Skip to main content

TSA/Security

If your driver's license or state-issued ID expired on or after March 1, 2020, and you are unable to renew at your state driver’s license agency, you may still use it as acceptable identification at the checkpoint. TSA will accept expired driver’s licenses or state-issued ID a year after expiration.      

TSA’s job is to make sure you are who you say you are. In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly (domestic travel only). The TSA officer may ask you to complete a form to include your name and current address and may ask additional questions to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You may be subject to additional screening. For more instructions and information about valid forms of identification, visit the TSA website.      

The quick answer is "no," at least if you leave the country. An expired passport is not accepted for overseas travel. If your passport has expired or will expire within the next six months, you must renew it. You should contact your nearest embassy to start the renewal process.      

Escorts for unaccompanied minors may be arranged with your airline, fees may apply. If you wish to escort your minor child to the gate only, a gate pass may be issued by the airline. To obtain a gate pass, proceed to the airline ticket counter and explain to the ticket agent you are escorting your minor child to the gate. If granted, be prepared to have a valid ID and to comply with all security processes and restrictions.      

Note: gate passes cannot be authorized in advance and are issued at the discretion of the airline ticket agent.      

Every airline and airport may have different rules, so it's always best to phone the airline first to obtain any special instructions. Visit our Airlines page for a list of the airline’s hours and phone numbers.       

For Military: Gate passes are usually issued at the airline ticket/check-in counter. You will need the passenger’s name, flight number and a government issued photo ID. If you are escorting a departing military service member, they should have their military orders available as well as government photo IDs for everyone over the age of 18. If you require assistance, let an airline employee know that you wish to obtain a gate pass and explain the circumstances. Be sure to allow plenty of time before flight departure and/or arrival to account for check-in and security screening.      

Who will be considered for a gate pass?      
• A parent with a child flying alone – known as unaccompanied minor (under 18)      
• A companion for a passenger that has a disability (perhaps to push a wheelchair, etc.)      
• A companion for a passenger with special needs (can’t understand signs and/or instructions or perhaps needs a sign language interpreter)      
• A companion for a passenger who is elderly and may become confused or disoriented      
• Family members of military service personnel who are reporting for duty or arriving home from active duty      

Note: gate passes cannot be authorized in advance and are issued at the discretion of the airline ticket agent.      

To sign up for TSA PreCheck, you must submit an online application and schedule an in-person appointment that includes a background check and fingerprinting at an enrollment center. Visit TSA's PreCheck website to submit an application and learn more. Note, TSA PreCheck approval may take up to 60 days and SJC does not have a TSA PreCheck enrollment center.      

To sign up for CLEAR, you can either start the enrollment process online and finish at a CLEAR kiosk or you can complete the entire process at a CLEAR kiosk at SJC. Visit CLEAR's website to enroll and learn more.     

Yes. CLEAR is available in both Terminal A and B security checkpoints.  

Visit TSA's website to learn more about what you can and cannot bring through security screening. 

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States.      

  • Terminal A checkpoint opens at 4:00 a.m. 
  • Terminal B checkpoint opens at 4:15 a.m.

Standard closing time is 11:00 p.m., but TSA coordinates with the airlines to remain open when there are late departures. 

The Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. Learn more about REAL ID.