Key Takeaways
• After May 7, 2025, domestic flyers 18+ need a REAL ID-compliant ID, U.S. Passport Book, or Passport Card at TSA checkpoints.
• U.S. Passport Book and Passport Card are valid alternatives to REAL ID for domestic air travel; only Passport Book works internationally.
• Minors under 18 do not require any ID when flying domestically with an adult; airlines may have additional policies.
Travelers within the United States 🇺🇸 often hear about changing rules for airport identification, especially with the introduction of the REAL ID law. Many people are unsure if they can still use their U.S. Passport or Passport Card to board domestic flights, or if they must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID.
This detailed guide answers the most common questions about using a U.S. Passport, Passport Card, or REAL ID for domestic air travel in the United States 🇺🇸, based only on information clearly reported in official sources, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S. State Department. We also cover common scenarios travelers face at TSA checkpoints, key changes coming in 2025, and how each identification choice affects you.
Most Popular Questions
1. Can I use my valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card instead of a REAL ID to fly domestically?
Yes, you can use your valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card in place of a REAL ID to fly domestically within the United States 🇺🇸. The TSA lists both the passport book and the passport card as acceptable forms of identification at airport security. You do not need both—a valid U.S. Passport, Passport Card, or REAL ID is enough to clear the security checkpoint for all domestic flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card that meets federal security standards set by U.S. law. These stricter rules were put in place so that state-issued IDs are safer and harder to fake. Starting May 7, 2025, every adult traveler (age 18 and over) flying within the United States 🇺🇸 must show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/ID—or another specific government-approved ID—at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. You can recognize a REAL ID by its star marking at the top of the card.
What are other acceptable IDs for domestic air travel?
Besides a REAL ID, the TSA accepts several other forms of identification:
- U.S. Passport Book
- U.S. Passport Card
- Department of Defense (DoD) identification cards
- Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST)
For the full, official list and updates, visit the TSA identification page.
What is the difference between a U.S. Passport Book and a Passport Card?
- A U.S. Passport Book is the traditional booklet with pages for visas and stamps. You can use it for both international and domestic travel—by air, land, or sea.
- A U.S. Passport Card is a wallet-sized card. You can use it for land and sea travel between the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, Mexico 🇲🇽, Bermuda 🇧🇲, and Caribbean countries. You can also use it for domestic flights inside the United States 🇺🇸, but not for international flights.
Important: The Passport Card cannot be used for international air travel. If you need to fly outside the United States 🇺🇸, only a Passport Book will work.
Why is the REAL ID deadline important for domestic travelers?
On May 7, 2025, new rules require everyone age 18 and above to show a REAL ID-compliant license/ID, or an acceptable alternative such as a U.S. Passport Book or Passport Card, to board any domestic flight. If you show up at the airport with only a state-issued driver’s license or ID that is not REAL ID compliant, you will not be allowed past the security checkpoint unless you have an alternative like a U.S. Passport or Passport Card.
Do I need both a REAL ID and a Passport or Passport Card to fly domestically?
No. You do not need both. For domestic air travel, any one of the following will work:
- A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID
- A valid U.S. Passport Book
- A U.S. Passport Card
- Another form of acceptable ID listed by TSA
If you have even one of these, you are fully covered for domestic flights. Carrying both is not required.
My state does not yet offer REAL ID. What should I do?
If your state still does not issue REAL ID cards, or if you have not upgraded yet, bring your valid U.S. Passport Book or Passport Card when flying domestically. These will work in place of a REAL ID after the deadline and will be accepted by TSA agents at security. You do not need to change your travel plans.
What will happen at TSA checkpoints after May 7, 2025?
Starting on May 7, 2025, TSA will require every traveler age 18 and up to show one of the following for a domestic flight:
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID
- U.S. Passport Book
- U.S. Passport Card
- Acceptable alternative listed by TSA
If you do not have an acceptable document, you will not be allowed to pass through the security checkpoint. The change does not impact children under 18 flying with adults.
Are there any exceptions for older forms of ID?
No. After May 7, 2025, standard (non-REAL ID) driver’s licenses or state IDs will not be accepted for domestic flights unless paired with one of the other listed documents. Relying on an outdated ID means you may be turned away at security.
Is the U.S. Passport Card good for international flights?
No. The Passport Card is only valid for land and sea crossings between the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, Mexico 🇲🇽, Bermuda 🇧🇲, and the Caribbean. You cannot board an international flight with a Passport Card; only the U.S. Passport Book is accepted at airport check-in when flying out of the country. Be sure to choose the right document for your travel plans.
Can I use my Global Entry or other Trusted Traveler card in place of a REAL ID?
Yes, if you have a Trusted Traveler card—such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST—that is valid and government-issued, TSA will accept it in place of a REAL ID for domestic flights.
If I lose my REAL ID or Passport right before my flight, what should I do?
