Passport card in lieu of Real ID

[A440]

We will be traveling domestically in June. DS2 does not have a Real ID (although we plan to get him one eventually). He does, however, have a US passport card. My understanding is this can be used in lieu of a real ID when flying domestically.
Is this accurate?

[dbr]

TSA.gov: Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint


[Link reformatted by moderator oldcomputerguy]

[TravelFund]

I have used both a passport card and Global Entry as a Real ID.

They both make good back up identification especially when traveling internationally (I keep passport on me and back up hidden in my luggage)

[student]

I have used both a passport card and Global Entry as a Real ID.

They both make good back up identification especially when traveling internationally (I keep passport on me and back up hidden in my luggage)

I do the same.

[HueyLD]

We will be traveling domestically in June. DS2 does not have a Real ID (although we plan to get him one eventually). He does, however, have a US passport card. My understanding is this can be used in lieu of a real ID when flying domestically.
Is this accurate?

The link provided by dbr clearly shows that a passport card can be used as a real ID.

[obafgkm]

My driver's license is not a Real ID; when I renewed my passport book, I just got a passport card as well, and have used the passport card sometimes when traveling domestically by plane. (I've also used my driver's license, since Real ID is not yet required).

Because there have many changed "deadlines" as to when RealIDwillberequirednofoolin', I have serious doubts that the latest deadline will actually occur.

[dbr]

Between passport card and trusted traveler ID there are already two options without even carrying an actual passport.

I guess if one needs to renew the DL anyway a real ID makes sense, but I agree it is not clear this is going to fly given the history.

[Vinny_in_NJ]

I don't have a real ID, my driver's license expires this year after the May deadline but do plan on getting one. I have always used my passport since I got it and needed more stringent proof.

True story, years ago before real ID I was going through TSA at an airport and handed my passport to the agent as ID, I forget if we were going on a cruise at the end of the flight. He told me that I don't need a passport for domestic flights and I said I know but I have it so I use it and he proceeded to argue with me. I thought an official US document would be the best document to use since I had it on hand.

[grok87]

Between passport card and trusted traveler ID there are already two options without even carrying an actual passport.

I guess if one needs to renew the DL anyway a real ID makes sense, but I agree it is not clear this is going to fly given the history.

my own experience in getting a Real ID drivers license was very painful (long wait). YMMV. The passport card is very easy. I wish i had known about it back then as i would have skipped the real id drivers license.

[bombcar]

You can still fly without ID if you’re willing to spend an absurd amount of time talking with TSA.

But a passport card will work fine - do you not have an actual passport? Because a passport is the most powerful ID available to normal people.

[GoldStar]

A passport card IS a Real ID.
So of course it will work.
I assume you mean he doesn't have a state issued license that is Real ID compliant yet.

[dbr]

You can still fly without ID if you’re willing to spend an absurd amount of time talking with TSA.

But a passport card will work fine - do you not have an actual passport? Because a passport is the most powerful ID available to normal people.

Also, when one does apply for a Real ID compliant drivers license an existing passport is one of the key helpful documents that gets you there.

[A440]

You can still fly without ID if you’re willing to spend an absurd amount of time talking with TSA.

But a passport card will work fine - do you not have an actual passport? Because a passport is the most powerful ID available to normal people.

We got both the passport book and card when renewing. The card fits nicely in his wallet.

[A440]

A passport card IS a Real ID.
So of course it will work.
I assume you mean he doesn't have a state issued license that is Real ID compliant yet.

Correct. IIFC, getting a real ID at a NJDMV was not a pleasant experience. Whereas, I have actually had a pleasant experience with other documents at a NJDMV. Different offices offer different documents here in NJ.

[bobn60014]

I find the whole process redundant. If one has a valid passport and Global Entry, all the background has been done. Going to the DMV shouldn't be a dog and pony show.

[bombcar]

To answer the question I’ve used my passport card as ID even though I do have realid. It was easier to find in my wallet.

