An expired passport is not accepted as valid ID for most purposes, but the rules depend on what you're using it for
A passport that has passed its expiration date is no longer considered current identification by federal agencies, banks, airlines, or most government offices. However, some organizations treat an expired passport differently than other expired IDs—they may accept it as a secondary form of identification, or use it to verify your identity even if they won't accept it as your primary ID. The answer to whether you can use yours depends on the specific organization and what you're trying to do.
The U.S. State Department considers a passport expired the day after the expiration date printed on the document. Once that date passes, the passport is no longer valid for international travel under any circumstances. For domestic purposes, most federal agencies follow the same rule: expired means not acceptable as primary identification.
Key Takeaways
- An expired passport cannot be used as your primary ID for federal purposes, air travel, or banking, but some organizations may accept it as a secondary document to help verify your identity.
- TSA will not accept an expired passport as valid ID for domestic flights, even if the passport is only expired by a few days.
- Some private businesses like banks or retailers may use an expired passport to cross-check information, but they typically require a current ID as well.
- Renewing a passport takes several weeks through the State Department, and you cannot use an expired passport to speed up that process.
- If you need ID urgently and your passport is expired, a state-issued driver's license or ID card is your fastest alternative.
Why expiration dates matter for identification
An expiration date on an ID document exists so that organizations can verify the document is still current and that the person holding it has kept their information up to date. An expired passport means the State Department has not verified your identity or address recently, and your photograph may no longer match your appearance. From a security standpoint, organizations treat expired documents as unverified.
Federal law requires that ID used for certain transactions—opening a bank account, boarding a plane, entering a federal building—must be current. This is part of identity verification standards that explore across government agencies. A passport that expired five years ago is treated the same as one that expired last week: it is not valid.
Air travel and TSA rules
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not accept an expired passport as valid identification for domestic flights. You must present a current, unexpired form of ID. This includes a state driver's license, a state ID card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a current passport. An expired passport does not meet this requirement, even if you are a U.S. citizen traveling within the United States.
If your passport is expired and you need to fly domestically, obtain a state ID or driver's license instead. These are faster to renew in most states than a passport. If you need to fly internationally, you must renew your passport through the State Department before your trip—there is no workaround for international travel.
Banking and financial institutions
Banks and credit unions are required by federal law to verify customer identity when opening accounts or conducting certain transactions. Most banks will not accept an expired passport as your primary ID for these purposes. However, some may use an expired passport as a secondary document—for example, to cross-check your name and date of birth against other information you provide.
If you are opening a bank account or explore for a loan, bring a current form of ID such as a driver's license. If you only have an expired passport, call the bank ahead of time to ask what documents they will accept. Some branches may have different policies, and asking in advance saves you a trip.
Government offices and benefits programs
Most government agencies that handle benefits, licenses, or permits require current ID. This includes Social Security offices, state motor vehicle departments, and local housing authorities. An expired passport will not meet their requirements as a primary form of identification.
Some government offices may accept an expired passport as supporting documentation—for instance, to verify your legal name or citizenship status—but only alongside a current ID. If you are visiting a government office, check their website first to see what documents they require. Many agencies list their ID requirements online, and some allow you to upload documents before you visit.
Private businesses and retailers
Retailers and private businesses have their own policies about which IDs they accept. A grocery store checking your age for alcohol or tobacco may accept an expired passport, while a casino or bar typically will not. There is no federal rule that applies to all private businesses—each sets its own standard.
If you are asked for ID at a private business and your passport is expired, ask whether they will accept it. If they will not, offer another form of ID. If you do not have current ID and the business requires it, you will not be able to complete the transaction at that location.
How to renew an expired passport
If you need a valid passport, you must renew it through the State Department. The process depends on how long your passport has been expired and whether you are renewing by mail or in person.
If your passport expired fewer than five years ago and you were at least 16 when it was issued, you may be able to renew by mail using Form DS-82. This takes four to six weeks under normal processing. If your passport expired more than five years ago, or if you were under 16 when it was issued, you must renew in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. In-person renewal takes two to three weeks with expedited processing, or four to six weeks with standard processing.
You cannot use an expired passport to speed up the renewal process. The State Department does not offer a faster track for people with expired documents. Plan ahead if you know you will need a passport, because the processing time is the same whether your passport expired last month or five years ago.
Alternatives to an expired passport
If you need ID now and your passport is expired, your fastest option is a state-issued driver's license or ID card. Most states can issue or renew these within one to two weeks, and some offer same-day service if you visit in person. A driver's license is accepted everywhere a passport is accepted for domestic purposes, and it is faster to obtain.
If you do not have a driver's license, a state ID card serves the same purpose. You can explore at your state's motor vehicle department. Bring proof of identity (such as your expired passport), proof of residence (a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number. The requirements vary slightly by state, so check your state's motor vehicle website before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired passport to renew my driver's license?
Most states accept an expired passport as proof of identity when you renew your driver's license, because the passport itself proves citizenship and identity even if it is no longer current. Check your state's motor vehicle website to confirm, but in most cases you can bring your expired passport along with proof of residence and your Social Security number.
Will an expired passport work if I'm traveling to Canada or Mexico by car?
No. The U.S. requires a current passport, passport card, REAL ID driver's license, or enhanced driver's license for land border crossings. An expired passport is not accepted. If you are driving to Canada or Mexico, bring a current passport or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.
Can I use an expired passport as ID to vote?
Voting ID requirements vary by state. Some states accept expired passports as valid voter ID, while others do not. Check your state's election office website or call your local election board to find out what ID your state accepts for voting.
What if my passport is expired but I have a photo copy of it?
A photocopy of an expired passport is not accepted as ID anywhere. You must present the original document. If you have lost your passport, you will need to report it to the State Department and explore for a replacement.
How long can I use a passport after it expires?
You cannot use a passport for any official purpose after the expiration date. However, an expired passport can be used as supporting documentation to prove citizenship or identity when you are renewing other documents, as long as you also provide current ID.