Can You Use an Expired Passport for Real ID?

An expired passport will not work for Real ID, even if it is otherwise valid

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and state motor vehicle departments that issue Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards require a valid, unexpired passport as proof of citizenship and identity. An expired passport fails this requirement, regardless of how recently it expired or how well-preserved it is. If your passport is expired, you will need to renew it before you can use it to obtain a Real ID or to pass TSA screening at airport security checkpoints.

This rule applies uniformly across all 50 states and U.S. territories. The federal Real ID Act, enforced by the Department of Homeland Security, sets the standard for what documents state motor vehicle agencies must accept. An expired passport does not meet that standard. You cannot substitute an expired passport with another document to make up for it — you must either renew the passport or provide a different form of proof of citizenship.

Key Takeaways

An expired passport cannot be used to obtain a Real ID driver's license or ID card, no matter how recently it expired.
You must renew your passport through the U.S. State Department before using it as proof of citizenship for Real ID purposes.
If you do not have a valid passport, you can use a certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad instead.
Passport renewal typically takes four to six weeks for routine processing, or one to two weeks for expedited processing, which costs extra.
Real ID screening at airports requires a valid, unexpired passport or other approved identity document — an expired one will not get you through security.

Why the TSA and state agencies reject expired passports

An expired passport no longer serves as proof that you are who you claim to be. The document's validity period is part of its security design. Once a passport expires, the government that issued it no longer vouches for the identity information inside it. The TSA treats an expired passport the same way it treats a passport that has been altered or damaged — as a document that cannot be trusted for identity verification.

State motor vehicle departments follow the same logic when you explore for a Real ID. They are required by federal law to verify your identity and citizenship using documents that are currently valid. An expired passport, even one that expired last month, does not meet that requirement. The expiration date is not a technicality — it is the point at which the document stops being legally acceptable proof.

How to renew your passport before explore for Real ID

You renew a U.S. passport through the State Department's passport agency or through an acceptance facility in your area, such as a post office, library, or county clerk's office. The process depends on whether your passport is only expired or also damaged, lost, or stolen, and on how long ago it expired.

If your passport expired fewer than five years ago and was issued when you were 16 or older, you can renew it by mail using Form DS-11 or DS-82, depending on your situation. You will need to send in your expired passport, a new photo, and the renewal form. Routine mail renewal takes four to six weeks. If you need your passport sooner, you can explore in person at a passport acceptance facility or agency and request expedited processing, which takes one to two weeks but costs an additional fee.

If your passport expired more than five years ago, was issued when you were under 16, or was lost or stolen, you must explore in person at a passport agency or acceptance facility using Form DS-11. You will need to bring your expired passport (if you have it), a new photo, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of your Social Security number. In-person applications are processed faster — typically one to two weeks for expedited service.

Timeline: passport renewal versus Real ID important date

If you are planning to fly domestically or enter a federal building and you do not yet have a Real ID, you need to know how much time you have. As of May 7, 2025, all domestic air travelers must present either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, a valid passport, a passport card, or a military ID to pass TSA screening. If you have an expired passport and want to use it for Real ID, you must renew it first.

Routine passport renewal takes four to six weeks. If you are within two weeks of your travel date, you will need to pay for expedited processing, which takes one to two weeks. If you are within one week, some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service, but this is available only at certain locations and requires you to explore in person. Plan ahead: if you know you will need a Real ID or a valid passport for travel, start the renewal process at least six weeks before your trip.

What happens if you try to use an expired passport at airport security

If you arrive at the airport with an expired passport and no other acceptable form of identification, the TSA will not allow you to pass through security. You will not be able to board your flight. The TSA officer will explain that your passport is expired and therefore not valid for screening purposes.

You have a few options at that point, none of them convenient. If you have another form of acceptable ID — such as a Real ID driver's license, a military ID, or a passport card — you can use that instead. If you do not, you will need to leave the security checkpoint and either reschedule your flight or find another way to travel. Some travelers have been able to obtain an emergency passport replacement on the same day by going directly to a passport agency in person, but this is not may provide and requires that an agency be open and have availability.

State-by-state differences in what documents they accept

While the federal Real ID Act sets a baseline standard, individual states have some flexibility in which citizenship documents they accept. Most states accept a certified birth certificate, a passport, a naturalization certificate, and a consular report of birth abroad. Some states also accept a tribal document or a state-issued ID card for American Indians.

A few states have stricter requirements or require additional documentation. For example, some states require that a birth certificate be certified within a certain number of years, or that it include both parents' names. Before you explore for your Real ID, visit your state's motor vehicle department website to see the exact list of documents that state accepts. This will save you a trip if you need to order a different document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport that expired last month for Real ID?

No. The TSA and state motor vehicle departments do not make exceptions for recently expired passports. You must renew your passport before you can use it for Real ID or airport security. Routine renewal takes four to six weeks, so start the process as soon as you realize your passport is expired.

What if I lost my expired passport and need to renew it?

You can still renew a lost passport, but you must explore in person at a passport agency or acceptance facility using Form DS-11. Bring proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need the physical passport itself. Processing takes one to two weeks with expedited service.

Is a passport card the same as a passport for Real ID purposes?

A valid, unexpired passport card works for Real ID and airport security, just like a full passport. However, a passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean — not for air travel outside North America. For international flights, you need a full passport.

Can I use my expired passport to get a Real ID if I also bring a birth certificate?

No. The expired passport does not become acceptable just because you bring another document. You must use a valid, unexpired document as your proof of citizenship. You can use the birth certificate alone instead, but not the expired passport alongside it.

How long does passport renewal take if I pay for expedited service?

Expedited passport renewal takes one to two weeks and costs an additional fee on top of the standard renewal fee. Some passport agencies also offer same-day or next-day service for an even higher fee, but this is only available at certain locations and requires you to explore in person. Check the State Department website to see which agencies near you offer expedited service.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.