[oldcomputerguy]

From the horse's mouth:

US Department of State: A U.S. Passport Card is RealID Compliant

A passport card can be used as ID for domestic flights. It cannot be used for international air travel. Valid for entering the United States from
Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry

[GoldStar]

A passport card IS a Real ID.
So of course it will work.
I assume you mean he doesn't have a state issued license that is Real ID compliant yet.

Correct. IIFC, getting a real ID at a NJDMV was not a pleasant experience. Whereas, I have actually had a pleasant experience with other documents at a NJDMV. Different offices offer different documents here in NJ.

In my state you need to go in person with an appointment and it takes over a month to get an appointment. For certain license renewals you need to do them in person regardless so there are cases where people's licenses are expiring before they can get them renewed. The problem is they have been behind for the last year because in addition to the Real ID deadline they are now allowing undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses causing a huge surge in the system. Hopefully they eventually catch up.

[grok87]

From the horse's mouth:

US Department of State: A U.S. Passport Card is RealID Compliant

A passport card can be used as ID for domestic flights. It cannot be used for international air travel. Valid for entering the United States from
Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry

thanks

[A440]

I guess it's good we have a passport card for DS2 to fly in June. There are zero appointments available in the entire State of NJ for getting a Real ID.
Apparently, it has been that way for a few weeks now, even though the state has added Real ID Thursday's.

[rob]

You can still fly without ID if you’re willing to spend an absurd amount of time talking with TSA.

But a passport card will work fine - do you not have an actual passport? Because a passport is the most powerful ID available to normal people.

Also, when one does apply for a Real ID compliant drivers license an existing passport is one of the key helpful documents that gets you there.

Ironically... A passport and an existing drivers license is not enough to get a "real id" on a drivers license in my state but a passport is enough by itself to use as a "real id".... Someone in the government needs to explain that so I understand... in small words

[stan1]

The Real ID Act was passed in 2005. My suspicion is that after 20 years they are going to stick with it this time.

[grok87]

Also, when one does apply for a Real ID compliant drivers license an existing passport is one of the key helpful documents that gets you there.

Ironically... A passport and an existing drivers license is not enough to get a "real id" on a drivers license in my state but a passport is enough by itself to use as a "real id".... Someone in the government needs to explain that so I understand... in small words

+1

[grok87]

The Real ID Act was passed in 2005. My suspicion is that after 20 years they are going to stick with it this time.

i doubt it

[lazydavid]

The Real ID Act was passed in 2005. My suspicion is that after 20 years they are going to stick with it this time.

If they push it one more time, the 25th anniversary of the event that precipitated the requirement will pass before the requirement itself takes effect.

But at less than 2 months out, if that were going to happen I think it would have been announced by now.

[stan1]

The Real ID Act was passed in 2005. My suspicion is that after 20 years they are going to stick with it this time.

If they push it one more time, the 25th anniversary of the event that precipitated the requirement will pass before the requirement itself takes effect. :oops:

But at less than 2 months out, if that were going to happen I think it would have been announced by now.

This TSA press release from Feb 2025 makes it sound like people without RealID compliant IDs will be vectored into a non-compliant line and dealt with but not denied boarding. Hopefully the filtering is done quickly so those who have the RealID are minimally impacted.

https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases ... may-7-2025

[criticalmass]

Also, when one does apply for a Real ID compliant drivers license an existing passport is one of the key helpful documents that gets you there.

Ironically... A passport and an existing drivers license is not enough to get a "real id" on a drivers license in my state but a passport is enough by itself to use as a "real id".... Someone in the government needs to explain that so I understand... in small words

That’s because you need current address documents in addition to the passport etc. Your passport doesn’t show your address and the address on your old license just needs to be revalidated.

The document requirements for my state to issue a Real ID were the same (plus other state’s license) I needed to get my earlier non Real ID drivers license issued by that state. I just upgraded at renewal time and paid the one time Real ID fee. But in practice I use another ID at airports anyway.

[rob]

Ironically... A passport and an existing drivers license is not enough to get a "real id" on a drivers license in my state but a passport is enough by itself to use as a "real id".... Someone in the government needs to explain that so I understand... in small words

That’s because you need current address documents in addition to the passport etc. Your passport doesn’t show your address and the address on your old license just needs to be revalidated.

