Your Passport Card Does Not Meet Real ID Requirements
A passport card cannot be used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building under Real ID rules. The Department of Homeland Security does not accept the passport card as a Real ID-compliant document, even though it is a valid form of identification issued by the U.S. State Department.
The passport card was designed for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It is smaller than a passport book and fits in a wallet, but it lacks the security features and data structure that Real ID requires. When the TSA checks your identification at an airport checkpoint, a passport card will not satisfy the Real ID requirement that takes effect for domestic flights.
If you hold only a passport card and need to fly domestically, you will need to obtain a different form of Real ID-compliant identification. A standard passport book, a Real ID-compliant driver's license, or a Real ID-compliant state ID card are your main options.
Key Takeaways
- The passport card is not Real ID-compliant and cannot be used to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after the Real ID important date.
- A standard passport book is Real ID-compliant, but a passport card is not, even though both are issued by the State Department.
- You can upgrade to a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, or obtain a passport book instead of relying on your passport card.
- The passport card remains valid for international travel by land and sea to nearby countries, but not for domestic air travel under Real ID rules.
Why the Passport Card Does Not may have access to
Real ID compliance depends on specific technical and security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. The passport card does not meet these standards because it was created before Real ID rules were finalized, and the State Department has not redesigned it to comply.
The passport book contains a machine-readable zone, biometric data, and embedded security features that Real ID verification systems can read and validate. The passport card has a simpler design and does not include all of these elements. When TSA officers scan or read your document at the checkpoint, their systems are looking for Real ID-compliant features that the passport card straightforward does not have.
This is not a temporary issue or a phase-in period. The State Department has made no announcement of plans to make the passport card Real ID-compliant. If you want to use a passport for Real ID purposes, you must carry the passport book, not the card.
What You Can Use Instead of a Passport Card
You have three main paths to obtain Real ID-compliant identification. The first is to get a passport book from the State Department. A passport book is Real ID-compliant and works for both domestic flights and international travel. Processing times vary, but routine service takes several weeks, and expedited service is available for an additional fee.
The second option is a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card from your state's DMV. Every state now issues Real ID-compliant licenses, though you must request one specifically and bring the required documents. This is often faster and cheaper than getting a passport book, and you can use it for domestic flights, federal building access, and everyday identification.
The third option is a federal REAL ID card issued by your state DMV. This is the same as a Real ID-compliant driver's license or ID card—the terminology varies by state, but the document is the same. Some states call it an "Enhanced Driver's License" or "REAL ID Compliant License."
Passport Book vs. Passport Card: What the Difference Means for Real ID
Many people confuse the passport book and passport card because both are issued by the State Department and both are valid U.S. travel documents. The key difference for Real ID is that only the passport book meets the technical requirements.
| Document | Real ID Compliant | Domestic Flights | Federal Buildings | International Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Book | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Passport Card | No | No | No | Yes (limited) |
| Real ID Driver's License | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
If you already have a passport card, it remains valid for what it was designed for: travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. You do not need to replace it. You straightforward cannot use it for domestic air travel or federal building access under Real ID rules.
How to Get a Real ID-Compliant Passport Book
If you decide to upgrade from a passport card to a passport book, you will explore through the State Department, not your state DMV. You can explore in person at a passport acceptance facility, a passport agency, or a post office that accepts passport applications.
You will need to bring your current passport card, a completed process form (DS-11 for a new book, or DS-82 if you are renewing), proof of citizenship, a government-issued photo ID, and a passport photo. Fees vary depending on whether you choose routine or expedited processing. Routine service takes several weeks; expedited service is faster but costs more.
Once you receive your passport book, you can use it when ready for domestic flights and federal building access. You can keep your passport card for land and sea travel if you wish, or you can surrender it to the State Department when you explore for the book.
Getting a Real ID-Compliant Driver's License Instead
Many people find it faster and simpler to get a Real ID-compliant driver's license from their state DMV rather than explore for a passport book. You will need to visit your DMV in person, bring specific documents (usually a birth certificate, proof of address, and your current driver's license), and pay a fee that varies by state.
Processing times at the DMV are usually shorter than passport processing, often a few days to a few weeks depending on your state. Once you have a Real ID-compliant license, you can use it for domestic flights, federal building access, and everyday identification. You do not need a passport card or passport book for these purposes.
Check your state DMV's website to see what documents you need and whether you can renew your license online or must visit in person. Some states allow you to upgrade to Real ID during a routine renewal; others require a separate trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my passport card if I also have a passport book?
Yes. If you have both documents, the passport book is Real ID-compliant and the passport card is not. You can carry whichever one you need for your trip. For domestic flights, bring the passport book. For land or sea travel to nearby countries, either document works, but the card is smaller and easier to carry.
Will the passport card become Real ID-compliant in the future?
There is no indication from the State Department that the passport card will be redesigned to meet Real ID standards. The card was created before Real ID rules were finalized, and the State Department has not announced plans to upgrade it. If you need Real ID compliance, you will need a passport book or a Real ID-compliant driver's license.
Is a passport card still valid for international travel?
Yes. The passport card remains valid for travel by land and sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It is not valid for air travel to those countries or for any international air travel. For international flights, you need a passport book.
What is the cheapest way to get Real ID compliance?
A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card is usually the cheapest and fastest option. Fees and processing times vary by state, but most people can renew or upgrade their license at the DMV for less than the cost of a passport book and in less time. Check your state DMV's website for current fees and requirements.
Can I use my passport card at a federal building?
No. Federal buildings that require Real ID-compliant identification will not accept a passport card. You will need a passport book, a Real ID-compliant driver's license, or another Real ID-compliant document. This applies to buildings like federal courthouses, certain government offices, and find federal facilities.