Traveling with an Expired U.S. Passport: Is It Possible?

Last updated 3 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

U.S. passport rules can be confusing, especially regarding expired documents. The answer depends on your destination, transportation mode, and whether your travel is international or domestic. While international air travel generally requires a valid passport, specific regulations from the Department of State, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) include some exceptions.

International Air Travel: The General Rule is “No”

U.S. citizens planning international air travel must have a valid passport. Section 215 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Title 8 of the U.S. Code, Section 1185) makes it illegal for U.S. citizens to enter or leave the United States without a valid U.S. passport. This applies to all U.S. citizens, including dual nationals.

Dual citizens with both U.S. and foreign passports must use their U.S. passport to enter and exit the United States. For re-entry to the U.S. by air, CBP requires all U.S. citizens to present a valid U.S. passport book.

Airlines will deny boarding to passengers with expired passports. This isn’t just airline policy but a legal requirement. Airlines face substantial penalties, including hefty fines and responsibility for return transportation costs, if they transport someone who is denied entry due to improper documentation.

This strict verification happens at check-in or boarding gates to avoid these penalties. Foreign countries also require valid passports for entry, making expired documents unacceptable. Attempting international air travel with an expired passport typically results in denied boarding, trip cancellation, and potential financial loss.

Beyond Expiration: Foreign Country Entry Rules Matter

Even with an unexpired passport, you might still face issues for international travel. Many countries enforce specific passport validity requirements beyond the printed expiration date.

The most common requirement is the “Six-Month Validity Rule.” This rule, adopted by numerous nations, requires that a traveler’s passport remain valid for at least six months beyond their planned entry or departure date. This prevents situations where a visitor’s passport expires while abroad, potentially complicating their return journey.

Countries in the Asia-Pacific region (China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia) and the Middle East (Egypt, Israel, UAE, Saudi Arabia) frequently require six months of remaining passport validity. Airlines enforce these destination-specific rules strictly and may deny boarding if a passport doesn’t meet the six-month requirement.

The six-month rule isn’t universal. Countries within Europe’s Schengen Area (France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Greece) typically require passports to be valid for only three months beyond the traveler’s intended departure from the Schengen zone. Other countries, like Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom, may only require the U.S. passport to be valid at entry.

Since requirements vary significantly and can change without notice, never assume your passport is acceptable simply because it hasn’t expired. The most reliable method to confirm necessary passport validity is to check the official entry requirements for your destination country on the U.S. Department of State website. Search for your destination and check the “Passport Validity” section under “Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements.” Also review Travel Advisories for any related alerts or specific entry condition updates.

Coming Home: Re-entering the U.S. with an Expired Passport?

U.S. law requires citizens to possess a valid U.S. passport for entry into the United States. For air re-entry specifically, CBP regulations mandate a valid U.S. passport book.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a temporary policy allowed U.S. citizens abroad with passports that expired on or after January 1, 2020, to use those expired passports for direct return travel to the United States under certain conditions. This exception ended definitively on June 30, 2022.

Current U.S. policy does not allow citizens to use an expired passport for direct return travel to the United States. If a U.S. citizen is overseas with an expired passport, they must contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a replacement passport before returning. The embassy or consulate can often issue a limited-validity emergency passport quickly to facilitate return travel.

While U.S. law prevents CBP from ultimately denying entry to an individual who successfully proves their U.S. citizenship at a port of entry, even with an expired passport, this legal principle faces a significant practical hurdle for air travelers. Airlines will almost certainly refuse to allow passengers with expired passports to board flights to the U.S., making the CBP admissibility question irrelevant for most air travel scenarios.

If a citizen somehow arrives at a U.S. border crossing without a valid passport, they would face considerable delays and intensive questioning while CBP officers verify their identity and citizenship.

For U.S. citizens stranded abroad due to a lost, stolen, or unexpectedly expired passport, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. Consular officers can assist with verifying identity and citizenship and issuing an emergency, limited-validity passport specifically for return travel to the United States. Find contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide on the State Department website or by calling Overseas Citizens Services: 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. & Canada) or +1-202-501-4444 (from overseas).

