Can I use a passport card instead of a REAL ID?

Passport Card vs. REAL ID: Clearing Up the Confusion for Domestic Flights

Flying within the U.S. can be confusing with the various identification requirements. You hear about REAL ID, passport books, and passport cards, and it's easy to get lost in the alphabet soup of travel documents. This article clarifies whether you can use a passport card in lieu of a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state identification card for domestic air travel.

The short answer is yes. Both a U.S. passport book and a U.S. passport card are acceptable forms of identification for domestic flights. They both satisfy the requirements of the REAL ID Act, meaning you won't be turned away at the TSA checkpoint if you present either one.

The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. While these state-issued IDs are commonly used for domestic air travel, they must be REAL ID compliant to be accepted. You can identify a REAL ID-compliant card by the star marking in the upper right corner.

So, what's the difference, and why might you choose one over the other?

• Passport Book: This is the primary document for international travel. It allows you to enter and exit foreign countries. While acceptable for domestic flights, it's generally more valuable and important to keep secure, so some travelers prefer using alternative identification domestically.

• Passport Card: This wallet-sized card is a more convenient option for domestic air travel and land border crossings with Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It's less expensive than a passport book and easier to carry. It does not, however, allow for international air travel.

• REAL ID-Compliant State ID: This is your standard driver's license or state-issued identification card, but it meets the enhanced security standards of the REAL ID Act. It’s the most commonly used form of identification for everyday activities, including domestic air travel.

In summary, if you're flying domestically, you have three primary options: a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, a passport book, or a passport card. The passport card offers a convenient, federally accepted alternative to carrying your more valuable passport book or obtaining a REAL ID. Choose the option that best suits your travel needs and habits.