Haven't been on a plane in 10 years, q. about ID

[Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus]

Would an expired driver’s license be accepted at the airport security checkpoing? And for the redemption of e-tickets? I ask because we’re making last minute travel plans, and one person in our party has only an expired driver’s license.

Logically, it’s arguable that an expired license should be acceptable, since it still identifies the person who owns it, and the person who owns it hasn’t stopped being that person, as it were. It’s illegal to use for driving, but this person is not going to be doing any driving.

On the other hand, it’s expired and that’s that, so it wouldn’t be acceptable.

And on a related note, would she have any trouble checking in to the hotel?

What’s the Straight Dope?

[treis]

I would not try to fly with an expired driver’s liscense as my only form of ID.

[metallicblue2]

Contact the airline you are using to determine what their requirements are.

[Scruloose]

Here’s a previous thread on this very subject. There’s some info in there about flying with an expired d/l.

Why is an expired drivers license not an acceptible form of ID?

@jacksprat

Well, I’m only 50/50 certain that the security screeners I’ll speak of in the next two sentences at US airports are TSA employees. But on a recent trip cross-country, I was not allowed to present my expired DL at any airport as valid identification. Additional screening was required in every case, which made it somewhat difficult to grab a smoke at the hub, but, that’s the way it went down.

[ouryL]

@Spectre of Pithecanthropus

Would an expired driver’s license be accepted at the airport security checkpoing? And for the redemption of e-tickets? I ask because we’re making last minute travel plans, and one person in our party has only an expired driver’s license.

Logically, it’s arguable that an expired license should be acceptable, since it still identifies the person who owns it, and the person who owns it hasn’t stopped being that person, as it were. It’s illegal to use for driving, but this person is not going to be doing any driving.

On the other hand, it’s expired and that’s that, so it wouldn’t be acceptable.

And on a related note, would she have any trouble checking in to the hotel?

What’s the Straight Dope?

…but how long do you wanna argue with a nimrod?

[gazpacho]

You need a valid ID to get past security.
http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1044.xml
You may however be in luck.

If you have a paper ticket for a domestic flight, passengers age 18 and over must present one form of photo identification issued by a local state or federal government agency (e.g.: passport/drivers license/military ID), or two forms of non-photo identification, one of which must have been issued by a state or federal agency (e.g.: U.S. social security card). For an international flight, you will need to present a valid passport, visa, or any other required documentation. Passengers without proper ID may be denied boarding.

We can argue in this thread about wheather or not an expired drivers license is valid for identification purposes. But if the TSA agent sees that the license is expired they should not let you through. In general credentials that don’t expire are much less secure than credentials that do expire.

[Shagnasty]

An expired driver’s license could potentially cause all kinds of problems including denial of boarding depending on the airline and destination. It could also cause problems at the hotel depending on policy.

It isn’t wise for an adult to be walking around without a current form of ID in this day and age:

1. Renew the driver’s license.
2. Bring a certified copy of a birth certification.
3. Get a state ID card that provides proof of identity but no driving privileges from the state DMV.
4. Get a passport - the best bet by far. Serves as unequivocal proof of identity anywhere with no supporting documents required for 10 years. Weeks to days turn-around depending on the service requested. Cost < $100. Good for spontaneous international travel as well as identification for new employment, financial transactions etc.

[MaddyStrut]

I once did self check in (with a credit card) for an e-ticket and didn’t realize I’d let my license expire till I showed it to the TSA person in the security line. They didn’t allow it as ID.

Lucky for me, I happened to have my passport with me (long story as to why I had it on me). That sort of trumps everything. I did get my ticket marked with that red marker requiring additional security screening. I don’t think it was using my passport that did it. I think it was the “Here’s my ID. What? It’s expired? Okay, how about this?” that raised suspicions.

And, yes, it was stupid of me to let my license expire without even realizing it. It’s not like it doesn’t renew on a convenient date (like my birthday) or they didn’t send me reminders or anything. I still don’t understand how I let that happen!

[Mr.Goob]

I learned over the summer at a picnic with a friend’s brother who is a Home Land Security Officer at one of the bridges in New York to Canada that an expired passport is still valid ID.

At least for the transit at the US / Canadian border. I have no idea for what else, when or how.

[The_Hamster_King]

I foolishly let my license expire last week right before I had to travel for business. I went to the DMV in person and renewed my license but in Cali you have to wait about a month for your actual license to arrive by mail. They do issue you a temporary paper license to use until the photo ID shows up.

My expired photo license + the new temporary paper license was deemed satisfactory at both LAX and the Salt Lake City airport.

I would not attempt to fly with an expired license alone. I know of people who have been turned away at the checkpoint with an expired license.

[Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus]

Thanks for the responses everyone. The person in question has a history of irresponsibility which is currently bringing the advisability of the entire enterprise into question.