Exceptions: When a Valid Passport Book Isn’t Always Needed

While a valid U.S. passport book is standard for international travel, specific exceptions allow U.S. citizens to use alternative documents, primarily for land or sea travel to nearby destinations.

Land & Sea Travel Near the U.S. (WHTI)

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) governs document requirements for travel between the United States and specific neighboring countries. Implemented for land and sea border crossings on June 1, 2009, WHTI was mandated by the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to strengthen border security while facilitating legitimate travel.

WHTI applies specifically to U.S. citizens entering the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. For these specific entry modes and locations, U.S. citizens can present certain alternative WHTI-compliant documents instead of a traditional passport book:

• U.S. Passport Card: A wallet-sized card for land and sea travel under WHTI; not valid for international air travel.
• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL): Certain states issue licenses with enhanced security features and proof of identity and citizenship, making them WHTI-compliant for land and sea crossings. Check with your state’s motor vehicle department for availability.
• Trusted Traveler Program Cards: Cards issued under programs like NEXUS (U.S.-Canada), SENTRI (U.S.-Mexico land), and FAST (commercial truck drivers) are WHTI-compliant for land and sea entry.
• U.S. Military Identification: Accepted when the service member travels under official orders.
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Document: Valid when the mariner travels in conjunction with official business.
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC): Issued by federally recognized tribes.

WHTI provides specific provisions for children. U.S. citizen children under 16 arriving by land or sea from Canada or Mexico can present an original or copy of:

• Birth certificate (issued by a vital records department)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
• Certificate of Naturalization

A similar rule applies to U.S. citizen children under 19 traveling by land or sea from Canada or Mexico as part of an organized school, religious, social, cultural, or sports group, under adult supervision with appropriate documentation.

These WHTI exceptions and alternative documents are only valid for land and sea travel within the specified regions. They cannot be used for international air travel, which requires a U.S. passport book.

Table 1: WHTI-Compliant Documents for U.S. Citizens (Land/Sea Entry from Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Bermuda)

*NEXUS cards can also be used for air travel between the U.S. and Canada at airports participating in the NEXUS program. **Must be traveling on official orders. ***Must be traveling in conjunction with official maritime business. ****Acceptable for U.S. citizen children under 16 (or under 19 in certain groups) entering from Canada or Mexico.

Closed-Loop Cruises

Another specific exception relates to “closed-loop” cruises. These are sailings that begin and end at the same U.S. port and travel only within the Western Hemisphere – typically visiting ports in Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

Under CBP regulations, U.S. citizens on these specific closed-loop itineraries are generally not required to have a U.S. passport book to re-enter the United States at the end of the cruise. Instead, they can typically present the following combination of documents:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Such as an original or certified copy of a state-issued birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. Hospital-issued birth certificates and voter registration cards are generally not acceptable as proof of citizenship. Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010, are also not accepted.
• Government-Issued Photo Identification: Such as a valid driver’s license or other state-issued ID card. This is required for passengers aged 16 and older.

Despite this allowance, both CBP and cruise lines strongly recommend that all passengers on international cruises, including closed-loop ones, travel with a valid U.S. passport book. The primary reason is contingency planning. If an emergency arises during the cruise that requires a passenger to disembark in a foreign country and fly back to the U.S. (e.g., a medical emergency requiring evacuation, or missing the ship’s departure from a foreign port), a valid U.S. passport book is absolutely necessary for international air travel. Relying solely on a birth certificate and driver’s license would leave a traveler stranded.

Furthermore, while CBP may not require a passport for re-entry on a closed-loop cruise, some foreign countries on the itinerary might still require passengers to present a valid passport to enter their territory, even for a short port visit. Cruise lines may also impose their own documentation requirements that could be stricter than CBP’s minimums. Travelers should always verify specific documentation requirements with their cruise line well before sailing.

Flying Within the U.S.: TSA Rules for Expired Passports

The rules for identification change significantly for domestic travel within the United States. For flights that don’t leave U.S. territory, the ID requirements are set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), responsible for security screening at U.S. airports.

