Short answer: do not plan to use an expired passport as your ID for a domestic flight. The lists published by airlines say a valid photo ID must be carried in original, and an expired passport is not valid. Bring another ID from the list, and if you have nothing else, ask the airline before the day.
What the lists say. IndiGo's travel documents page says a bonafide passenger should carry any of the listed valid photo identity documents in original, and the list starts with a valid passport, then a valid driving licence, an Election photo ID card and Aadhaar or mAadhaar. Alliance Air's guide says a passenger needs a valid ticket in their name along with any of the listed valid photo identity documents in original for entry into the airport and travel. Its list includes the passport, voter photo ID, Aadhaar or mAadhaar, PAN card and driving licence.
The expiry question. Some third-party blogs say an expired passport may be accepted by some airlines for up to a few months. We found no official page that says this, so we do not rely on it, and neither should you. If you read it, treat it as unconfirmed.
What to do instead.
- Pick another ID from the airline's list that is valid today: Aadhaar or mAadhaar, a driving licence, a voter ID or a PAN card with photo.
- Carry it in original, or in the form the airline accepts, and do not rely on a plain photocopy.
- Check the name on the ID against the ticket. Our post on name matching shows how.
- If the expired passport is your only photo ID, write to the airline before the trip and ask whether it will accept it. Save the reply.
- Renew the passport if you will fly abroad soon, since an international flight needs a valid passport.
At the airport. Your ID is checked at the terminal entrance, where the CISF checks ticket and ID, and again when you board. If the entry check fails, you may not reach the check-in counter, so sort the ID out the day before.
For your own trips. If a family member has only old documents, send us a trip-planning inquiry and we will help you sort the plan.
A Miranda House graduate and lawyer who traded courtrooms for slow travel. Cheshta travels with the batches we host ourselves, with a soft spot for travelling alongside elders.
Planning your next trip?
We'll handle insurance, hotels, airport assistance and the itinerary — the same way we do it for every trip.
Questions on this article
asked by readers, answered by us
Was this helpful?
one tap, no sign-up