Does a passport count as a REAL ID? What to know if you miss deadline
Americans rushing to be REAL ID compliant by May 7 have other legal avenues should they intend to travel domestically on or after that deadline, including passports.
Why It Matters
State and federal officials have steadily increased public awareness about the need to have a REAL ID to travel on domestic flights on or after May 7, warning that those unprepared by the deadline could face long security delays or potentially not board planes at all. REAL ID also allows some entry into federal buildings and nuclear facilities.
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. The federal government, through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of State, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), along with state-specific agencies, have encouraged citizens for months to make office appointments in preparation for the widespread change.
What To Know
The deadline for REAL ID to be implemented across the federal government is May 7.
Can You Use a Passport Instead of a Real ID?
Yes, a passport book or a passport card can be used to travel domestically if a REAL ID has not been acquired.
The difference between a passport and a passport card is that the card—a wallet-sized, plastic passport with no visa pages—is cheaper than the book but still provides proof of U.S. citizenship and identity.
While both forms of identification offer the same length of validity, the card is for U.S. citizens traveling domestically by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean countries. The card is not valid for international travel by airplane.
Travelers can apply for either the book or card, or both documents. Individuals with a REAL ID still require a passport for international travel.
Passport books and cards are both valid for 10 years for adults and five years for children under age 16. Books cost $165 for adults and $135 for children under age 16, with renewal costing $130 for adults.
Cards cost $65 for adults and $50 for children under age 16, with adult renewals costing $30.
Those without a REAL ID starting May 7 can also utilize the following alternate methods of identification to travel:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Enhanced IDs are only offered in five states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington.
How to Get an Expedited Passport
Expedited passports are for those traveling in less than six weeks from the date their application is submitted. The process, according to the U.S. State Department, takes two to three weeks and does not include mailing times—which could add two weeks onto the total time to receive the passport. Expedited passport applications include an additional $60 fee.
The application can be submitted at facilities including post offices, clerks of court, public libraries, and other local government offices that accept passport applications. Individuals can search here for their nearest locations.
Those mailing applications can follow this series of steps.
How to Check Status of Passport Application
Visit the U.S. State Department's Online Passport Status System at passportstatus.state.gov to check on the status of a passport application.
Individuals will have to input their names, date of birth, and Social Security number or 15-digit application number.
How to Renew an Expired Passport
Those who want to renew expired passports can do so online or via mail by following the steps outlined above in the section pertaining to expedited passports.
What Documents Do You Need to Get a Passport?
Documents necessary for obtaining a passport include an original or replacement copy of one of the following:
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
Individuals also need one of many variations of a photo ID. Applicants are instructed to bring a physical, photo ID, and a photocopy of it. If a photo ID is from a different state than the state in which you are applying, bring a second photo ID.
Documents for "special circumstances" may also be required, such as for the following:
- You are applying for a child age 0-15
- Your child, who is age 16-17, is applying
- Your valid passport is lost or stolen (you must also submit Form DS-64)
- Your valid passport is damaged (include the damaged passport, and a signed statement explaining the damage)
- You owe over $2,500 in child support
- You are applying for a special issuance passport
- You are a sex offender covered under International Megan's Law
What People Are Saying
A TSA spokesperson previously to Newsweek: "TSA has no concerns . State Department of Motor Vehicles have done a great job of preparing their residents for REAL ID implementation on May 7."
What Happens Next
Individuals can apply for both a passport book and passport card at the same time, using the same application. When completing the form, applicants must state whether they would like to apply for one or both documents.