Key Takeaways
• Starting May 7, 2025, REAL ID or approved ID required for U.S. domestic flights.
• Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card are always accepted for domestic air travel.
• Children under 18 need no ID if with an adult having accepted documents.
The purpose of this FAQ is to provide clear answers to common questions about the use of the U.S. Passport, Passport Card, and REAL ID for domestic air travel in the United States 🇺🇸. Starting May 7, 2025, changes to ID requirements will affect millions of travelers. This FAQ explains these new rules, what types of identification are accepted at airport security, and clears up confusion around when and why a REAL ID is needed. It is designed to help you feel prepared for your next trip, whether you travel often or are planning a rare journey.
Most Popular Questions
1. Can I use my valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card instead of a REAL ID to fly domestically?
Yes, both a valid U.S. Passport and a U.S. Passport Card are accepted alternatives to a REAL ID when flying within the United States 🇺🇸. If you prefer to use your U.S. Passport or Passport Card, you do not need to obtain a REAL ID. This applies to flights beginning May 7, 2025, when new rules take effect at airport security.
2. What is a REAL ID, and why is it important for air travel?
A REAL ID is a special kind of driver’s license or state-issued identification card that meets federal standards set by the U.S. government. Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID will be required for many activities, including boarding domestic flights and entering certain federal buildings if you use a state ID or driver’s license as your main ID. The REAL ID has a star on the card to show it meets the new rules.
3. Is it true that I must get a REAL ID to fly within the United States 🇺🇸?
No, this is a common misunderstanding. You only need a REAL ID if you want to use your state driver’s license or ID card at airport security. If you use a valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card, you do not need a REAL ID to board domestic flights.
General FAQs
4. What are the main types of acceptable identification for U.S. domestic flights starting May 7, 2025?
According to rules from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), travelers can use the following forms of identification for domestic flights after May 7, 2025:
- U.S. Passport (book)
- U.S. Passport Card
– REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state-issued ID card - DHS Trusted Traveler cards (like Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
- U.S. Department of Defense IDs (including those for dependents)
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
You can find a complete list on the official TSA website.
5. What is the difference between a U.S. Passport and a Passport Card?
- The U.S. Passport book is the regular blue book used for all international travel—by land, sea, or air. It is accepted at all foreign borders and for all flights, both domestic and international.
- The U.S. Passport Card is a wallet-sized card. It can be used for land and sea travel between the United States 🇺🇸 and nearby countries like Canada 🇨🇦, Mexico 🇲🇽, the Caribbean, and Bermuda 🇧🇲. It is also accepted as ID for domestic flights and access to federal buildings, but cannot be used for international flights.
6. Does everyone need a REAL ID to fly domestically after May 7, 2025?
No, not everyone needs a REAL ID. You only need one if you want to use a state-issued driver’s license or ID card as your main identification at airport security. If you have and use your U.S. Passport or Passport Card, that is enough for domestic flights. The REAL ID requirement is just for people who use state IDs.
7. If I do not have a REAL ID, can I still board flights with my U.S. Passport or Passport Card?
Yes, you can. The TSA and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirm that both the U.S. Passport and Passport Card are fully accepted as alternatives to REAL ID for domestic flights. You will have no problem passing through security at any U.S. 🇺🇸 airport with these documents.
8. What happens if I show up to the airport with a non-REAL ID driver’s license after May 7, 2025?
If you do not have a REAL ID but do have a valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card, simply present that at the airport. If you only have a standard, non-REAL ID state driver’s license, you will not be allowed to board your domestic flight, unless you can show another acceptable type of ID like those listed above.
9. I am a U.S. citizen. Which document is best for domestic flights: REAL ID, U.S. Passport, or Passport Card?
All three are valid and safe options for domestic flights within the United States 🇺🇸. The best choice depends on your needs:
- If you want to use your regular driver’s license as ID and don’t want to carry your passport, getting a REAL ID makes sense.
- If you already carry your U.S. Passport or Passport Card, you do NOT need a REAL ID.
- If you travel internationally often, carrying your U.S. Passport may be easiest.
10. What should I do if my U.S. Passport is expired?
You must have a valid (unexpired) U.S. Passport or Passport Card to use them for identification at the airport. If your passport is expired, you should renew it before your next flight. The U.S. Department of State’s website gives detailed instructions for renewing your passport.
11. I heard the Passport Card cannot be used for international travel. Is that true?
Yes, that is correct. The U.S. Passport Card is only good for land and sea travel between the United States 🇺🇸 and nearby countries (Canada 🇨🇦, Mexico 🇲🇽, the Caribbean, Bermuda 🇧🇲). It does not work for international flights. But it is fine for all domestic airline travel within the United States 🇺🇸.
12. What about children and teens—do they need a REAL ID or passport to fly domestically?
The TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States 🇺🇸. The companion must have acceptable identification (such as REAL ID, U.S. Passport, or Passport Card). Airlines may have their own policies, so check with them before flying.
