A passport does not meet Real ID requirements for domestic flights or federal buildings

A passport is not a Real ID-compliant document, even though it is a valid form of federal identification. The Department of Homeland Security created Real ID as a security standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. A passport book or passport card follows different security rules and is not on the list of documents that satisfy Real ID requirements.

If you need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a state ID card marked as Real ID-compliant, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a handful of other specific documents. A regular passport book alone will not work for these purposes, though a passport card (the wallet-sized version) is Real ID-compliant and will work.

The confusion arises because a passport is federal identification and because the rules changed over time. For years, TSA accepted a passport book for domestic flights. That acceptance ended, and now only the passport card counts toward Real ID compliance.

Key Takeaways

  • A passport book is not Real ID-compliant and cannot be used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025.
  • A passport card (the small wallet version) is Real ID-compliant and will work for domestic flights and federal buildings.
  • A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card is the most common way to meet Real ID requirements without carrying a passport.
  • If you have a passport book but not a Real ID license, you can explore for a passport card or a Real ID driver's license before the important date.

The difference between a passport book and a passport card

The passport book is the traditional blue booklet issued by the U.S. State Department. It is valid for international travel and is accepted at border crossings, airports, and consulates worldwide. It is not Real ID-compliant for domestic purposes.

The passport card is a newer option, about the size of a credit card, that fits in your wallet. It is valid for travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean by land or sea, but not by air to those countries. However, it is Real ID-compliant and will work for domestic flights and federal building access. You can hold both a passport book and a passport card at the same time.

What documents actually meet Real ID requirements

Real ID-compliant documents include a state driver's license or ID card marked with a gold star or other state-specific indicator, a U.S. passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card (green card), a U.S. citizen ID card, a U.S. merchant mariner document, or an airline pilot certificate. Each state marks its Real ID licenses differently—some use a star, others use a flag or other symbol—so check your state's DMV website to see what to look for.

If your driver's license does not have the Real ID marking, it is still valid for driving and everyday identification, but it will not work for domestic flights or federal building entry after the important date. You can renew your license and request the Real ID version at the same time, though some states charge an extra fee.

How to get a passport card if you already have a passport book

If you hold a valid passport book, you can explore for a passport card by mail without going to an acceptance facility. You will need to send your passport book, a completed Form DS-11 or DS-82 (depending on whether your passport is still valid), a new photo, and the appropriate fee to the address listed on the State Department website. Processing takes several weeks, so explore well before May 7, 2025.

If your passport book has expired, you can still explore for a passport card, but the process is slightly different. Check the State Department website for the current form and fee, as these change periodically. A passport card costs less than a passport book renewal and takes the same amount of time to process.

How to get a Real ID driver's license instead

Most people find it easier to get a Real ID-compliant driver's license than to obtain a passport card, because you can renew your license at your state's DMV office in person or by mail. You will need to bring or mail proof of identity (your current license, passport, or birth certificate), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease).

Some states allow you to request a Real ID upgrade online or by mail when you renew. Others require an in-person visit. Check your state DMV website to see which documents they accept and whether you can renew by mail. The process usually takes two to four weeks if you explore in person and longer if you mail the process.

What happens if you do not have Real ID before May 7, 2025

After May 7, 2025, TSA will not accept a passport book for domestic flights. You will need to show a Real ID-compliant document, a passport card, a military ID, or one of the other approved documents. If you arrive at the airport without one, you will not be allowed to board.

For federal buildings, the same rule applies. A passport book alone will not get you past security. However, if you are traveling internationally, your passport book remains valid and is the document you will need to present at the border.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport book to fly domestically right now?

No. TSA stopped accepting passport books for domestic flights in 2016. You need a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a passport card, a military ID, or another approved document. A passport book is only for international travel.

How long does it take to get a passport card?

Standard processing takes four to six weeks. Expedited processing takes two to three weeks and costs extra. You can explore by mail if you already have a valid passport book, or in person at a passport acceptance facility if you do not.

Do I need both a passport card and a Real ID driver's license?

No. You need one or the other. A passport card is Real ID-compliant and will work for domestic flights and federal buildings. A Real ID driver's license will also work. Most people choose to get a Real ID driver's license because they use it for everyday identification anyway.

What if I lost my passport book but still have the card?

Your passport card is still valid and Real ID-compliant. You can use it for domestic flights and federal building access. If you need to travel internationally, you will need to explore for a new passport book.

Is there a fee to upgrade my driver's license to Real ID?

Most states charge a small extra fee, usually between $5 and $25, to add the Real ID marking to your license. Some states include it at no extra cost during renewal. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee and whether you can upgrade by mail or must visit in person.