Key Takeaways
• A valid Permanent Resident Card is accepted for domestic flights as an alternative to REAL ID starting May 7, 2025.
• REAL ID-compliant licenses or accepted alternatives are mandatory for adults boarding domestic flights after the enforcement deadline.
• Expired green cards are not accepted for travel; renew or carry supporting documents if your card is pending or lost.
This FAQ aims to answer common questions about using a Permanent Resident Card, sometimes called a Green Card, for domestic air travel in the United States 🇺🇸. With changes coming to identification rules because of the REAL ID law, many people—especially green card holders—want to know if their Permanent Resident Card is enough to get through airport security. This FAQ covers who needs a REAL ID, what alternatives are accepted, and tips for traveling if you have a green card or are waiting for one.
Most Popular Questions
- Can I use my Permanent Resident Card instead of a REAL ID to fly domestically?
- What exactly is a REAL ID and who needs one?
- What other ID documents can I use for domestic flights?
- What do green card holders need to know for traveling within the United States 🇺🇸?
- What should I do if my green card is expired or I’m waiting for a new one?
- Are children required to show identification for domestic travel?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Permanent Resident Card instead of a REAL ID to fly in the United States 🇺🇸?
Yes, a valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card) is accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as an alternative to REAL ID for all domestic flights within the United States 🇺🇸. If you are a green card holder, you do not have to apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID to fly domestically. You just need to show your Permanent Resident Card at the TSA security checkpoint.
Key steps:
- Make sure your Permanent Resident Card is valid (not expired).
- Have your card ready when passing through airport security.
- It is a good idea to carry extra identification in case you need it.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this flexibility is part of efforts to make sure all legal residents have ways to travel even if they do not have a REAL ID-compliant document.
What exactly is a REAL ID, and why is it important?
A REAL ID is a special kind of state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets higher security standards set by the U.S. federal government. You can recognize a REAL ID-compliant license or ID by the star symbol in the top right corner.
Starting May 7, 2025, anyone age 18 or older will need either a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/ID or another TSA-accepted ID to board a domestic flight. The new rule is meant to make security stronger at airports and other federal buildings.
Important: If you do not have a REAL ID or other accepted ID by this date, you will not be able to board your flight.
What other documents does the Transportation Security Administration accept for domestic flights?
The TSA accepts several types of identification for domestic flights. Here are some commonly accepted documents:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID (including IDs for dependents)
- Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766). Find Form I-766 on the USCIS website.
- Unexpired foreign passport
- Border crossing card
- Federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID
- Transportation worker identification credential (TWIC)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employment authorization card
- Merchant mariner credential issued by the U.S. Coast Guard
- Veteran health identification card
A complete, current list of accepted IDs is always available on the TSA’s official site.
If you do not have one of these documents, you should get a REAL ID or one of the alternatives listed above before your next flight.
Does my Permanent Resident Card need to be unexpired when I travel?
Yes, your Permanent Resident Card must be valid and unexpired. The TSA will not accept an expired green card for domestic travel. If your card will expire before your trip, you should renew it as soon as possible.
Tip: Carry backup documents, such as a driver’s license or your current passport, especially if your green card is close to its expiration date.
Do I need to have both a REAL ID and a Permanent Resident Card?
No, you do not need both. Either document by itself is enough to board a domestic flight after REAL ID rules begin. A valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card works because it is a federally accepted document, just like a passport or a Department of Defense ID.
What if I am applying for a green card and have not received it yet?
If you have a pending application for a green card (also known as Adjustment of Status), you may not have your Permanent Resident Card yet. In this case, you can still fly domestically if you carry:
- Your valid foreign passport
- An unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as Form I-766
- A copy of your I-797C Notice of Action letter that shows your Adjustment of Status is pending
Having these documents helps show TSA officers you are waiting for your green card and are lawfully present in the country.
What are the requirements for children under 18 traveling within the United States 🇺🇸?
Children under 18 years old do not have to show identification when flying with an adult who has an approved ID, such as a REAL ID or Permanent Resident Card. Airlines might have their own rules for minors traveling alone, so it’s best to check with your airline before travel.
If you are traveling with teenagers who are close to 18, be aware that the new ID rules apply as soon as they turn 18.
If I’m a green card holder, do I have to get a REAL ID too?
No, you do not have to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID if you already have a valid Permanent Resident Card and plan only to fly domestically. The Permanent Resident Card meets federal requirements and is accepted by TSA.
However, some green card holders choose to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license for other uses, such as entering some federal facilities or if they want a second form of identification.
How many people in the United States 🇺🇸 have a green card?
About 12.8 million people hold a green card in the United States 🇺🇸, including over 2 million from India 🇮🇳. This is a large group of residents who can use their Permanent Resident Card to travel domestically without getting a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license.
