Can I travel with an expired ID card (DNI)?
Within Spain, yes; for the EU, you need a valid document. On domestic flights, the National Civil Aviation Security Programme lets you identify yourself with an expired DNI or passport (and the driving licence also works as ID). But each airline can apply its own policy and require a valid document (some low-cost carriers are stricter), so check before flying. To travel within the EU as a Spanish citizen you need a valid DNI or passport: an expired DNI is not a travel document outside Spain. The safest option is to renew the DNI (you can book an appointment) before the trip.
📋 The rules
- Domestic flights: expired DNI/passport work as ID
- The driving licence also works as domestic ID
- Each airline can require a valid document
- Travel within the EU: valid DNI or passport
- Recommended: renew the DNI before travelling
🔓 Exceptions
- Minors may need a travel authorisation as well as the document
- Some countries accept a passport expired up to 5 years: confirm it
- Outside Schengen a valid passport (and visa) is usually required
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Flying with an expired DNI within Spain carries no penalty, but you risk the airline denying boarding if its policy requires a valid document, and you'd lose the flight with no refund. For EU or international travel, showing up with expired documents can block boarding or entry to the destination country. The fix is to renew the DNI in time: book an appointment at an issuing office and, if you're cutting it fine, always carry an alternative valid document.
📎 Official sources
- National Police · DNI: appointment and renewal →
- AENA · Documents to fly →
- Your Europe · Documents to travel in the EU →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I fly within Spain with an expired DNI?
Yes. The civil aviation security programme lets you identify yourself with an expired DNI or passport on domestic flights, and the driving licence also works. But the airline may require a valid document, so check before flying.
What about travelling to another EU country?
You need a valid DNI or passport. An expired DNI is not a travel document outside Spain. Some countries accept a passport expired up to five years, but it's not worth the risk: carry valid documents.
Does the driving licence work for flying?
As ID on domestic flights, per AENA and the Ministry of Transport, it can work. It is not valid for international travel or as a travel document in the EU. Even so, some airlines only accept the DNI or passport.
What if the airline won't let me board?
Each carrier applies its own documentation policy. If it requires a valid document and you only have an expired DNI, it can deny boarding and you'd lose the flight. Check your airline's conditions and, if in doubt, renew the DNI.
How do I renew the DNI?
By booking an appointment at a DNI issuing office (National Police). Renewal is quick. If you're travelling with little margin, arrange the appointment as soon as possible and always carry some alternative valid document just in case.
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