TSA requires adult passengers (18 and older) to show valid identification at the security checkpoint. Acceptable forms of ID for domestic flights include:

• State-issued driver’s license or other state photo identity card issued by a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent
• U.S. passport book
• U.S. passport card
• DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense IDs (including for dependents)
• Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”)
• Border Crossing Card
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
• Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe photo ID
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

A key difference between TSA rules for domestic flights and international travel concerns expired identification. TSA allows passengers to use certain expired forms of identification at the security checkpoint. Specifically, TSA accepts a driver’s license or any other identification documents listed above (including U.S. passports and passport cards) for up to one year after the expiration date. This means for a domestic flight, a U.S. passport that expired less than 12 months ago is acceptable identification for passing through the security checkpoint. This contrasts with the strict validity requirements for international flights. (Note: While TSA accepts IDs expired up to a year, some airlines might have stricter policies for check-in, though the TSA checkpoint rule governs passage to the gate.)

Be aware of the REAL ID Act. This federal law sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Starting May 7, 2025, TSA checkpoints will only accept state-issued licenses and IDs that are REAL ID compliant (typically marked with a star, flag, or other indicator specified by DHS) for domestic air travel. Passengers attempting to fly domestically after this date with a non-compliant standard license or ID will need to present an alternative acceptable form of identification. Both the U.S. passport book and passport card are REAL ID compliant documents. Therefore, a valid U.S. passport or passport card serves as a readily available alternative for domestic air travel for individuals whose state-issued ID may not meet REAL ID standards by the deadline.

If a traveler arrives at the airport for a domestic flight without acceptable identification (perhaps lost or stolen), TSA officers may still allow them to fly after completing an identity verification process, which involves collecting personal information to confirm their identity. However, this process can cause significant delays, may involve additional screening, and isn’t guaranteed. Failure to cooperate or inability to confirm identity will result in denial of entry to the checkpoint.

Passport Expired or Expiring Soon? How to Renew

Given the strict validity requirements for international travel, particularly the six-month rule enforced by many countries, U.S. citizens should renew their passports well before expiration or before planning international trips. The renewal process and eligibility depend on the status of your most recent passport.

You are generally eligible to renew your passport (typically by mail using Form DS-82) if your most recent passport meets all these conditions:

• It can be submitted with your application.
• It is undamaged (beyond normal wear and tear).
• It was never reported lost or stolen.
• It was issued within the last 15 years.
• It was issued when you were age 16 or older.
• It was issued in your current legal name (or you can legally document your name change with a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

If your passport doesn’t meet these criteria – if it was issued before you turned 16, issued more than 15 years ago, is significantly damaged, lost, or stolen, or if you cannot document a name change – you must apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11, following the procedures for first-time applicants.

Renewal by Mail (Form DS-82)

For those eligible, renewing by mail is the standard procedure. The steps are:

1. Complete Form DS-82: Use the State Department’s online Form Filler tool or download and print the PDF version. Print the form single-sided and sign and date it.
2. Include Your Most Recent Passport: You must mail your current passport book and/or card with the application. It will be canceled and returned to you separately, potentially several weeks after you receive your new passport.
3. Include Name Change Documentation (if applicable): If your name has changed since your last passport was issued, include a certified copy of the legal document proving the change. This document will also be returned separately.
4. Provide a Compliant Photo: Include one color photograph that meets all State Department requirements (size, background, pose, no glasses unless medically necessary with doctor’s note, etc.). Staple the photo to the designated spot on Form DS-82.
5. Calculate and Include Payment: Determine the correct fee using the fee schedule. As of early 2025, the fee is $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card, or $160 for both. Payment must be made via personal check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State.” Write the applicant’s full name and date of birth on the check/money order. Do not send cash. Add applicable fees for expedited service or 1-2 day delivery if desired.
6. Mail the Application Package: Send the completed and signed Form DS-82, your most recent passport, photo, payment, and any name change documents using the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to the correct P.O. Box address specified on Form DS-82 or the State Department website. The correct address depends on your state of residence and whether you are requesting routine or expedited service. Do not use private carriers like UPS or FedEx for these P.O. Box addresses.