The document requirements for my state to issue a Real ID were the same (plus other state’s license) I needed to get my earlier non Real ID drivers license issued by that state. I just upgraded at renewal time and paid the one time Real ID fee. But in practice I use another ID at airports anyway.

My address is not revalidated when I renew without "real id" - they just use the same info. My issue is that the requirements are higher than the highest proof of id (passport). It's nonsense.

[clip651]

That’s because you need current address documents in addition to the passport etc. Your passport doesn’t show your address and the address on your old license just needs to be revalidated.

The document requirements for my state to issue a Real ID were the same (plus other state’s license) I needed to get my earlier non Real ID drivers license issued by that state. I just upgraded at renewal time and paid the one time Real ID fee. But in practice I use another ID at airports anyway.

My address is not revalidated when I renew without "real id" - they just use the same info. My issue is that the requirements are higher than the highest proof of id (passport). It's nonsense.

Passport is not tied to your address, aside from a place to have the passport delivered at renewal. Moving (even to another country) doesn't affect your passport.

Driver's license is tied to your address (and state of residence). If you (generic you, not person I'm replying to in particular) move, you're supposed to get the address updated. If you move to a different state, you're supposed to get a new driver's license in the new state, and the old one will no longer be valid, etc. Apparently they've decided for a driver's license to be a real ID, the address must be validated. Probably in part because they know that the address is not necessarily validated for every normal driver's license renewal, so it may be out of date.

And if you don't like it, you can just use your passport anywhere a real ID is needed, and have your driver's license stay "unreal" so to speak. Outside of the real ID issue, obviously the passport and driver's license (plain or real ID version) serve different purposes.

[rob]

Probably in part because they know that the address is not necessarily validated for every normal driver's license renewal, so it may be out of date.

Then you will not get the new license in the mail.... I will not jump thru nonsense hoops and take bills etc. to get a star on my license. There is no requirement for ID on a plane to validate an address. There is no extra validation if I simply renew an not star license.

[SR II]

We will be traveling domestically in June. DS2 does not have a Real ID (although we plan to get him one eventually). He does, however, have a US passport card. My understanding is this can be used in lieu of a real ID when flying domestically.
Is this accurate?

You didn't say how old DS2 is. If he is under 18 years old, he doesn't need ANY ID to travel domestically.

[clip651]

Probably in part because they know that the address is not necessarily validated for every normal driver's license renewal, so it may be out of date.

Then you will not get the new license in the mail.... I will not jump thru nonsense hoops and take bills etc. to get a star on my license. There is no requirement for ID on a plane to validate an address. There is no extra validation if I simply renew an not star license.

Well, I could still get my license if a relative still lived at my old address. Not that I'm recommending that.

That's fine. In my state our Secretary of State has tried to emphasize that people with a valid passport don't need to bother with this. For practical purposes, it's really for those who want to fly domestically (or access certain federal buildings, etc) who don't have, don't want, or don't want to carry a passport or passport card.

I have a valid passport, so I've no need for a star on my license either. But when my license is up for renewal, I'll probably do it. I can easily prove my address, so it's no big deal to me. Then I'll have two acceptable forms of ID for domestic air travel just in case. That way if one is up for renewal there's a good chance I'll still have my other one ready if needed. For example when I apply to renew my passport, there is a period of time when the old passport is no longer valid due to submission of the renewal application, and the new one has yet to be received.

[Cletus Davenport]

Probably in part because they know that the address is not necessarily validated for every normal driver's license renewal, so it may be out of date.

Then you will not get the new license in the mail.... I will not jump thru nonsense hoops and take bills etc. to get a star on my license. There is no requirement for ID on a plane to validate an address. There is no extra validation if I simply renew an not star license.

And don’t forget your social security card! Yep, that little piece of paper I got in 1974 that somebody typed my name and number on. I got turned away from my first Real ID attempt because I didn’t bring that…….

