Key Takeaways
• A valid passport or passport card is accepted instead of a REAL ID for domestic flights and federal buildings.
• REAL ID is mainly for convenience; costs $20-$60, while a passport book costs $165 for first-time applicants.
• REAL ID is not valid for international travel; only passports allow travel outside the United States.
The FAQ below is designed to answer common questions about whether there is any real benefit to getting a REAL ID if you already have a valid passport. It covers the main uses of the REAL ID, compares it to the passport and passport card, and considers issues like flying within the United States 🇺🇸, entry into federal buildings, convenience, costs, and more. This FAQ uses very simple language and lists the important facts and differences clearly, so everyone can understand their options and decide what works best for them.
Most Popular Questions
Do I need a REAL ID if I already have a valid passport?
If you already have a valid passport, you do not need to get a REAL ID for most uses, including flying inside the United States 🇺🇸 and getting into federal buildings. Your passport, as well as a passport card, is already considered REAL ID compliant and can be used whenever someone asks for a REAL ID.
What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a type of state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets higher security standards set by the United States 🇺🇸 government. Starting May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to board a domestic flight or enter some federal buildings.
What is a passport?
A passport is an official document from the government that proves your identity and citizenship. You can use a passport to travel to other countries and for identification when needed in the United States 🇺🇸.
REAL ID and Passport: Functions and Common Scenarios
Can I use my passport for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025?
Yes. A valid passport is one of the main documents that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will accept for flights within the United States 🇺🇸. If you have a current passport, you do not need a REAL ID to fly within the country.
Example: If you fly from New York to California, showing your passport at the airport is enough to get through security.
What about the passport card?
The passport card is a wallet-sized card that works just like a passport for getting through airport security on domestic flights and for entering federal facilities. Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel, but they are REAL ID compliant.
Is there any situation for Domestic Air Travel where a REAL ID is better than a passport?
Not really. Both the passport and REAL ID (or passport card) are accepted for boarding domestic flights. The only difference is that some people prefer carrying their driver’s license or state ID, since it fits more easily in a wallet, while a passport book is larger.
Are there places where I need a REAL ID but cannot use a passport?
No. Whenever a REAL ID is required, such as some federal buildings or military bases, a valid passport is also accepted.
Other Uses and Convenience Factors
Can I use my passport to enter federal buildings?
Yes. You can use your valid passport to get into most federal buildings, military bases, and similar facilities. You do not need a REAL ID if you already have a passport.
Is it easier to use a REAL ID than a passport?
For some people, yes. The REAL ID is the same size as a driver’s license or normal ID card, so it fits with your other cards. If you already carry your driver’s license everywhere, you might find it easier to have a single card that works for both driving and as an ID for flights or government buildings.
Note: If you prefer not to carry your passport book all the time, a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card may feel more convenient for everyday use.
Can I drive with a passport?
No. The passport and passport card are for identification, not for driving. Only a driver’s license or a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license lets you legally drive a car.
Cost Differences and Validity Periods
How much does a REAL ID cost compared to a passport or passport card?
Here are the typical costs:
– REAL ID: $20 to $60 (depending on what state you live in)
– Passport Book: $165 for first-time applicants, $130 for renewals
– Passport Card: $65 for first-time applicants, $30 for renewals
Note: Prices can change. Check your state’s ID office and the U.S. Department of State for the most current costs.
How long do these documents last?
- REAL ID: Valid for 4 to 8 years, depending on your state
- Passport Book and Passport Card: Valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16
Validity and Renewal
Do I need to renew my REAL ID or passport card more often?
In most states, you need to renew a REAL ID more often than a passport book or passport card. For example, if your state gives you a REAL ID valid for only 4 years, but your passport card lasts for 10 years, you will need to renew your REAL ID twice as often.
What happens if my passport or REAL ID expires?
If your passport is expired, you cannot use it for flights or to get into federal buildings. The same is true for a REAL ID or passport card. Always make sure your documents are current before you travel.
International Travel
Can I use a REAL ID for international trips?