Online Passport Renewal

The Department of State is testing an Online Passport Renewal System. This option is currently available in a limited capacity with strict eligibility requirements:

• Applicant must be 25 or older.
• The passport being renewed must have been valid for 10 years.
• The passport must be expiring within one year or have expired less than five years ago (issued between 9 and 15 years prior to application).
• No changes to name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth are allowed.
• Applicant must not have international travel planned within 6 weeks (only routine service is available).
• Applicant must live in the U.S. (state or territory).
• Applicant must have their current passport in their possession (not lost, stolen, or damaged) and be able to upload a digital photo and pay online via credit/debit card.
• Requires creating a MyTravelGov account.

Visit the official link above to check current availability and full eligibility details before attempting to renew online.

Processing Times

Factor in processing times when renewing a passport. As of late 2024/early 2025, standard Routine Service takes approximately 4-6 weeks, and Expedited Service takes 2-3 weeks. These timeframes don’t include mailing times. It can take up to 2 weeks for an application to arrive at the processing center and be logged into the system, and up to another 2 weeks for the completed passport to be mailed back to the applicant.

The total time from mailing the application to receiving the new passport can be significantly longer than the listed processing time. Always check the current processing times posted on the State Department website and apply well in advance of any planned international travel.

Need a Passport Fast? Urgent and Emergency Options

For travelers facing tight deadlines, the Department of State offers several options to obtain a passport more quickly than the routine service timeframe. These options involve additional fees and specific procedures.

Expedited Service:

This is the most common way to speed up the process. By paying an additional $60 fee, the application processing time is reduced to 2-3 weeks (excluding mailing times).

• For renewals by mail: Check the “Expedited Service” box on Form DS-82, include the $60 fee with your payment, and clearly write “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the mailing envelope.
• For new applications (Form DS-11): Request expedited service when submitting your application in person at a passport acceptance facility (like a post office or library) and include the $60 fee.

Faster Return Shipping: Applicants can also pay an additional fee (currently $21.36) for 1-2 day delivery of the completed passport book once it is printed.

Urgent Travel Service (Non-Emergency):

This service is for individuals with documented international travel plans within 14 calendar days, or within 28 calendar days if a foreign visa is also required. This service requires securing an appointment at one of the Department of State’s regional Passport Agencies or Centers. These are specialized facilities, distinct from regular acceptance facilities.

• Appointments are mandatory: Walk-in service is not available.
• Appointments are limited: Availability is not guaranteed, especially during peak travel seasons.

How to Make an Appointment:

• If you have not yet applied for a passport: Use the Online Passport Appointment System to check for openings.
• If you have already applied but have not received your passport and now have urgent travel: Call the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778 (Mon-Fri 8 AM – 10 PM ET, Sat-Sun 10 AM – 3 PM ET). TDD/TTY users can call 1-888-874-7793.

Proof of urgent travel (e.g., flight itinerary) is required for the appointment. The expedited service fee ($60) typically applies.

Life-or-Death Emergency Service:

This service is reserved for extreme circumstances involving an immediate family member (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, grandparent) outside the U.S. who has died, is dying (e.g., in hospice care), or has suffered a life-threatening illness or injury. This service requires international travel within 72 hours (3 business days).

• Strict Definition: This category does not apply to other relatives or travel for personal medical treatment abroad.
• Documentation Required: You must provide proof of the life-or-death emergency (e.g., death certificate, statement from mortuary, signed letter from hospital/doctor on letterhead) and proof of imminent international travel (e.g., purchased tickets). Documents not in English require professional translation.
• Appointment Required: An appointment at a Passport Agency is necessary.
  • During NPIC business hours (Mon-Fri, 8 AM – 8 PM ET): Call 1-877-487-2778.
  • Outside business hours (evenings, weekends, federal holidays): Call the emergency line at 202-647-4000.

The expedited service fee ($60) usually applies, although it may be waived in certain circumstances, such as for victims of serious crimes or disasters.

Table 2: Comparing U.S. Passport Service Options

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