Can I use my Permanent Resident Card for things other than air travel?
Yes. A valid Permanent Resident Card is also accepted:
- As proof of your right to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸
- For reentry to the United States 🇺🇸 after short trips abroad (with some additional rules)
- For many official purposes, such as applying for a job, signing a lease, or opening a bank account
However, some federal buildings, military bases, or other secured places may require a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, or may not accept a Permanent Resident Card alone. Always check the requirements before going to these places.
What if my green card expires while I’m traveling?
If your Permanent Resident Card expires during your trip, it could cause problems with TSA clearance or when re-entering the country from abroad. Renew your card ahead of time or, if you are already traveling and waiting for a renewal, carry your I-797C Notice of Action (which shows you are waiting for a new card), along with your expired green card and other identification.
Will a permanent resident’s foreign passport be enough for domestic travel?
An unexpired foreign passport is accepted by TSA for domestic travel. If you do not have your Permanent Resident Card yet, you can use your foreign passport until you receive the card. Once you have your green card, it is recommended to use it since it shows your status clearly.
Are permanent residents required to carry their green card at all times?
Yes. U.S. immigration law requires permanent residents to always carry their Permanent Resident Card as proof of status. This is not just for air travel—it is a general rule for daily life. If you are stopped by law enforcement or need to prove your status, you need this card.
Warning: Not carrying your green card can sometimes lead to fines or delays. It is always better to keep it with you, ideally in a safe but accessible place.
If I have other travel cards (like Global Entry), do I still need my Permanent Resident Card or REAL ID?
A DHS Trusted Traveler card, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, is accepted by TSA for domestic flights. These cards can be used instead of a Permanent Resident Card or REAL ID at airport security. However, for most official purposes outside air travel, your Permanent Resident Card may still be required as proof of your immigration status.
What is the REAL ID enforcement deadline, and why is it important?
The federal government has set May 7, 2025, as the start date for full REAL ID enforcement. After this date, adults need to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or one of the alternative IDs approved by TSA—including a Permanent Resident Card—to board any domestic flight.
Important: If you show up at the airport without one of the accepted IDs, the TSA will not allow you through security for your flight.
Does the TSA accept digital IDs or copies of my Permanent Resident Card?
No. Only the original, physical Permanent Resident Card is accepted. Digital versions, photos, or copies (even if clear) are not enough for TSA purposes, though they may be helpful in some other situations.
What if I lose my green card close to my travel date?
If you lose your Permanent Resident Card before your trip, apply for a replacement as soon as possible by filing Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) with USCIS. The official form can be found here. In urgent cases, contact the nearest USCIS office and carry any proof that your replacement is in progress, along with other valid identification.
How do I keep up with changes in travel rules?
Rules about identification and the REAL ID program may change. For the official word, always check the TSA’s information page before traveling.
Summary and Next Steps
If you are a green card holder living in the United States 🇺🇸, your Permanent Resident Card is a safe, approved choice for domestic airline travel—even after the new REAL ID law takes effect in May 2025. Just keep your card valid, carry it with you, and check your airline’s rules if you’re traveling with children or teens.
If you are waiting for your green card, or if your card is lost, expired, or close to expiring, act quickly to update your documents and stay within the rules. To avoid travel surprises, review what identification you’ll need for your trip and visit the official TSA site for a full list.
For more information about travel, green cards, and changes to identification rules, you can always ask immigration attorneys or check trusted sources like VisaVerge.com, which regularly explains these updates for travelers and residents.
If you need help or have questions about your Permanent Resident Card, REAL ID, or Transportation Security Administration requirements, you can also reach out to the TSA directly or visit a USCIS office.
Travel safely, carry the right ID, and always stay up-to-date on the latest rules.
Learn Today
Permanent Resident Card → Also called a Green Card; proof of lawful permanent residency, allowing individuals to live and work in the United States.
REAL ID → A federally mandated ID standard for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, required for domestic air travel beginning May 7, 2025.
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) → A U.S. government agency responsible for airport security and enforcing identification requirements for domestic flights.
Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document) → A work permit issued by USCIS, allowing eligible non-citizens to work in the U.S. and also used for identification.
I-797C Notice of Action → An official receipt from USCIS confirming a pending application or action, used as supporting evidence in some immigration situations.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. domestic travelers must show a REAL ID or approved alternative, like a Permanent Resident Card, at airports. Green card holders don’t need to get a REAL ID to fly if their card is valid. Renew your card promptly and always carry proper identification when traveling.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• U.S. Passport or Passport Card valid for domestic flights after REAL ID deadline
• REAL ID appointment rules differ by state at DMV and RMV offices
• REAL ID application now starts online at many DMV and Arizona MVD sites
• REAL ID soon required for entry to federal facilities nationwide
• REAL ID rules take effect, changing access for undocumented immigrants
