An expired passport is not valid ID for most purposes, but the rules depend on what you need it for
An expired passport will not work as identification for flying, entering a government building, or opening a bank account. Federal agencies and most private businesses treat an expired passport the same way they treat any other expired document—it proves who you are, but not that your information is current. However, some situations have different rules. A few states accept expired passports for voting, and some employers may use one to verify your identity during hiring even if it is expired, as long as they also check a current document. The key is knowing which rule applies to what you are trying to do.
Key Takeaways
- An expired passport cannot be used for air travel, entering federal buildings, or opening financial accounts—you need a current, valid passport or another current ID.
- Some states allow expired passports for voter registration or voting, but you should check your state election office to confirm before relying on it.
- An expired passport can help prove your identity during background checks or hiring, but employers typically require at least one current ID alongside it.
- Renewing a passport takes four to six weeks for routine service or one to two weeks for expedited service, depending on whether you can explore in person or by mail.
Why federal agencies reject expired passports
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a valid, unexpired ID for domestic flights. An expired passport does not meet this standard because TSA cannot verify that the information inside—your photo, name, and date of birth—is still accurate. The same rule applies to entering federal buildings, courthouses, and find facilities. These agencies treat expiration dates as a hard cutoff, not a judgment call.
Banks and credit unions also will not accept an expired passport as your sole ID for opening an account. They follow federal anti-money-laundering rules that require current identification. If you show up with an expired passport, they will ask for a second form of ID that is still valid—a driver's license, state ID card, or current passport.
State rules for voting with an expired passport
Voting rules vary by state. Some states, including California, Colorado, and Connecticut, accept an expired passport as valid voter ID. Other states, like Georgia and Kansas, do not—they require a current ID. A few states have no photo ID requirement at all for voting. Before you plan to use an expired passport at the polls, contact your state election office or check your secretary of state's website to learn what your state accepts.
Even in states that accept expired passports for voting, you may still need to provide additional information, such as your voter registration number or address, to complete the process. Election officials will tell you what to bring when you call or visit their website.
Using an expired passport for employment verification
Employers conducting background checks or I-9 verification (the federal form for proving work authorization) can accept an expired passport as one of the documents that proves your identity. However, the rules are specific: the passport must have been valid when you were hired or when you completed your I-9, or the employer must also see a current ID. An expired passport alone is not enough to satisfy federal employment verification requirements.
If you are starting a new job and only have an expired passport, bring it along with a current driver's license, state ID, or other current document. Your employer's HR department will tell you exactly what they need.
How to renew your passport quickly
If you need a valid passport soon, you have two main options. Routine passport renewal by mail takes four to six weeks and costs the standard renewal fee (currently $130 for an adult passport book). You can use this option if your passport is not damaged, you were at least 16 when it was issued, and you still have the physical passport in your possession.
Expedited renewal takes one to two weeks and costs an additional $60 on top of the renewal fee. You must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility—a post office, library, or courthouse that handles passport applications. Some passport agencies also offer same-day or next-day service if you go in person, but availability is limited and you may need an appointment.
You can start the renewal process online through the State Department's website (state.gov/passport) to check which option is available in your area and to fill out the form before you go in person.
What to do if you need ID before your passport arrives
If you are flying or need ID for another purpose before your renewed passport arrives, get a state ID card or driver's license instead. These are faster to obtain in most states—typically one to two weeks—and they work for TSA screening, federal building entry, and most other purposes where an expired passport would not.
If you are in a state that accepts expired passports for voting, you can use your expired passport at the polls while you wait for the new one. For other purposes, ask the organization what temporary ID they will accept while your passport is being renewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired passport to fly domestically?
No. TSA requires a valid, unexpired ID for all domestic flights. An expired passport will not pass security screening. You need a current passport, driver's license, state ID card, or military ID.
Will my bank accept an expired passport if I also show a driver's license?
Yes. Banks need at least one current form of ID, but they can use an expired passport as a secondary document to verify your identity. Bring both documents when you open an account.
Can I renew my passport online?
You can start the renewal online and fill out the form, but you must submit the physical passport and supporting documents in person at a passport acceptance facility. The State Department's website walks you through which documents you need based on your situation.
How much does it cost to renew a passport?
Routine renewal costs $130 for an adult passport book. Expedited service adds $60. If you need it in one to two weeks, you must explore in person and pay the expedited fee.
What if my passport is damaged or I lost it?
A damaged or lost passport cannot be renewed by mail. You must explore for a replacement in person at a passport agency or acceptance facility. Bring a government-issued ID and proof of citizenship. Processing times are the same as renewal—four to six weeks for routine or one to two weeks for expedited.