[THY4373]

I also refuse to do the RealID nonsense my state requires. I have Global Entry and my Global Entry card has worked perfectly to clear TSA and it to get access to Federal facilities for years. I also have passport too but it is bulky so I prefer not to use it for getting through TSA even when travelling internationally. I seen no reason to deal with RealID at this point as long as I maintain Global Entry.

[Cletus Davenport]

I also refuse to do the RealID nonsense my state requires. I have Global Entry and my Global Entry card has worked perfectly to clear TSA and it to get access to Federal facilities for years. I also have passport too but it is bulky so I prefer not to use it for getting through TSA even when travelling internationally. I seen no reason to deal with RealID at this point as long as I maintain Global Entry.

Won’t you have to get a Star ID next time you renew your drivers license? I thought that was the whole dealio?

[cheesepep]

I like the one ring to rule them all, with the ring being my passport. Simple.

[THY4373]

Won’t you have to get a Star ID next time you renew your drivers license? I thought that was the whole dealio?

I cannot speak to other states but my state clearly states (I just checked again) that as far as they are concerned it is optional. And that there is no need to get one if you already have another federally accepted form of ID (of which I have two, Global Entry and passport) and/or if you don't travel by air or need to enter federal facilities and military bases.

[grok87]

Then you will not get the new license in the mail.... I will not jump thru nonsense hoops and take bills etc. to get a star on my license. There is no requirement for ID on a plane to validate an address. There is no extra validation if I simply renew an not star license.

Well, I could still get my license if a relative still lived at my old address. Not that I'm recommending that.

That's fine. In my state our Secretary of State has tried to emphasize that people with a valid passport don't need to bother with this. For practical purposes, it's really for those who want to fly domestically (or access certain federal buildings, etc) who don't have, don't want, or don't want to carry a passport or passport card.

I have a valid passport, so I've no need for a star on my license either. But when my license is up for renewal, I'll probably do it. I can easily prove my address, so it's no big deal to me. Then I'll have two acceptable forms of ID for domestic air travel just in case. That way if one is up for renewal there's a good chance I'll still have my other one ready if needed. For example when I apply to renew my passport, there is a period of time when the old passport is no longer valid due to submission of the renewal application, and the new one has yet to be received.

good point

[lazydavid]

Won’t you have to get a Star ID next time you renew your drivers license? I thought that was the whole dealio?

No. Drivers' licenses or State IDs are NOT required to be Real ID for any individual in any state. The deadline that is looming is that in May it will become difficult/impossible to fly domestically without presenting some form of Real ID. For most people, the natural choice for that would be a RealID-compliant DL or State ID. But there are over a dozen things that meet that requirement. In my household, each of us has 4:

Star DL
Passport Book
Passport Card
Global Entry Card

[criticalmass]

That’s because you need current address documents in addition to the passport etc. Your passport doesn’t show your address and the address on your old license just needs to be revalidated.

The document requirements for my state to issue a Real ID were the same (plus other state’s license) I needed to get my earlier non Real ID drivers license issued by that state. I just upgraded at renewal time and paid the one time Real ID fee. But in practice I use another ID at airports anyway.

My address is not revalidated when I renew without "real id" - they just use the same info. My issue is that the requirements are higher than the highest proof of id (passport). It's nonsense.

I’m not tracking the first sentence. The rule requires states to verify addresses. You only need to obtain real ID status once unless you change states.
Passports are fine to travel with per treaties, but do not contain address information.

[rob]

My address is not revalidated when I renew without "real id" - they just use the same info. My issue is that the requirements are higher than the highest proof of id (passport). It's nonsense.

I’m not tracking the first sentence. The rule requires states to verify addresses. You only need to obtain real ID status once unless you change states.
Passports are fine to travel with per treaties, but do not contain address information.

My state allows a star or not on drivers license as you want...
- For the NON star, I do NOT need a social security card to prove - I dunno what - nor a rates notice to prove the address. In fact - every second time I can just renew online without a DMV visit and they mail the license to the address on file (which I can change online).
- For a passport book/card - I do NOT need a rates notice to prove where I live.
- For Global entry - I do NOT need a rates notice to prove where I live.

This nonsense star DL is the ID that need some random additional proof when it's NOT required for the real-id, since other acceptable forms do not need that info. The states are adding this for no logical reason.

