Use of old license as ID
 

For years the normal place for my drivers license was in its own designated spot in my wallet. The only time it was removed was for renting cars or those really rare times I was pulled over. With the recent insanity I have had to take it out and put it somewhere multiple times during a single trip through the airport. Of course it was not in its usual place when I arrived at the rental counter two times and panic nearly set in while I searched my wallet, my pants pockets, my shirt pocket and finally the inner pocket of my jacket. Figuring that sooner or later the lost license would be permanent I got my last license, punched a hole in it and wore it around my neck lanyard style. This worked fine until yesterday going through SLC. The DL agent told me that expired licenses were not valid to board the plane. My understanding was the purpose of the ID was to verify identity and I don't think that has changed since the license was issued. I am not asking to drive the airplane or even to drive a rental car on arrival with the ID. All I am trying to do is verify that I am the person authorized to travel on that ticket. She stated that it was an FAA regulation that the license be current. Can anyone point me in the direction of that law or lack thereof. I do not relish the prospect of arriving at my destination without my license and I feel that it is just a matter of time for that to happen with the current situation.

Indeed, my understanding is that an expired license is not a valid form of ID.

Do you have a passport? If not, I'd get one immediately! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Doc:

I do but most of my travel is domestic and I am trying to simplify what I carry and what is subject to loss.

Why is the old license not adequate to prove I am me?

I'm not exactly sure what the logic is behind not allowing an expired form of id. Its not like they need a current address on the id. But, to help ease your anxiety over losing your license (which I totally understand), I'd recommend getting a state id card and punching a whole in that.

My license stays right where it is. I just flip my wallet open so they can see it and read it. Have not had to take it out for security yet. Of course I have now just jinxed myself http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

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I understand! Yet you're using logic! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I'm inclined to agree, but the date is a real issue, sadly.

For me, a passport is harder to lose as it is larger! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I agree that there is no reason an expired license shouldn't be OK. And with all the awkward, hands-full times we have to pull it out, I agree that losing it is a real concern.

I still dont see where anyone has been able to provide the reference to where an ID must be current, I had the same issue (on DL) a few years back. I've made sure since then to have something current, but what "if" I lose it and only have an expired one on me..

I routinely use an expired license as ID, and have yet to be challenged.

We had a 2 page thread about this on the Delta forum.
How do I post a link to it as I see others do? The faq section didn't really help me.

The State Department has told me in the past that expired US passports may be used as a valid form of ID. They just cannot be used for travel.

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Perhaps yet I personally know of at least one case where this type of "expired" ID was not accepted! Then what? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

I may be wrong, but I believe that Arizona drivers' licenses do not expire. (At least those issued some time ago).

Since 9/11 this has probably changed. In general, state DMVs appear to have become more strict with all sorts of things that used to be permissible. MA, for one, now requires that the last name on the driver's license match exactly with the name on your Social Security card.

Expired passports (both Canadian and American) are valid for travel to/from Canada and the United States for a period of five years from the date of expiry. If you can cross an international border with an expired document, my thinking is you should be able to board an airplane. I reckon the five year rule is to ensure that the photograph does not get too much out of date.

Just get a state ID card or another DL

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At 6'6" -'coach' is a dirty word!