Key Takeaways
• From May 7, 2025, REAL ID or passport is required for domestic flights in the U.S.
• A valid U.S. passport book is required for all international air travel, not a REAL ID.
• Passport cards only allow land or sea crossings with Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
The following FAQ is designed to clearly answer common questions about the REAL ID, international travel, and passports. It explains how REAL ID rules affect air travel, both within the United States 🇺🇸 and internationally. If you are unsure what you will need to fly or travel outside the United States 🇺🇸, the answers below will help you get ready, avoid problems at airports, and understand the difference between these important documents.
Most Popular Questions
Do I need a REAL ID to fly internationally?
No, you do not need a REAL ID to fly internationally. If you are leaving the United States 🇺🇸 and traveling to another country, you must have a valid passport. REAL ID is only for domestic flights (flights within the United States 🇺🇸). Even after REAL ID rules start on May 7, 2025, this does not change—your passport is still your main document for all international travel.
What will I need to board an international flight from the United States 🇺🇸 after May 7, 2025?
You will need a valid U.S. passport book to board any international flight. A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card is not accepted for international air travel. Airlines and security officials will ask for your passport at check-in and gate boarding.
Can I use a passport card for international travel?
A passport card cannot be used for international air travel. Passport cards are only accepted for land and sea crossings between the United States 🇺🇸 and some nearby countries, like Canada 🇨🇦, Mexico 🇲🇽, Bermuda 🇧🇲, and the Caribbean. They do not meet the requirements for boarding international flights.
What is the REAL ID and what is it used for?
REAL ID is a type of driver’s license or identification card that meets higher federal security standards set by the United States 🇺🇸 government. After May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID (or another acceptable document) to:
- Board domestic flights (flights within the United States 🇺🇸)
- Enter some federal buildings or military bases
REAL ID is not valid for international travel. You will still need your passport for trips outside the United States 🇺🇸.
How will REAL ID enforcement affect domestic travel?
Starting May 7, 2025, people who want to board flights within the United States 🇺🇸 will need to show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card or use another acceptable identification, such as a passport or a military ID.
If you do not have a REAL ID or an approved identity document after this date, you will not be allowed through airport security for domestic flights. The goal is to make domestic air travel and entry to certain federal sites more secure and consistent across the country.
How can I tell if my ID is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID has a star at the top of the card. Some states use a gold, black, or white star, depending on the design. If your driver’s license or state ID does not have this star, it’s probably not a REAL ID. You can check with your local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) to confirm.
What do I need to do to get a REAL ID?
To get a REAL ID, you will likely need to visit your state’s DMV office and bring documents that prove:
- Who you are (such as a birth certificate or passport)
- Your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax form)
- Your address (such as a utility bill or bank statement)
Check your state’s DMV website for the exact list of documents required, as it may be slightly different from state to state.
What does “enforcement date” mean for REAL ID?
The enforcement date is the day when the new rules start and airports, federal agencies, and security checkpoints begin checking for REAL ID or another approved document. The current enforcement date is May 7, 2025. After this date, standard driver’s licenses that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted at airport security for domestic flights.
For returning to the United States 🇺🇸 from another country, can I use a REAL ID?
No, you must use your valid passport to re-enter the United States 🇺🇸 after traveling abroad. Customs and immigration staff do not accept REAL ID cards for this purpose. Your passport is the only document accepted to prove your identity and citizenship at U.S. borders or airports upon return from international trips.
Does a REAL ID replace a passport?
No, a REAL ID does not replace a passport. They have different uses:
- REAL ID: Used for flying inside the United States 🇺🇸 and entering certain federal buildings.
- Passport: Used for all international travel, both by air and at borders.
If you plan to travel outside the United States 🇺🇸, make sure your passport is valid for the entire trip. You’ll still need your passport even if you have a REAL ID.
Can I use my passport instead of a REAL ID for domestic flights?
Yes, you can use a valid U.S. passport to board domestic flights after REAL ID rules start. A passport is always accepted at airport security, whether you are flying inside or outside the United States 🇺🇸.
Is my child required to have a REAL ID or passport to fly?
The rules are different for children:
- For domestic flights inside the United States 🇺🇸, children under 18 traveling with an adult do not need to show identification. The adult must have a REAL ID or another approved document.
- For international flights, every traveler—including children and infants—needs their own passport book.
What about military IDs or other forms of ID?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts certain other IDs instead of REAL ID for air travel. These include:
- U.S. passport (book or card, as appropriate)
- U.S. military ID
- Permanent Resident card (Green Card)
- DHS Trusted Traveler cards (such as Global Entry or NEXUS cards)
See the TSA’s list of acceptable IDs on their official website.
How do I get a U.S. passport, and how is it different from a REAL ID?
You can apply for a U.S. passport by filling out Form DS-11 and submitting it with documents such as proof of citizenship, ID, and a passport photo. You must pay a fee, and processing times vary.