No. You need a passport book to travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 by air. The passport card can only be used for entering the United States 🇺🇸 by land or sea from Canada 🇨🇦, Mexico 🇲🇽, the Caribbean, or Bermuda 🇧🇲.
When would I use a REAL ID outside the U.S.?
You cannot use a REAL ID for travel or identification in other countries. Always use your passport for any trips or identification needs abroad.
Related Questions
If I do not have a passport, do I need to get a REAL ID?
Yes. If you do not plan to get a passport, you will need a REAL ID or some other accepted form of identification to board domestic flights or get into federal buildings after May 7, 2025.
Can I get both a passport and a REAL ID?
Yes. Some people choose to have both. For example:
– They use the passport book for international trips.
– They use the REAL ID for driving and everyday identification.
– Or, they carry the passport card for easy identification during domestic travel.
Should I upgrade my driver’s license to a REAL ID?
You might want to upgrade your license to a REAL ID if:
– You do not want to carry your passport book for domestic flights or visits to federal buildings.
– Your driver’s license or state ID is about to expire.
– You want a simple wallet-sized ID that works for most situations inside the United States 🇺🇸.
If none of these apply, and you don’t mind using your passport or passport card, there is no rule that says you have to get a REAL ID.
Myths and Common Misunderstandings
Myth: You must have both a REAL ID and a passport to fly domestically.
Fact: You only need one. Your passport or passport card is enough for domestic flights.
Myth: REAL ID replaces your passport.
Fact: A REAL ID cannot be used for international travel. You still need a passport to fly to or from another country.
Myth: Only a REAL ID can get you into federal buildings.
Fact: A valid passport or passport card is accepted as identification at most federal offices and military bases.
Myth: REAL ID is a special document for immigrants.
Fact: REAL ID is for everyone who wants a state ID or driver’s license that meets new security rules. It is not only for immigrants.
Decision Checklist
When deciding whether to get a REAL ID if you already have a passport, ask yourself:
– Do I want the ease of using my driver’s license or ID card for flights and federal buildings?
– Is it a problem for me to carry my passport for extra identification?
– Is my driver’s license expiring soon anyway?
– Do I want to avoid the extra cost and paperwork for a new ID?
If you do not mind carrying your passport, and you don’t mind the size of the passport book, you probably do not need a REAL ID, unless required for other reasons.
Where to Find More Information
For more help, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security REAL ID page for the official rules and updates on what counts as valid identification. You can also read more at U.S. State Department’s passport information page for details on passports and passport cards.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the main benefit of a REAL ID for passport holders is simply convenience. If you travel often inside the United States 🇺🇸 and don’t like to carry your passport book everywhere, you might enjoy having a REAL ID for less hassle at airport security or federal building entrances.
Summary
If you already have a valid passport (or passport card), there is little or no major benefit to getting a REAL ID for things like domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. The REAL ID serves mainly as a way to combine your license and travel ID in one card, which can be handy for people who prefer to travel light. However, the passport and passport card do the job just as well for these situations.
Before making any changes or spending extra money, check how often you really need to show your ID for flights or federal buildings and decide whether carrying your passport works for you. Always double-check your documents are current, especially as the May 7, 2025 deadline for REAL ID enforcement approaches. For more official details and updates on the REAL ID program, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security REAL ID page.
If you need more personalized advice for your own situation, your state DMV office or a passport acceptance office can answer any questions about getting or renewing the IDs you need.
Learn Today
REAL ID → A federally compliant state-issued ID required for domestic flights and federal facilities in the United States after May 7, 2025.
Passport Card → A wallet-sized card valid for domestic identification and limited land or sea travel, but not for international air travel.
Domestic Air Travel → Flights that take place within the United States, requiring specific types of identification at security checkpoints.
TSA → The Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. agency responsible for airport security and identification requirements.
Federal Facilities → Government buildings or locations requiring approved identification for entry, such as military bases and federal offices.
This Article in a Nutshell
Do you need a REAL ID if you already have a valid passport? For most, the answer is no. A passport or passport card works for domestic flights and federal buildings. The REAL ID is just more convenient for some. You’ll only need one for these uses—choose based on your lifestyle.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• 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
• European Court of Justice rules Malta golden passport program illegal