Why would I jump through their random hoops when I have LESS hassle to get a MORE accepted ID - passports are accepted everywhere in the world for ID. I already have a passport book + card + global entry, so not like I am relying on a single acceptable form of ID.

[criticalmass]

I’m not tracking the first sentence. The rule requires states to verify addresses. You only need to obtain real ID status once unless you change states.
Passports are fine to travel with per treaties, but do not contain address information.

My state allows a star or not on drivers license as you want...
- For the NON star, I do NOT need a social security card to prove - I dunno what - nor a rates notice to prove the address. In fact - every second time I can just renew online without a DMV visit and they mail the license to the address on file (which I can change online).
- For a passport book/card - I do NOT need a rates notice to prove where I live.
- For Global entry - I do NOT need a rates notice to prove where I live.

This nonsense star DL is the ID that need some random additional proof when it's NOT required for the real-id, since other acceptable forms do not need that info. The states are adding this for no logical reason.

Why would I jump through their random hoops when I have LESS hassle to get a MORE accepted ID - passports are accepted everywhere in the world for ID. I already have a passport book + card + global entry, so not like I am relying on a single acceptable form of ID.

States require the identification requirements in the Real ID legislation and rule. Some states resisted for a long time but all states and DC are issuing Real ID now.
If you prefer to use another acceptable ID like passport, that’s fine too.

[mnnice]

The Real ID Act was passed in 2005. My suspicion is that after 20 years they are going to stick with it this time.

If they push it one more time, the 25th anniversary of the event that precipitated the requirement will pass before the requirement itself takes effect.

But at less than 2 months out, if that were going to happen I think it would have been announced by now.

There will be people that have had compliant for 13 years as well.

[rob]

States require the identification requirements in the Real ID legislation and rule. Some states resisted for a long time but all states and DC are issuing Real ID now.
If you prefer to use another acceptable ID like passport, that’s fine too.

You're missing my point.

[clip651]

States require the identification requirements in the Real ID legislation and rule. Some states resisted for a long time but all states and DC are issuing Real ID now.
If you prefer to use another acceptable ID like passport, that’s fine too.

You're missing my point.

Your point seems to be that you expect the bureaucracy to make sense. It doesn't in some cases, perhaps this is a good example. But since you have a passport this doesn't actually affect you personally. That's the point, here on bogleheads, where things need to be actionable, not just venting.

[lazydavid]

There will be people that have had compliant for 13 years as well.

Anyone who had a Passport was compliant on day 1, so I’m not clear why this is relevant.

[Pam01]

I have used both a passport card and Global Entry as a Real ID.

They both make good back up identification especially when traveling internationally (I keep passport on me and back up hidden in my luggage)

In what circumstances is a backup ID useful when traveling internationally? In case the passport is lost and you need to obtain another one by contacting the US embassy/consulate?

[blortchplop]

My address is not revalidated when I renew without "real id" - they just use the same info. My issue is that the requirements are higher than the highest proof of id (passport). It's nonsense.

This is an odd hill to die on.

More and more, I'm finding that an appreciation for absurdity helps me get through life. I recommend attempting to cultivate the ability to laugh at absurdities such as this one. It will come in handy a lot more than it should in a perfect world.

[Northern Flicker]

A passport card is one form of RealID. I renewed my driver's license online w/o Real ID (saving time and money) since I already have a passport card that is convenient to carry.

[exodusing]

This nonsense star DL is the ID that need some random additional proof when it's NOT required for the real-id, since other acceptable forms do not need that info. The states are adding this for no logical reason.

Why would I jump through their random hoops when I have LESS hassle to get a MORE accepted ID - passports are accepted everywhere in the world for ID. I already have a passport book + card + global entry, so not like I am relying on a single acceptable form of ID.

The other nonsense is that whatever problem real-id was meant to solve does not appear to have been a problem for 20 years, so why make people jump through hoops just because 20 years ago someone thought it a good idea?

Meanwhile, our global entry cards have worked for id to fly. When we renew our passports we'll get passport cards as another acceptable form of id.