A passport is different from a REAL ID because it proves your citizenship and allows you to enter foreign countries. It is recognized by border authorities around the world. REAL ID is for proving your identity within the United States 🇺🇸 and cannot be used for international travel.
I already have a REAL ID. Do I still need a passport to travel internationally?
Yes, you absolutely still need a valid passport to travel outside the United States 🇺🇸. Your REAL ID is only for domestic travel and certain federal facilities, not for crossing international borders.
Will states still give out regular (non-REAL ID) licenses?
Some states will still issue standard driver’s licenses or ID cards, but you cannot use these at airport security for domestic flights after May 7, 2025. Only REAL ID-compliant cards (or another approved document, like a passport) will be accepted after this date.
Can I use a passport card for domestic flights instead of a REAL ID?
Yes, a passport card is approved for domestic flights and land/sea border crossings with some countries. But remember: a passport card is not valid for international air travel.
If I am a non-U.S. citizen, can I use my foreign passport to fly domestically?
Yes, the TSA accepts foreign passports for domestic flights in the United States 🇺🇸. If you live in the United States 🇺🇸 as a non-citizen, you may also use lawful permanent resident cards, employment authorization cards, and other approved documents. Always check the official guidelines for the latest information.
Do I need to carry both my REAL ID and passport when I travel?
For most domestic trips, you only need one approved document (like a REAL ID, passport, or passport card). For international travel, you must carry your passport. Carrying both is a good idea if you will be accessing federal buildings or crossing borders during your trip.
I am traveling by land or sea to Canada 🇨🇦, Mexico 🇲🇽, or the Caribbean. What do I need?
A passport card is enough for land or sea crossings to Canada 🇨🇦, Mexico 🇲🇽, Bermuda 🇧🇲, or some Caribbean islands, but not for international flights. For air travel to any other country or these destinations, a passport book is always required.
Are REAL ID and passport cards the same?
No, a REAL ID is not a passport card. REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or ID card that meets federal rules and is good for domestic flights and some buildings. A passport card is a federal ID that is good for land and sea travel to nearby countries but cannot be used for international flights.
How can I check when my passport or REAL ID expires?
The expiration date is shown on the document. Make sure to renew your passport at least six months before it expires if you plan to travel internationally, as many countries require six months of passport validity.
What happens if I show up to the airport for an international flight with just a REAL ID after May 7, 2025?
If you only have a REAL ID and not a valid passport for an international flight, you will not be allowed to board. The airline and security staff will deny you entry past the checkpoint. Always bring your passport book for any international travel by air.
Where can I find official information about REAL ID and passports?
For REAL ID rules and requirements, check the U.S. Department of Homeland Security REAL ID FAQ. For passports, visit the U.S. Department of State passport page.
Are there myths or common mistakes about REAL ID and international travel?
Yes, many people believe a REAL ID is all they need to fly anywhere—even internationally—which is not true. Also, some think a passport card is enough for all travel abroad, but in reality it is only good for some land and sea crossings. Always use a passport book for flights to another country.
Summary and Next Steps
– To fly internationally, you need a valid U.S. passport book—never just a REAL ID.
– From May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID, passport, or other approved document to board domestic flights.
– Passport cards are only for land and sea travel with certain countries, not for international flights.
– Always check your documents for their expiration date before travel.
– Bring the right document for your trip and double-check official websites for any changes in rules.
For the most current updates and in-depth guidance on REAL ID, international travel, and passports, look to government sources like U.S. Department of Homeland Security, or for timely analysis, VisaVerge.com provides up-to-date commentary.
If you have more questions or need help, contact your local DMV, the U.S. Department of State, or airport security staff before you travel to make sure you have the right documents. Safe travels!
Learn Today
REAL ID → A federally compliant driver’s license or ID required for U.S. domestic flights and certain federal facilities after May 7, 2025.
Passport Book → Official document issued by the U.S. government allowing international travel by air, sea, or land worldwide.
Passport Card → Smaller U.S. passport version valid only for land and sea crossings with select countries, not international flights.
Enforcement Date → The date (May 7, 2025) when new REAL ID rules start being required at airport security and federal buildings.
DHS Trusted Traveler Cards → Special identification cards (like Global Entry or NEXUS) accepted by TSA for expedited security and border crossing.
This Article in a Nutshell
Confusion about REAL ID and passports can lead to missed flights. Remember, after May 7, 2025, a REAL ID is needed for domestic flights, but never for international ones. International air travel always requires a valid passport book, not a passport card. Check your documents and official guidelines before your journey.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• REAL ID offers little added value if you have a valid passport
• Malta work permit scam: Man charged for using fake passport
• U.S. Passport and Passport Card remain valid for domestic flights after REAL ID
• Foreign passport accepted for ID on domestic flights in the US
• TSA to require REAL ID or U.S. passport for domestic flights in 2025