13. Can Green Card holders use their cards to board domestic flights?
Yes, Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) are accepted IDs for domestic flights. As with other travelers, they do not need a REAL ID if they use their Green Card.
Deeper Questions & Scenarios
14. What does the REAL ID Act change about domestic travel?
The REAL ID Act requires that state-issued licenses and ID cards used for certain federal purposes—like boarding a domestic flight—must meet stricter rules. After May 7, 2025, you cannot use a regular, non-REAL ID driver’s license for domestic flights unless you have another approved ID, such as a U.S. Passport, Passport Card, Trusted Traveler Card, or Green Card.
15. If I lose my REAL ID, Passport, or Passport Card before a flight, what should I do?
If you lose your primary identification before a flight, contact your airline and the TSA for advice. In some cases, they may accept another form of ID or, with additional screening, allow you to board. As soon as possible, apply for a replacement at your state’s DMV or Department of State.
16. Are there any other ways to prove my identity at the airport if I do not have these documents?
TSA accepts many types of government-issued photo ID, but you must bring one from the approved list. In rare cases, if you do not have an ID, TSA may still let you through after extra screening, but this is not guaranteed and can delay travel. A U.S. Passport, Passport Card, or REAL ID is the surest way to board smoothly.
17. How do I tell if my state ID or driver’s license is REAL ID-compliant?
REAL ID-compliant cards have a star at the top. Each state designs the card a little differently, but if you see a gold or black star, your license or ID is REAL ID-approved.
18. What if my state does not issue REAL IDs yet?
Almost all states now issue REAL IDs, but if your state has not started, you can use other forms of ID (such as your U.S. Passport, Passport Card, or a Green Card) for domestic flights.
Cross-references to Other FAQ Sections
- For more on what happens if you do not have a REAL ID, see Question 8.
- For instructions on renewing your passport or what to bring for identification, see Questions 10 and 16.
Key Points to Remember
- Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID or another approved ID to board domestic flights.
- A valid U.S. Passport (book) always works for flying—domestic and international.
- The U.S. Passport Card is accepted for domestic flights but not for international air travel.
- If you use your passport or passport card, you do not need a REAL ID.
- Green Cards, Trusted Traveler cards, and military IDs are also approved IDs for domestic flights.
- Children under 18 are not required to show ID for domestic flights if accompanied by an adult with accepted ID.
Common Misconceptions
Myth: You must have a REAL ID to fly anywhere in the United States 🇺🇸.
Truth: You only need a REAL ID if you want to use your driver’s license as your main ID. Passports and Passport Cards remain valid.
Myth: The Passport Card is only for traveling to Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽.
Truth: The Passport Card is also accepted for all domestic flights and federal facilities.
Myth: Everyone will be refused boarding if they lack a REAL ID.
Truth: There are many approved alternative IDs, including U.S. Passports, Passport Cards, Green Cards, and more.
Where to Find More Help or Resources
You can read the official guidance for acceptable forms of identification at the TSA’s identification page. For passport details, go to the U.S. Department of State’s passport site. REAL ID rules and updates are posted at the Department of Homeland Security REAL ID page.
For additional answers and the latest updates, VisaVerge.com provides trustworthy reporting and user-friendly guidance for U.S. travelers.
In summary, you do not need a REAL ID if you have a valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card for domestic travel. Starting on May 7, 2025, new rules mean that standard state IDs or driver’s licenses that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted for domestic flights. Make sure your travel ID is on the approved list before heading to the airport. Whenever in doubt, check with official sources or reach out to your airline for last-minute questions. Safe travels!
Learn Today
REAL ID → A federally compliant driver’s license or state-issued ID card marked by a star, needed for certain federal purposes like flights.
U.S. Passport Card → A wallet-sized card valid for domestic flights and land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda—not valid for international flights.
DHS Trusted Traveler Cards → Identification cards from security programs (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI) issued for expedited travel and accepted by TSA for flights.
Enhanced Driver’s License → A state-issued driver’s license with enhanced security features, accepted for U.S. land/sea travel into certain countries and domestic flights.
TSA → Transportation Security Administration, the agency responsible for airport security and traveler identification requirements in the United States.
This Article in a Nutshell
Beginning May 7, 2025, U.S. domestic travelers must present a REAL ID or approved alternative at airport security. However, a valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card is always acceptable for flights. Prepare your documents ahead to avoid disruptions and consult official resources for any updates on accepted identification requirements.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• DHS Slams ‘National ID Card’ Rumors Over REAL ID
• REAL ID is not a national ID card, says Department of Homeland Security
• REAL ID not required for standard driver’s license in most states
• TSA to require REAL ID or U.S. passport for domestic flights in 2025
• REAL ID deadline delayed to 2025, says Department of Homeland Security