If you lose your identification shortly before a flight, immediately contact your airline and the TSA. You may be allowed through after additional identity checks, but these are stricter and may delay your journey. If you have a backup acceptable ID (for example, a passport or passport card in addition to your usual license), bring it with you.
Do minors need REAL ID to fly?
No, children under the age of 18 do not need a REAL ID, U.S. Passport, Passport Card, or any form of identification when flying with an adult on domestic flights. However, airlines may have their own rules for children, so always check with your carrier before you travel.
Where can I check if my driver’s license is a REAL ID?
Look for a small gold or black star at the top of your driver’s license or ID card. The star shows that your ID meets federal REAL ID standards. If you are not sure, ask your local DMV or visit the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID info page for full details.
Does my Passport Book ever expire for domestic flights?
Yes, your U.S. Passport Book or Passport Card must still be valid (not expired) to be used for identification at TSA checkpoints. Always check the expiration date before you travel.
Will TSA accept a digital ID on my phone?
As of now, TSA does not accept photos of IDs or digital copies on your phone for domestic flights. You must bring the physical, government-issued document.
Is there any advantage to having both a REAL ID and a Passport Card?
Having both is not required, but some travelers like to carry both as a backup. For example, if you drive but forget your driver’s license, you could use a Passport Card for identity. For travel, either document is enough on its own for domestic flights, but only the Passport Book is acceptable for international air travel.
What if my name or appearance no longer matches my ID?
Your identification must match your flight reservation and clearly show your current face. If you have changed your name (for example, through marriage) but your ID is not updated, bring supporting documents—like a marriage certificate—to explain differences.
Common Myths About Travel Identification
- Myth: “Only a REAL ID is valid after May 7, 2025.”
Fact: You can use a valid U.S. Passport Book, Passport Card, or another government-issued ID listed by TSA.
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Myth: “The Passport Card is just as good as a Passport Book.”
Fact: The Passport Card is not valid for international flights. Only use it for land/sea crossings or domestic flights.
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Myth: “You need both a REAL ID and Passport to fly.”
Fact: Only one document is needed for TSA. Carry a backup for safety, but any accepted ID alone is enough.
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Myth: “Kids need REAL ID to fly domestically.”
Fact: Minors flying with adults do not need any ID on domestic flights.
Examples & Scenarios
Example 1:
Janet lives in Illinois and wants to fly from Chicago to New York. She does not have a REAL ID, but she has a valid U.S. Passport Book. She simply brings her passport and shows it at the TSA checkpoint—she does not need to worry about being turned away.
Example 2:
Sam travels regularly between Texas and California for work. He has a Passport Card and a driver’s license that is not REAL ID compliant. After May 7, 2025, as long as he has either his Passport Card or a REAL ID-compliant ID, he will be allowed through TSA security.
Example 3:
Maria is visiting family in Mexico 🇲🇽. She tries to use her U.S. Passport Card to board her international flight but is denied entry at check-in. She learns that only the traditional U.S. Passport Book works for international air travel.
Where to Find Official Help and More Resources
- For a complete list of accepted IDs or updates, see the TSA’s official page on travel ID.
- Check the U.S. State Department’s passport information for details on Passport Books and Cards.
- For information specific to your state and REAL ID rollout, start with your DMV or use the TSA REAL ID FAQ page.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these official sources are your best option to make sure you have everything you need for stress-free travel.
Summary and Next Steps
- Starting May 7, 2025, domestic air travelers age 18+ must show a REAL ID-compliant license/ID or another approved document, like a U.S. Passport or Passport Card, at TSA checkpoints.
- The U.S. Passport Book is always accepted for both domestic and international air travel.
- The Passport Card is accepted for domestic flights and for land/sea travel within North America and parts of the Caribbean, but not for international flights.
- You do not need both a REAL ID and a U.S. Passport or Passport Card—a single valid document is all that is required.
- Keep your identification current and make sure your ID matches your flight reservation.
- For up-to-date guidance or questions unique to your circumstances, review TSA rules online or consult your airline before travel.
By understanding these simple but important rules, you can travel domestically with confidence, knowing which identification you need at every TSA checkpoint.
Learn Today
REAL ID → A federally compliant driver’s license or ID card featuring a star, required for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025.
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) → A U.S. government agency responsible for airline security and verifying identification at airport checkpoints.
U.S. Passport Card → A wallet-sized identification card accepted for domestic flights and land/sea travel to select countries, not for international flights.
Trusted Traveler Card → A government-issued ID (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST) accepted by TSA for domestic air travel.
Department of State → The U.S. federal agency in charge of issuing Passports and Passport Cards, overseeing international travel documents.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starting May 7, 2025, all U.S. domestic travelers over 18 must present a REAL ID, valid Passport Book, or Passport Card at airport security. Only one of these is necessary; children under 18 traveling with adults do not require ID. The Passport Book remains essential for all international air travel.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• 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
• REAL ID deadline No delayed again after years of postponements
