No, an expired passport will not work for domestic flights in the United States

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a valid, unexpired passport as one of the accepted forms of identification for domestic air travel. An expired passport does not meet this requirement, even if you are flying within the country. You will need to present a different form of valid ID at the airport, or you will not be allowed through security.

The TSA accepts several other forms of identification for domestic flights. A valid driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or passport card all work. If you do not have any of these, you can still fly with a secondary ID — such as a credit card paired with a Social Security card or birth certificate — but the process takes longer and may require additional verification at the airport.

Key Takeaways

  • An expired passport cannot be used for domestic flights; the TSA requires unexpired identification.
  • A valid driver's license or state ID card is the fastest and most straightforward alternative.
  • A passport card (the wallet-sized version) is valid for domestic flights even if your book passport has expired, as long as the card itself is unexpired.
  • If you have no standard ID, you can fly with secondary documents like a birth certificate and Social Security card, but expect a longer security screening.
  • Renewing a passport takes several weeks, so if you need to fly soon, use a different form of ID instead of waiting for a new passport.

What counts as valid ID at TSA security

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable identification for domestic flights. A valid, unexpired driver's license or state ID is the most common choice. Military ID, tribal ID, and passport cards also work. A regular passport — whether expired or not — is accepted only if it is unexpired.

If you hold a passport card (the small card version issued alongside or instead of a book passport), check the expiration date on the card itself. The card and the book passport have separate expiration dates. You can use an unexpired passport card for domestic flights even if your book passport has expired, or vice versa.

Flying with secondary documents if you have no standard ID

If you do not have a driver's license, state ID, military ID, or valid passport, you can still fly domestically. The TSA allows a combination of secondary documents: a birth certificate paired with a Social Security card, or a birth certificate with a credit card. You can also use a school ID with a photo plus a Social Security card.

Expect the security screening to take longer. TSA officers will ask additional questions to verify your identity, and you may be asked to provide contact information or answer security questions. Arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would — at least two hours before a domestic flight — to allow time for the extra verification steps.

How long passport renewal takes

Standard passport renewal takes four to six weeks. Expedited renewal takes two to three weeks but costs extra. If you need to fly within the next few weeks, renewing your passport will not get you a new one in time. Use a different form of ID instead.

If your flight is more than six weeks away and you want to renew your passport anyway, you can explore through the State Department's website or at a passport acceptance facility. Passport cards can be renewed on the same timeline as book passports.

What happens if you show up with only an expired passport

If an expired passport is the only ID you have with you at the airport, TSA officers will not accept it. You will not be allowed through security. You cannot board your flight.

If this happens, you have a few options. You can leave the airport, obtain a secondary ID (such as a birth certificate and Social Security card from home), and return to security. Some airports have expedited ID services, but these are not available everywhere. Contact your airline to ask about rebooking options if you miss your flight due to ID issues.

Passport cards versus book passports for domestic travel

A passport card is a wallet-sized version of a passport issued by the State Department. It is valid for domestic flights and land border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It cannot be used for international air travel outside those regions.

If you have both a passport book and a passport card, either one works for domestic flights — as long as whichever one you use is unexpired. Many people renew their passport card separately from their book passport, so it is worth checking whether you have a card with a later expiration date than your book.

State ID and driver's license requirements

A valid state ID or driver's license is the easiest form of identification to use for domestic flights. It does not need to be a "REAL ID" compliant license for domestic air travel — the TSA accepts standard driver's licenses and state IDs issued before the REAL ID important date. Check the expiration date on your ID; it must be unexpired.

If your driver's license or state ID has expired, it will not work at TSA security, just like an expired passport. You will need a different form of valid ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired passport if I have no other ID?

No. An expired passport is not accepted by the TSA for any reason. If it is your only ID, you will need to obtain a secondary document like a birth certificate and Social Security card before you can pass through security.

Is a passport card different from a passport book for domestic flights?

Both are accepted for domestic flights as long as they are unexpired. A passport card is smaller and fits in a wallet. It cannot be used for international air travel outside North America and the Caribbean, but for domestic U.S. flights it works the same way as a book passport.

What if I lost my ID and only have an expired passport?

Bring a birth certificate and Social Security card to the airport instead. The TSA will accept this combination and conduct additional verification. Arrive early to allow extra time for screening.

Do I need a REAL ID compliant driver's license for domestic flights?

No. The TSA accepts standard driver's licenses and state IDs for domestic flights. REAL ID compliance is not required for air travel within the United States.

Can I renew my passport before my flight?

Standard renewal takes four to six weeks. If your flight is sooner than that, use a different form of ID instead. Expedited renewal takes two to three weeks but costs extra and may not be fast enough depending on your flight date.