expired passport may be accepted as proof of citizenship even though it is not valid as ID. Ask the institution what documents they will accept before you assume your expired passport will work.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not assume an expired passport will work just because it is government-issued. Many people think "it is still a real document" and try to use it anyway. Institutions check the expiration date specifically, and staff are trained to reject expired documents. Showing up at the airport or bank with an expired passport will waste your time.
Do not confuse an expired passport with a passport card or a passport book. A passport card is a smaller document that is sometimes easier to carry, but it also expires and must be renewed. If your card is expired, it has the same limitations as an expired passport book.
Do not wait until the last minute to renew if you know you will need your passport soon. The State Department's processing times change, and during busy seasons (summer and holidays), renewals can take much longer than the posted estimate. If you know you are traveling or need your passport for any reason, renew it as soon as you notice it is expired or close to expiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired passport to fly domestically?
No. The TSA requires a valid, unexpired passport for all domestic flights. An expired passport will not get you through security. You will need a current driver's license, state ID, military ID, or renewed passport to board.
Will my bank accept an expired passport if I bring other documents?
Probably not. Banks follow federal rules that require current, valid government ID. An expired passport does not meet that standard, even with other documents. Bring a current driver's license or state ID instead.
Can I use an expired passport to vote?
It depends on your state. Some states accept expired passports for voting, but others do not. Check your state election office website or call them to confirm before you go to the polling place.
Is an expired passport still proof of citizenship?
Yes. An expired passport is still valid proof of U.S. citizenship for purposes like passport renewal, immigration matters, or background checks that specifically ask for proof of citizenship. It just cannot be used as a photo ID.
How long does it take to renew an expired passport?
By mail, it typically takes several weeks to several months depending on the State Department's workload. In person at a passport agency, it can be faster, but you will pay a higher fee. Check the State Department website for current processing times before you explore.