Lois Larson
As of May 7, 2025, US travelers will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to board commercial flights. REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include state-issued driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, and US passports. International travelers will need a regular passport book, which is valid for TSA. A passport card is not sufficient for international flights.
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What You'll Learn
A passport is a valid ID at TSA checkpoints
As of May 7, 2025, every U.S. citizen who is 18 years and older will need a REAL ID-compliant license or an approved alternative to fly domestically. While some sources state that a passport card is not considered a REAL ID, a full unexpired foreign passport most definitely qualifies as one. TSA also accepts a U.S. passport book as valid identification for international travel.
REAL ID-compliant cards are being issued by all 50 U.S. states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. If you already have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, you can identify it by looking for a star in the top portion of the card (or, in California, a bear with a star cut out).
If you don't have a REAL ID, you can use your passport or passport card to travel. However, it's important to note that a passport card is not valid for international flights. It's only good for certain land or sea crossings. For international travel, you will need a regular passport book.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you can obtain a REAL ID by visiting the DMV and providing the following information: your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status. It's always good to check with your state department of motor vehicles, as some states may have additional requirements.
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REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are also accepted
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license will be mandatory for air travel within the US. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers who present non-compliant IDs at TSA checkpoints without another acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening.
REAL ID-compliant identification is now required to fly within the US. However, if you have a valid passport or other REAL ID-compliant document, and are not due to renew your driver's license or ID card, you do not need to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license immediately.
A REAL ID-compliant driver's license is a federally compliant, DMV-issued driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID that is required to board a domestic flight within the US or enter certain federal buildings. To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you can apply through your state DMV office. The process and required documents may vary by state, so it is recommended to check with your state department of motor vehicles. In most cases, you will need to provide proof of identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are a non-U.S. citizen. Some states may also require proof of residency, such as a recent bank statement or utility bill issued within the last year.
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are marked with a star in the top right corner, indicating that they meet the higher security standards set by the REAL ID Act. This Act ensures that state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards are more secure and uniform across the country.
It is important to note that REAL ID compliance only applies to state-issued credentials. International travelers will typically carry a regular passport book, which is accepted as a valid form of identification for TSA checkpoints. However, a passport card is not considered a REAL ID-compliant document and cannot be used for air travel, including international flights.
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Foreign passports are considered REAL IDs
A passport is a widely accepted form of identification at airports. In the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) advises that passengers should travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a state-issued REAL ID. From May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.
It is important to note that there are some differences in the requirements for REAL IDs and passports. For example, a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification for a REAL ID, but a passport can be issued as a temporary document. Additionally, some states may have specific requirements for REAL ID compliance, so it is always a good idea to check with your state department of motor vehicles.
While a passport is a widely accepted form of identification at airports, it is important to be aware of any specific requirements or restrictions that may be in place for your particular destination or mode of travel. For example, a passport card is not valid for international travel, and some countries may require additional documentation, such as a visa.
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Passport cards are not considered REAL IDs
A passport is considered an acceptable identification document at the airport. However, there is some confusion regarding passport cards and their validity as REAL IDs. REAL IDs are state-issued credentials, and passport cards are not issued by the state. This is why some TSA agents may claim that passport cards are not considered REAL IDs.
While a passport card can be used as identification for domestic travel, it cannot be used for international travel. This is because a passport card does not serve as proof of signature, and it is not accepted as a valid form of identification for re-entry to the U.S. at the airport. For international travel, a regular passport book is required.
The REAL ID Act outlines the requirements for identification documents to be accepted at airports, federal facilities, and nuclear power plants. While a passport card is not specifically mentioned in the Act, it is listed as an acceptable alternative form of identification on the TSA website. This suggests that the TSA does recognize a passport card as a valid form of identification, despite it not being a REAL ID.
It is important to note that the requirements for REAL ID-compliant identification are constantly evolving. As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Therefore, it is recommended to check the latest requirements and guidelines before traveling to ensure you have the appropriate identification documents.
To avoid any issues at the airport, it is advisable to carry a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued identification card, especially when traveling internationally. These forms of identification are widely accepted and recognized, ensuring a smoother travel experience.
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REAL IDs are required for US domestic flights
As of May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for the issuance and production of driver's licenses and identification cards. It also prohibits federal agencies from accepting noncompliant forms of identification for certain official purposes.
To be REAL ID-compliant, travelers can obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state photo identity card issued by their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If travelers are unsure if their ID complies with REAL ID requirements, they should check with their state DMV. It is important to note that temporary driver's licenses are not considered acceptable forms of identification.
For those without a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state photo ID, there are alternative forms of identification that can be used. These include a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry or NEXUS), a U.S. Department of Defense ID, an enhanced tribal card issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, or a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766). International travelers can use their regular passport book, which is valid ID for TSA.
It is recommended to check the list of acceptable forms of identification before traveling to ensure that you have the necessary documentation to board your domestic flight.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a passport is an acceptable form of ID at the airport.
Starting May 7, 2025, every US citizen who is 18 years and older will need a REAL ID or approved alternative to fly domestically.
REAL ID is a federally standardized, more secure driver's license or identification card.
Acceptable alternatives to a REAL ID include a passport, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and a U.S. Department of Defense ID.
No, you cannot use a passport card to fly internationally. A passport book is required for international travel.
