The Real ID allows domestic air travel without a passport, but passports remain necessary for international flights and certain identification purposes.
Understanding the Real ID Act and Its Role at Airport Security
The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set new federal standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The goal was to enhance security after 9/11 by ensuring IDs used for federal purposes meet strict verification criteria. Since May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires travelers to present Real ID-compliant identification to board federally regulated commercial aircraft within the United States.
A Real ID is marked by a star symbol on the card’s upper portion, indicating it meets federal standards. This change means that without a Real ID or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport or military ID, travelers cannot pass through TSA checkpoints for domestic flights.
However, many people wonder: does having a Real ID mean you no longer need a passport? The answer varies depending on travel type and destination.
Real ID vs. Passport: What Airports Actually Require
A Real ID is valid only for domestic air travel within the United States. It serves as an alternative to passports or other federally accepted identification at TSA checkpoints. For flights departing from U.S. airports to domestic destinations, presenting a Real ID-compliant license is sufficient.
On the other hand, passports are mandatory for international travel. Whether flying abroad or returning to the United States from another country, you must carry a valid passport. No state-issued driver’s license or Real ID can replace this requirement.
Additionally, some airports and airlines might accept other forms of federal identification such as:
- U.S. military IDs
- Permanent resident cards (Green Cards)
- Trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS)
These alternatives can substitute for both Real IDs and passports in specific contexts but are less common among everyday travelers.
When You Still Need A Passport Despite Having a Real ID
Even with a Real ID in hand, there are several scenarios where passports remain essential:
- International Flights: Departing or arriving from foreign countries requires a valid passport.
- Cruise Ship Boarding: Cruises that embark from U.S. ports but visit foreign countries typically require passports.
- Identification Outside of Air Travel: Certain government agencies and international transactions may require passports over state IDs.
In these cases, the Real ID does not replace the legal necessity of carrying a passport.
The Timeline and Compliance Status of States Issuing Real IDs
As of mid-2024, most U.S. states have been issuing Real IDs or have compliant alternatives available. However, some states still provide standard licenses that do not meet federal requirements unless specifically requested as “Real ID” versions.
States began rolling out compliant licenses gradually after the Act’s passage in 2005 with deadlines pushed back multiple times due to implementation challenges and public feedback.
| State | Real ID Available Since | Status as of 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| California | 2018 | Fully compliant; mandatory for air travel post-2025 deadline |
| Texas | 2019 | Offering both standard and Real IDs; travelers must request Real ID option |
| Pennsylvania | 2020 | Issuing compliant cards; non-compliant licenses still valid until May 2025 |
| Maine | N/A (opted out) | No plans to issue Real IDs; passports required for airport security checks |
| Kentucky | 2021 | Fully compliant; real IDs issued upon request only |
This table highlights how state-level differences affect whether you can get a Real ID or must rely on alternative documents like passports.
TSA Identification Requirements: What You Must Know Before Flying Domestically
The TSA enforces strict rules about acceptable forms of identification at airport security checkpoints. Starting May 7, 2025:
- No Real ID or equivalent? No boarding: Travelers without compliant IDs must present alternative federally accepted documents like passports.
- ID must be valid: Expired licenses—even if previously compliant—may not be accepted.
- TSA PreCheck and Global Entry cards: Can also serve as valid identification when paired with photo IDs.
- No exceptions for children under age 18: Children under this age do not need to show identification when traveling with an adult who has acceptable documentation.
Knowing these rules prevents last-minute surprises at airport security lines.
The Impact of Not Having a Passport Despite Holding a Real ID-Compliant License
Many travelers assume that once they have a Real ID-compliant license, they no longer need their passport for any travel-related purpose within the U.S. That’s not true—here’s why:
- No international travel without it:
No matter how many times you renew your driver’s license or upgrade it to a Real ID version, crossing international borders demands a passport. Customs officials worldwide recognize passports as proof of citizenship and identity beyond domestic borders.
- Cruises and land border crossings:
If your trip involves cruise ships docking internationally or crossing land borders into Canada or Mexico by car or bus, you’ll need your passport or other approved travel documents like enhanced driver’s licenses in some states.
- ID verification beyond TSA checkpoints:
Certain government processes—applying for visas, opening bank accounts abroad, verifying identity overseas—require passports rather than state-issued IDs.
Failing to carry your passport in these situations risks denied entry or delayed processing that can ruin travel plans.
The Costs and Process of Obtaining Both Documents Side-by-Side
Many Americans hold both a driver’s license (or state-issued photo card) and a passport simultaneously because they serve different purposes:
- The cost of obtaining each varies:
| Document Type | Typical Cost (USD) | Description/Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| Real ID-Compliant Driver’s License/ID Card | $20 – $60 (varies by state) | Valid typically for 4-8 years depending on state regulations. |
| U.S. Passport Book (Adult) | $130 application fee + $35 execution fee* | Valid for 10 years; required for international air travel. |
| U.S. Passport Card (Adult) | $30 application fee + $35 execution fee* | A cheaper alternative only valid for land/sea border crossings with Canada/Mexico/Caribbean. |
| *Execution Fee Applies When Applying In Person Only | ||
The process to obtain each varies widely: driver’s licenses require proof of residency and identity through local DMV offices with renewal every few years; passports require submission through authorized acceptance facilities with stricter documentation proving citizenship.
Many travelers find keeping both documents current gives ultimate flexibility depending on trip type.
Key Takeaways: Real ID At Airport Security – When You Still Need A Passport?
➤ Real ID is required for domestic flights starting May 2025.
➤ Passports remain necessary for international travel.
➤ Military IDs are accepted as valid airport identification.
➤ Enhanced Driver’s Licenses work for land and sea borders.
➤ Check TSA guidelines before traveling to avoid delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Do You Still Need a Passport if You Have a Real ID at Airport Security?
A Real ID is valid only for domestic flights within the United States. You still need a passport for any international travel, including flights departing from or arriving in foreign countries. Passports are mandatory for crossing international borders and cannot be replaced by a Real ID.
Does Airport Security Accept Real ID Instead of a Passport for Domestic Flights?
Yes, since May 7, 2025, the TSA requires travelers to present a Real ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative to board federally regulated domestic flights. A Real ID marked with a star is sufficient for airport security checks within the U.S.
Are There Situations at Airport Security Where a Passport Is Required Despite Having a Real ID?
Passports are required for international air travel and cruise ship boarding that involves foreign ports. Even with a Real ID, if you are traveling abroad or returning from another country, airport security will require your passport as proof of citizenship and identity.
Can Other Forms of Identification Replace Both Real ID and Passport at Airport Security?
Certain federal IDs like U.S. military IDs, permanent resident cards, and trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS) may be accepted at airport security as alternatives. However, these are less common and typically apply in specific circumstances rather than everyday travel.
Why Is a Real ID Not Enough for International Travel at Airport Security?
The Real ID Act sets standards for state-issued IDs used domestically but does not replace passports internationally. Airport security requires passports for international flights because they verify citizenship and comply with global border control regulations that state IDs cannot fulfill.