An Expired Passport Will Not Work for Domestic Flights

You cannot use an expired passport as your ID for a domestic flight in the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a valid, government-issued photo ID to board any commercial flight within the country. An expired passport no longer meets that standard, even though it was once acceptable.

The TSA checks your ID against your boarding pass to confirm your identity matches your ticket. A passport that has passed its expiration date fails this verification, and you will be turned away at the security checkpoint. This applies whether your passport expired last month or several years ago — the expiration date is what matters, not how recently it lapsed.

Key Takeaways

  • An expired passport cannot be used as ID for domestic flights; the TSA requires valid, government-issued photo identification.
  • A state-issued driver's license or Real ID-compliant ID card works for domestic flights and does not need to be a passport.
  • If you have no other valid ID, you can still fly but will go through additional screening that takes 15 to 30 minutes longer.
  • Passport renewal takes several weeks through the State Department, so plan ahead if you need it for international travel later.
  • Military ID, tribal ID, and other federal documents are also accepted for domestic flights if you have them available.

What ID the TSA Actually Accepts for Domestic Flights

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable IDs for domestic travel, and a valid passport is one option — but it must not be expired. More commonly, travelers use a state-issued driver's license or a state ID card. These are faster to obtain than a passport and work just as well for flights within the United States.

If you have a Real ID-compliant driver's license (marked with a gold star or other state-specific indicator), that works too. Real ID compliance became required for domestic flights in 2025, though the TSA has extended the important date multiple times. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your current license meets the standard, or straightforward bring it along with a backup ID if you are unsure.

Other valid options include a military ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a passport card (if valid), or a federal employee ID. You need only one of these — the TSA does not require a backup.

Flying Without Any Valid ID

If you arrive at the airport with no valid ID at all, you can still board a domestic flight, but the process takes longer. The TSA will ask you additional questions to verify your identity — your full name, date of birth, address, and sometimes details about your ticket or travel history. This secondary screening typically adds 15 to 30 minutes to your airport time.

You will need to answer these questions truthfully and consistently. The TSA officer may also ask to see your boarding pass and any other documents that show your name, such as a credit card or utility bill. Bring whatever you have, even if it is not an official ID. The goal is to confirm that you are the person who bought the ticket.

This route is slower but legal. Plan to arrive at the airport earlier than usual — at least two hours for a domestic flight instead of the standard 90 minutes — to allow time for the extra screening.

Why Your Expired Passport Cannot Be Used

The TSA's rule is straightforward: the ID must be valid on the day you fly. An expired document is no longer valid, regardless of how recently it expired or how little the photo has changed. The expiration date is a legal boundary, not a suggestion.

This applies even if your passport is only expired by a few days. The TSA officer at the checkpoint has no authority to make exceptions. If your passport expired yesterday and you are flying today, you will need to use a different ID or go through the no-ID screening process.

Renewing Your Passport if You Need It Later

If you need your passport for international travel, you will have to renew it through the State Department. Standard renewal takes four to six weeks; expedited renewal takes two to three weeks but costs extra. You cannot renew a passport online — you must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility, which includes many post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices.

Bring your expired passport, a completed process form (DS-11 for in-person renewal or DS-82 for mail renewal), a new photo, and proof of citizenship. The State Department website has a full checklist. If you are renewing by mail, the process is slower but costs less than expedited service.

Do not wait until you have a trip booked to renew. If your passport is already expired and you have international plans, start the renewal process now — even a standard renewal can take longer during peak travel seasons.

What Happens at the Security Checkpoint

When you hand your expired passport to the TSA officer, they will scan it or check it against their system. The expiration date will appear, and the officer will tell you it is not acceptable. At that point, you have two choices: present a different valid ID, or proceed with the no-ID screening process.

Do not argue about how recently it expired or how official it looks. The rule does not change based on circumstances. If you have a driver's license or state ID in your wallet, hand that over instead. If you do not, let the officer know you have no valid ID and ask to proceed with secondary screening.

Arrive early enough that the extra screening time does not make you miss your flight. Missing a flight because of ID issues will not get you a refund or a rebooking — you will have to purchase a new ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired passport if I also have a driver's license?

Yes. The TSA only needs one valid ID. If you have a valid driver's license, hand that to the officer instead of the expired passport. You do not need to mention the passport at all.

What if my passport expired while I was traveling and I am flying home?

You still cannot use it as your ID for the domestic flight home. Use a driver's license, state ID, or military ID if you have one. If you have none of these, you can fly with secondary screening, but plan for extra time at the checkpoint.

Does TSA PreCheck or Global Entry change the rules about expired passports?

No. Both programs still require valid ID at the checkpoint. An expired passport does not work in PreCheck lanes either. You must present a valid ID regardless of which program you are enrolled in.

Can I use a photo of my expired passport on my phone?

No. The TSA requires a physical ID document, not a digital copy. A screenshot or photo of your passport will not be accepted, even if the passport itself is valid.

If I renew my passport, can I use the old one for anything?

An expired passport cannot be used for domestic flights or as ID for any TSA purpose. You can keep it as a record, and some countries may ask to see it during visa processing, but it has no travel value on its own.