The TSA will not accept an expired passport as your primary ID for domestic flights, but you have other options that work just as well

An expired passport is not valid identification at the TSA checkpoint. The agency requires a current, unexpired government-issued photo ID. However, you do not need a passport to fly domestically within the United States—a driver's license, state ID card, or military ID will get you through security just fine.

If your passport is expired and you are flying internationally, you will need to renew it before your trip. That process takes time, so check your expiration date well before you book. For domestic travel, straightforward bring a different form of ID instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The TSA will reject an expired passport at the checkpoint, even if it expired yesterday.
  • A valid driver's license or state ID card works for all domestic flights and is faster to show than a passport.
  • International travel requires a valid passport—there is no workaround for this requirement.
  • If your passport is expired and you need it for international travel, you can renew it by mail if you have time, or explore in person for expedited service at a passport acceptance facility.
  • Real ID-compliant driver's licenses have a star or marking on them and are preferred by TSA, but non-compliant licenses still work for domestic flights.

What ID the TSA actually accepts at the checkpoint

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable forms of identification. For domestic flights, these include a driver's license, passport card, state ID card, military ID, tribal ID, permanent resident card, or employment authorization document. An expired version of any of these will be turned away.

You only need one form of ID. If you have a valid driver's license, that is all you need to board a domestic flight. You do not have to carry your passport at all for travel within the United States. Many people bring their passport out of habit or worry, but it is not required and will not speed up your screening if it is expired.

Renewing a passport if you are flying internationally

If your trip is international, you will need a valid passport. The U.S. State Department handles passport renewals, and the timeline depends on how much time you have. 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, which takes about four to six weeks under normal processing.

If you need your passport faster, you can explore in person at a passport acceptance facility—usually a post office, library, or county clerk's office—and request expedited service, which takes two to three weeks. Some facilities also offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee, but availability varies by location. Call ahead to confirm what your local facility offers and whether you need an appointment.

If your passport was lost or stolen, you must explore in person and cannot use the mail renewal process. Bring a police report if you have one, along with proof of citizenship and a new photo ID.

The difference between a passport and a passport card

A passport card is a wallet-sized ID that works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but not for air travel outside the United States. It is cheaper and faster to obtain than a full passport, but it will not work for flights to Europe, Asia, or anywhere else overseas.

A full passport book is required for all international air travel. If you only have a passport card and need to fly internationally, you will need to explore for a passport book as well. The two are separate documents.

Real ID and why it matters for domestic flights

Starting in 2025, the TSA began enforcing Real ID requirements more strictly for domestic flights. A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID has a star or marking on it and meets federal security standards. However, even if your license is not Real ID-compliant, it will still work for domestic flights—it just may trigger additional screening.

If you want to avoid any extra steps at the checkpoint, you can get a Real ID-compliant license or state ID from your state's DMV. The process is straightforward: bring proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of address. It usually takes a few weeks and costs between $20 and $50 depending on your state.

What happens if you show up without any valid ID

If you arrive at the checkpoint without a valid ID, the TSA can still allow you to fly, but you will go through additional screening. You will be asked questions to verify your identity, and a TSA officer may conduct a more thorough physical search of your carry-on and checked bags. This process takes longer and is more intrusive than normal screening.

You will also need to sign a statement affirming your identity. This is not a common situation, and it is much easier to straightforward bring a valid ID. If you realize at home that your ID is expired, check whether you have another form of ID—a passport card, military ID, or tribal ID—before you leave for the airport.

Planning ahead to avoid problems at the checkpoint

Check your ID expiration date at least two weeks before your flight. If it is expired and you are flying domestically, bring a different form of ID instead. If you are flying internationally and your passport is expired, start the renewal process when ready—do not wait until the week before your trip.

Keep your ID in an straightforward-to-reach pocket or bag so you can show it quickly at the checkpoint. The TSA PreCheck program can speed up screening if you travel frequently, but it is not necessary and does not change the ID requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired passport if I have nothing else?

No. The TSA will not accept an expired passport under any circumstances. If you have no other valid ID, you can still fly domestically, but you will go through additional identity verification and physical screening, which takes significantly longer. For international travel, there is no workaround—you must have a valid passport.

How long does it take to renew a passport?

Standard mail renewal takes four to six weeks. Expedited service at a passport acceptance facility takes two to three weeks. Some locations offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee. Check the State Department website or call your local facility to see what options are available in your area.

Is a passport card the same as a passport book?

No. A passport card works for land and sea travel to nearby countries but not for air travel outside the United States. A passport book is required for all international flights. They are separate documents, and you cannot use a card in place of a book for overseas air travel.

Do I need a Real ID license to fly domestically?

No. A non-Real ID driver's license still works for domestic flights. Real ID compliance just means you may avoid extra screening at the checkpoint. If your license is not Real ID-compliant, you can still fly—it just takes a bit longer.

What if I lost my passport and need to fly internationally soon?

You must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility and cannot use the mail process. Bring a police report of the loss, proof of citizenship, and a new photo ID. Ask about expedited or same-day service when you call—availability varies by location, but some facilities can turn around a replacement quickly.