Key Takeaways
• Starting May 7, 2025, travelers age 18+ need a REAL ID or U.S. passport for domestic flights.
• A valid U.S. passport (book or card) is an accepted alternative to a REAL ID at TSA checkpoints.
• Children under 18 do not need ID when flying domestically with an adult companion.
The following FAQ aims to provide clear, detailed answers about using a U.S. passport instead of a REAL ID for travel within the United States 🇺🇸. It covers who needs REAL ID, explains what counts as valid ID at TSA checkpoints, compares the U.S. passport and REAL ID, answers practical questions, and shares official resources. The goal is to help travelers, residents, and anyone curious about these rules understand their choices and know what to expect when flying or entering certain secure federal buildings in the United States 🇺🇸.
Most Popular Questions
Q1: Can I use my U.S. passport instead of a REAL ID for air travel within the United States 🇺🇸?
Yes, you can use your U.S. passport—this includes both the passport book and the passport card—to board domestic flights in the United States 🇺🇸. You do not need to have a REAL ID if you have a valid U.S. passport. Both documents are accepted at TSA checkpoints.
Q2: What is the REAL ID and why is it important?
The REAL ID is a form of identification that meets security standards set by federal law. From May 7, 2025, anyone age 18 or older will need to show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or an approved alternative, like a U.S. passport, at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights and to enter some federal facilities. The aim is to make identification more secure and harder to fake.
About REAL ID and U.S. Passports
Q3: What documents qualify for passing through TSA checkpoints starting May 7, 2025?
Beginning May 7, 2025, TSA will accept:
- A Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card (marked with a star at the top)
- A valid U.S. passport book or passport card
- Other federally approved identification, such as a Department of Defense ID
If you have a current U.S. passport, you can use it instead of a REAL ID at TSA checkpoints. You do NOT need both.
Q4: If I have a U.S. passport, do I need to get a REAL ID? What if I do not want one?
You do not need to get a REAL ID if you have a valid U.S. passport book or passport card. Either of these can be used at TSA checkpoints for all domestic air travel in the United States 🇺🇸. Some people may choose not to get a REAL ID for personal reasons or because they do not drive. If you prefer, you can just travel with your passport.
Q5: What is the difference between the passport book and passport card? Are both valid at TSA checkpoints?
– The U.S. passport book is a traditional blue booklet used for all international travel by air, land, or sea.
– The U.S. passport card is a small plastic card and is valid for land and sea travel only to certain countries (like Canada 🇨🇦, Mexico 🇲🇽, and some Caribbean islands), but not for international air travel.
– Both the passport book and card are accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights in the United States 🇺🇸.
Q6: Will a non-REAL ID driver’s license work at TSA checkpoints after May 7, 2025?
No, a regular state-issued driver’s license or photo ID that is not marked as REAL ID compliant will NOT be accepted at TSA security checkpoints for boarding domestic flights after May 7, 2025. You will need a REAL ID or another document like a U.S. passport.
Using Your Passport for Domestic Travel
Q7: Is it easy to use my U.S. passport at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights?
Yes. When you reach the TSA security checkpoint, simply show your valid U.S. passport book or card to the TSA agent just like you would a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license. They will check your passport and boarding pass before letting you move through security.
Q8: What should I do if I lose my REAL ID but have my U.S. passport?
If you lose your REAL ID but have your valid U.S. passport, you can still use your passport to pass through TSA checkpoints for all domestic air travel. You do not need both forms of ID.
Q9: If someone does not have a U.S. passport or REAL ID, can they still board a domestic flight in the United States 🇺🇸?
After May 7, 2025, if you do not have a REAL ID or a valid U.S. passport (book or card), you will need another TSA-approved federal identification, such as a Department of Defense ID or other government-issued card. Without one of these, you will not be allowed to board your flight.
REAL ID, Passports, and Federal Facilities
Q10: What about entering federal buildings? Will my U.S. passport work instead of a REAL ID?
Yes. Federal law allows you to use your valid U.S. passport (book or card) to enter secure federal buildings that require REAL ID-compliant identification. This includes some federal offices, courthouses, and military bases, depending on their rules.
Q11: Do children need a REAL ID or U.S. passport for domestic air travel?
No. TSA does not require children under age 18 to show identification when traveling with a companion within the United States 🇺🇸. However, the adult companion will need to have acceptable ID such as a REAL ID, U.S. passport, or another approved document.
Practical Scenarios and Travel Suggestions
Q12: What if I prefer not to carry my driver’s license when flying domestically?
That is perfectly acceptable. If you do not want to carry your physical driver’s license—even a REAL ID one—you may instead bring your valid U.S. passport book or card to the airport. The passport is enough for all identification checks at TSA checkpoints.
