Traveling by air is a second-to-none experience that provides body, mind, and soul revitalization for lots of people, especially if it’s vacation-oriented. Nonetheless, while planning to embark on such a journey, different rules and regulations apply, the most important of which is having a non-void ID Card. Lets us understand in detail the question, Can I Fly With An Expired License or Id Temporary License?.
Can I Fly With An Expired License Or Id Temporary License?
Depending on where you’re residing and the laws governing the country, an expired or temporary license could be recognized as a valid form of identification at the airport. However, with specific reference to the United States, temporary IDs are not accepted by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) for air travel.
Flying With Expired Identity Documents In The United States
The United States TSA accepts certain documents as valid ID’S. Below are a few of them:
- Driver’s license
- US passport
- Border crossing card
- State-issued ID
- Canadian driver’s license
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- Foreign government-issued passport
But the question is would these documents still be allowed for air travel if they are expired? The short answer is yes, but for a while. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the US government allowed individuals whose licenses were expired to use them as identity documents while traveling by air, provided that the expiration date is less than a year.
This decision, effected on March 1st, 2020, was attributed to the closing of numerous organizations and ensuing lockdowns in response to the pandemic. In addition to this, the US government is enforcing a new law, effective from May 3rd, 2023, requiring every license holder to ensure the “realness” of their license before presenting them as ID for air travel.
This real ID is said to have a star at the top. You can find out more information through the TSA’s official website or just click this link ( https://www.tsa.gov/real-id ). But once this new policy kicks into effect, the existing expired license rule may no longer apply.
Flying With Temporary Licenses In The United States
You cannot present a temporary license as a sole means of identification at the airport. You can, actually, but it will be rejected. However, for temporary licenses to be accepted, the TSA requires that you present them in addition to the original expired license.
In other words, you will show airport officials 2 IDs- The original expired license and the temporary one you received after applying for a renewal. Otherwise, you’ve got no choice but to use another US-accepted identity document.
Renewing Your License- Steps To Take
Pertinent is to know that there are 3 ways to renew your driver’s license in the US:
- Online
- In-person
Is your license expired and you’re looking to get a new one? Let’s walk you through some steps you can follow to get it done online as soon as possible.
Step 1
Visit the United States Government motor vehicle services webpage. Clicking this link will take you directly to their official page ( https://www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services ).
Step 2
Once you’re on the vehicle services page, you’ll come across a drop-down box wherein you’ll select the state or territory you’re residing.
If you’re new to the US, you should know that drivers’ licenses are usually issued by various state governments and every state recognizes one another’s licenses. So you’re free to travel the country without the need for getting a new license when visiting a state contrary to the one specified on your ID.
Step 3
In this walkthrough, California will be used as a case study. After you’ve selected your resident state (California in this case), check the menu bar and click on “Driver’s License and ID Cards”. Select the “Renew” option.
Step 4
A new page will pop up after you’ve selected the renew option. Scroll down and click the “Renew your DL online” button.
Step 5
Click the “Start Drivers License Renewal” button that is shown on the left navigation.
Step 6
You will be required to create an account if you’re not formerly registered, otherwise, you’re to log in with your email address and password.
If it’s required that you create a new account, enter and re-enter your desired e-mail address. A confirmation link will be sent to you and you can proceed to verify your e-mail address and provide other biodata such as name, cellphone number, gender, home address, and the likes.
Follow the rest of the instructions, as available on the page and you will be done in minutes!
Conditions That Make Online US License Renewal Impossible
- A first-time application for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license.
- Intent to change any personal information, including but not limited to a residential address.
- Renewing a commercial license.
If you fall into any or all of the above categories, then it is likely required that you appear in person for the renewal of your driver’s license or ID.
Final Verdict
To sum it up, in the US, you can’t fly with a license that’s above 1-year expiration, nor can you do the same with a temporary license except if it’s presented to the airport authorities alongside the formerly expired one. This then makes both documents sufficient as proof of renewal.
