My fiance and I are leaving on our honeymoon in a little over 3 weeks, traveling from Boston to Hawaii. I just noticed my license expires mid-way through our trip. I hadn't planned on getting a new one until we returned because of my name change. Will this be a lot of trouble for me in terms of airport security when I try to board the plan and my license has just expired?

I've never seen them check the expiration date, just that your name and photo match you and your tickets.

Here in Texas, we can renew our licenses by mail. Maybe you can, too?

Massachusetts licenses can't be renewed by mail; they do an eye exam on every person every time. OTOH, they DO let you re-use your old photo, which they now store digitally.

I tried to do it online, but for some reason, it wouldn't let me. I am just getting nervous that I am leaving so soon that I won't get a new one in time. Also, all the hotel/car reservations are in my fiance's name. Would there be any reason that it would be an issue for airport/airline security? It expires 8/13 and we fly home on 8/20.

I agree with chicgal about better be safe than sorry. You should go renew it in person (mail would take longer, especially since you're leaving in 3 weeks). Also, I don't know about Massachusetts, but in NJ (where I live) if you renew your license by mail, you'll get one WITHOUT your picture on it! I have mine to prove it! And that happened a good year after 9/11. I think they don't do it anymore but I was amazed they were doing that at that time. So until I renew my license, I have to use my passport if I fly, oh say, to Florida!

I'm curious. Do you just not have time to go to DMV?

beachgirl-

If you are not planning to drive in Hawaii, and you want to wait until you return to renew it, I suggest you bring your passport as a form of ID for security checks. The last thing you want is the expired license ruining your honeymoon.

Although, it will only affect your return trip, so you'll be stuck in Hawaii and cannot return to Boston. I guess that won't be to bad, eh?

Here in Hawai`i, _current_ valid photo ID is required at departure from all airports (even the small ones, like Hana).

Since all airport security is operated by the same organization nationwide, I think it's safe to assume this is standard procedure at all airports now...

You will also want to consider your airline tickets... what name is your ticket listed under? Your Government issued photo ID needs to match that name. If you get a new ID with your new name will it match your ticket?

Hopefully her maiden name is on her ticket because she's not going to get her newly married name (IF she's changing it) on her license. DMV needs to see the marriage license (not the church one) before they issue a new license with the new last name. And as we married folks all know, one doesn't get that marriage license right away.

Thanks for all the advice. Unfortunately, my passport is long expired, and I have never renewed that. The name on my ticket is my maiden name, I won't be changing my name until after our return from the honeymoon. It just so happens that my license expires one week after my wedding! If I do renew it, I'll just have to get another one in the next couple of months once I change my name. I guess I should renew the license to avoid problems in Hawaii, I am just nervous I won't get it in time as my trip is only 3 weeks away.

Check with your airline, but it says it requires a valid form of ID. Although yiu can't drive with it, a recently expired drivers is a valid government issues id.

I've flown without a drivers license or photo ID. I misplaced my license and didn't realize it until I was getting on the plane. I was allowed to board using two credit cards and my social security card (which I just happended to have with me.)

In terms of your hotel, I've never had a hotel ask for my drivers license.

All that said, I'd just bite the bullet and get it done before I leave. You might want to drive in Hawaii. At least in NJ,

hit the button to soon,

At least in NJ, you can get an amendment to your license fairly easily.

Just recently I had to do a bunch of research on ID requirements, for an 18-year-old friend who didn't have a passport or driver's license and who had to fly on short notice.

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) actually does not require a photo ID. Their web site states, "passengers age 18 and over must present one form of photo identification issued by a local state or federal government agency (e.g.: passport/drivers license/military ID), or two forms of non-photo identification, one of which must have been issued by a state or federal agency (e.g.: U.S. social security card)."

Our 18-year-old friend traveled on his Social Security card and birth certificate. He had his school photo ID along, too, but didn't use it. Of course, it might have helped that he was traveling with his father, who had valid photo ID. They used airports in Boston, Dayton, and Cincinnati.

So, if for some reason I couldn't get my new license in time, a SS card and 2 other forms of ID (credit cards, etc...) would work? Jeez, now I gotta get to work on finding my SS card

It has to be picture ID issued by a government agency. do you have a passport?

Although no one really wants to spend any more time than is necessary at the DMV, I sure would get it changed due to the expiration and then change the name down the road. Certainly not worth having a honeymoon ruined or losing sleep over what may or may not happen. Congratulations and enjoy your honeymoon!

Beachgirl86: There may be another complication no one has addressed. Depending on which state you live, if you let your license expire, to get a new one, you may have to start fresh (i.e. Knowledge test, driving skills test, etc). Some states have a grace period after the license expires where that is not a requirement but it is my impression there are some states that require you to go through the entire process if you do not have a current, valid license.

Why not bring along a copy of your marriage certificate?

The marriage certificate is completely irrelevant in this case, since the ticket, license, etc. are in her "maiden" name. Plus, if she leaves on the honeymoon right away, she won't have it anyway.

Even if beachgirl shows up at the Mass. DMV when it opens tomorrow morning, she still might not have her final license in hand when she leaves, since IIRC they give you a xerox and mail the real one to your house. In my experience it takes less than 2 weeks, but you never know.