Q13: Are there any advantages to using a U.S. passport instead of a REAL ID?
Some travelers find it simpler or safer to travel with their passport. For example:
- A U.S. passport is accepted for both domestic and international travel.
- If you do not like carrying multiple IDs, your U.S. passport alone is enough.
- Some people who do not drive (and therefore do not have a driver’s license) rely on their passport for all identification needs.
Q14: What happens if my passport has expired? Will it work at TSA checkpoints?
No, only a valid (unexpired) U.S. passport can be used at airport security. If your passport is expired, you must renew it or use another accepted form of identification, like a REAL ID.
Q15: Is a printed or digital copy of my passport acceptable at TSA checkpoints?
No. TSA agents only accept original, physical identification documents—not photocopies or digital versions. Always travel with your actual, valid passport book or card.
Q16: Does everyone need a REAL ID or U.S. passport to fly within the United States 🇺🇸 starting May 7, 2025?
Everyone age 18 and older must have one of these documents (or another TSA-approved federal ID) when flying domestically after that date. Children under 18 do not need to show ID if traveling with an adult who has proper identification.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
Q17: Is the REAL ID a law that takes away my right to travel freely within the United States 🇺🇸?
No. The REAL ID law does not prevent you from traveling. It only sets higher security standards for identification used at certain TSA checkpoints and secure federal sites. You can still choose between getting a REAL ID or bringing another accepted ID, like a U.S. passport.
Q18: Is it true that all states now issue the REAL ID?
Yes. Every U.S. state and territory now offers a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID. Look for a star at the top corner of your license to know it is REAL ID compliant.
Q19: If I have a Green Card or another immigration status, do I need a REAL ID or U.S. passport to fly?
The REAL ID rules only apply to forms of identification, not immigration or citizenship status. If you are not eligible for a REAL ID but have another federally accepted document—such as a Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”)—you may use that instead. See the official TSA list of acceptable documents here.
Extra Tips and Important Notes
- Always check the expiration date of your U.S. passport. If it is expired, renew it before you travel.
- If you are a frequent traveler, carrying your passport can also help in unexpected situations that require official identification.
- A valid passport card is lighter and easier to carry for some people, but remember it cannot be used for international flights.
- If you are unsure about your identification, visit the TSA’s official website for security screening to see a full list of accepted documents.
Official Sources and Where to Get More Help
If you need more information about REAL ID, U.S. passports, or TSA rules:
- For the latest passport rules and how to apply, look at the U.S. Department of State’s passport information page.
- For REAL ID questions, check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent office.
- For TSA checkpoint rules and types of accepted identification, visit TSA’s official site.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, travelers who already have a valid U.S. passport do not need to worry about getting a REAL ID for domestic air travel, and can simply use their passport for all identification checks at airports after May 7, 2025.
Summary of Key Points
- Starting May 7, 2025, travelers age 18+ must present a REAL ID or an approved federal ID (like the U.S. passport) at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights.
- You do not need both. A valid U.S. passport book or card is enough for boarding flights or entering certain secure federal buildings.
- Children under 18 do not need ID for domestic flights with an adult companion.
- Always carry original documents—copies or digital images are not accepted.
- Check your document’s expiration date before traveling.
If you have more questions or are not sure about your status, visit TSA’s official page on identification requirements or consult your airline before you travel. This will help you avoid problems at the airport and make your journey smoother.
For more news and updates about travel documents, REAL ID, and passports, keep checking trusted sites like VisaVerge.com.
Learn Today
REAL ID → A state-issued ID or driver’s license that meets federal security standards, required for U.S. travel starting May 7, 2025.
TSA Checkpoint → A security screening area operated by the Transportation Security Administration at airports for passenger identity and safety verification.
U.S. Passport Card → A wallet-sized federal identification card valid for land and sea travel to certain countries and domestic TSA checks.
Federal Facility → Buildings under U.S. government control, such as courthouses or military bases, often requiring secure identification for entry.
Green Card → A Permanent Resident Card, allowing non-citizens to live and work in the U.S.; accepted as federal identification at TSA checkpoints.
This Article in a Nutshell
Beginning May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers over 18 must present a REAL ID or approved federal document at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. A valid U.S. passport book or card is a fully accepted alternative, making it unnecessary to obtain a REAL ID if you already possess a current passport.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• Service passport rules explained by U.S. Department of State
• Official Passport vs. Diplomatic Passport: Key Differences in the USA
• Which countries offer visa-free entry to diplomatic passport holders?
• Damaged passport abroad? How the U.S. embassy can help you return
• Emergency passport: How U.S. citizens abroad can get urgent travel help
