Are passport cards or passports valid alternatives to Real ID for domestic flights?
Executive summary
Yes: U.S. passports (book) and U.S. passport cards are listed by federal agencies as acceptable alternatives to a REAL ID for boarding domestic commercial flights; TSA and State Department guidance say you may use either instead of a REAL ID-compliant state license (see TSA REAL ID page and State Department passport guidance) [1] [2]. As of May 7, 2025, non‑REAL‑ID state driver’s licenses that lack the REAL ID star are no longer accepted at TSA checkpoints unless replaced by one of these acceptable alternatives [3] [4].
1. What the government says — passports are explicit alternatives
The Transportation Security Administration’s REAL ID guidance lists a passport as an acceptable form of identification that “may be used in lieu of a REAL ID Drivers License or ID to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities” [1]. The State Department similarly states the passport book and the passport card are REAL ID‑compliant and that the passport card, while limited for international air travel, is valid for domestic air travel as REAL ID [2]. The TSA FAQ reiterates that travelers need only one valid form of identification — either a REAL ID or another accepted alternative such as a passport or passport card — to travel domestically [4].
2. Practical enforcement timeline and what changed for travelers
Federal enforcement of REAL ID requirements at TSA checkpoints began in May 2025. From that date, state driver’s licenses and ID cards that are not REAL ID‑compliant are no longer accepted at airports; travelers must present a REAL ID or an accepted alternative (for example, a passport or passport card) to board federally regulated commercial aircraft [3] [5]. Multiple outlets and agency notices emphasize the May 7, 2025 enforcement date and the operational reality for air travelers [6] [7].
3. Passport card versus passport book — limits and advantages
The State Department notes the passport card is smaller and cheaper than the passport book and is valid for domestic air travel and for land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean — but it is not valid for international air travel [2]. Federal guidance and independent reporting list both the passport book and passport card among acceptable alternatives to REAL ID at airport security [1] [7]. The tradeoff: the passport card covers domestic flights and certain cross‑border land/sea trips but cannot be used for international flights; the passport book works for both domestic and international air travel [2].
4. Who still needs to upgrade to REAL ID — and who can rely on a passport
Agencies make clear that any traveler 18 or older flying domestically must present either a REAL ID or an accepted alternative; using a passport or passport card means you do not need to obtain a REAL ID for that purpose [4] [8]. Not found in current reporting: whether states will combine incentives or penalties to push more residents toward REAL ID beyond air‑travel consequences. Coverage does note some states offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses that also serve cross‑border purposes — a different option for frequent land travelers [9].
5. Operational caveats — airline and checkpoint realities
Though federal rules list passports and passport cards as acceptable, practical issues can arise: TSA checkpoints and individual airlines operate the enforcement, and some reporting advises travelers to bring a widely recognized form (passport book or REAL ID) to avoid confusion or delay [10] [7]. The TSA’s guidance insists on one accepted ID; travelers should verify with their airline and leave extra time at the checkpoint if carrying a less common credential like the passport card [1] [4].
6. Costs, consequences and alternative documents
News reports and agency notices highlight consequences for lacking acceptable ID: enforcement is in effect and some outlets reference potential fees or administrative burdens for travelers without compliant identification [6] [11]. In addition to passports and passport cards, TSA lists other acceptable documents — e.g., DHS Trusted Traveler cards, military IDs, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses from certain states — as working alternatives to REAL ID for domestic flights [3] [7].
7. Bottom line for travelers making a choice
If your goal is to fly domestically without a REAL ID, federal sources say a U.S. passport book or passport card both suffice [1] [2]. Choose the passport book if you want the broadest use (domestic and international air travel); choose the passport card only if you accept its limits (no international air travel) and want a lower‑cost, pocketable option [2]. Always check TSA and your airline before travel and allow extra time at security if you carry a less common credential [4] [10].