Can I Fly with My Old Driver’s License? What You Need to Know
In the ever-evolving world of travel regulations and security measures, it can be easy to get confused about what documents you need to bring with you when flying. One common question that many travelers have is whether or not they can fly with their old driver’s license.
The short answer is yes, you can fly with your old driver’s license, but there are some caveats that you should be aware of. In this article, we will explore the rules and regulations surrounding flying with an old driver’s license, as well as provide tips for making sure you have the proper identification when traveling by air.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that each country and airline may have their own specific requirements when it comes to identification for air travel. In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that all travelers over the age of 18 present a valid form of government-issued identification in order to pass through security checkpoints and board a flight. This includes driver’s licenses, passports, and other government-issued IDs.
When it comes to flying with an old driver’s license, the key factor to consider is whether or not the license is considered valid by the TSA. According to the TSA website, a driver’s license is considered valid for one year after the expiration date printed on the card. This means that if your driver’s license expired less than a year ago, you should be able to use it as identification for air travel.
However, it’s worth noting that some states have extended the expiration dates of driver’s licenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If your driver’s license has been extended by your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), it may still be considered valid for air travel even if it is past the printed expiration date. It’s always a good idea to check with your state’s DMV to see if your license has been extended and if it is considered valid for air travel.
If your driver’s license is expired and not considered valid for air travel, you may still be able to use it as a form of identification in conjunction with other documents. The TSA allows for a variety of secondary forms of identification, such as a passport, military ID, or permanent resident card, to be used in addition to an expired driver’s license. It’s always a good idea to carry multiple forms of identification when traveling, especially if your primary form of ID is expired.
In addition to considering the expiration date of your driver’s license, it’s also important to make sure that the information on the license matches the information on your airline ticket. The TSA requires that the name on your ID match the name on your boarding pass in order to board a flight. If your old driver’s license has outdated information or a different name than what is listed on your ticket, you may run into issues at the security checkpoint.
One final consideration when flying with an old driver’s license is the Real ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Real ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, and requires that all travelers present a Real ID-compliant form of identification in order to board a domestic flight within the United States.
Most states are now issuing Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, which are indicated by a star or other symbol on the card. If your old driver’s license is not Real ID-compliant, you may run into issues when trying to board a domestic flight. It’s important to check with your state’s DMV to see if your license is Real ID-compliant, and if not, to make plans to obtain a compliant form of identification before your next flight.
In conclusion, yes, you can fly with your old driver’s license, as long as it is considered valid by the TSA and matches the information on your airline ticket. It’s always a good idea to check the expiration date of your license, verify that it is Real ID-compliant if necessary, and carry additional forms of identification just in case. By staying informed and prepared, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
