The TSA accepts many forms of identification to fly, but does this include a suspended license?
Do things change depending on if you want to fly domestically or internationally?
Let’s take a look.
Can You Fly With a Suspended License?
Domestic Flights
If you have a suspended license and want to fly domestically within the U.S., you will have no problem doing so.
A suspended license can be used as a valid form of identification to fly.
International Flights
Regardless if your license is suspended or not, you are not able to show it as a valid form of identification to fly internationally.
To fly internationally, a passport is always required, except for Puerto Rico, US Virgin Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa if you are a U.S. citizen.
Depending on the country you are traveling to, a visa may also be required.
Why You Are Able to Fly With a Suspended License
You can fly with a suspended license because the suspension only applies to driving a vehicle and not to flying.
A suspended license is still a valid form of identification that the TSA accepts.
What Can’t You Do With a Suspended License?
A suspended license simply means that you are unable to legally drive a car.
While this may easily affect your travel plans when getting to the airport and at your destination, you are still able to fly.
Can You Fly With an Expired License?
You can fly with an expired license as long as you meet certain conditions.
According to the TSA:
“If your driver’s license or state-issued ID expired on or after March 1, 2020, and you are unable to renew at your state driver’s license agency, you may still use it as acceptable identification at the checkpoint.
TSA will accept expired driver’s licenses or state-issued ID a year after expiration.”
Can You Fly With a Picture of Your ID?
Just having a picture of your ID is not enough to fly with.
However, a picture of your ID can be useful to help prove your identity to the TSA.
Can You Fly With a Paper ID?
According to the TSA, you cannot fly with a paper ID.
Again, it can be useful to bring to the airport to help verify your identity, though.
Other Forms of ID You Can Use to Fly
The TSA state that the following forms of ID are acceptable to fly with:
- Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Permanent resident card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Robert is an expert in commercial air travel with decades of experience in the travel industry, and has spent countless hours in airports and on planes for work.
He therefore has an unrivaled understanding of everything related to commercial air travel.
Whether you need help navigating the complicated TSA regulations or want insider tips on how to find the best deals on flights, Robert has the expertise and experience to help our readers.
Robert's knowledge and insights have been led to him either being quoted or mentioned in major publications, including Insider, Trip Savvy, ZDNet, and Bored Panda
You can contact Robert at travel@executiveflyers.com
