Can I Use Passport Card Instead Of Real ID?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can I use card instead of real ID?

The passport card cannot be used for international air travel

. Real ID: Passport books and cards are alternatives to a state-issued ID. Please see Passport Fees for more information. Please see Passport Fees for more information.

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Can US Passport Card be used as ID?


The U.S. passport book and U.S. passport card are both accepted as ID for domestic flights

. You may not have heard about the U.S. passport card before. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel, but it is still a great ID to have in your wallet.

What can I use my passport card for?

The U.S. Passport Card can be used to

enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry

and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card CANNOT be used for international travel by air.

Will a U.S. passport work instead of real ID?

The short answer is, no.

An official U.S. passport will get you through airport security and can be used in place of a Real ID

. If you are only traveling domestically, you can use a Real ID or passport. If you are traveling internationally, you still need a valid passport.

Can I use passport card instead of real ID California?

If you want to continue to use a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, military ID, enhanced driver's license, or other federally accepted identification to do those things,

you do not need to get a REAL ID, however, it is recommended

.

Is a passport card worth it?

In a nutshell,

getting a passport card is worth it if you're traveling to certain countries or looking for an alternative ID option—under the right conditions

. You won't often see a passport card “in the wild” with its shimmering red, white, and blue colors.

Why is the U.S. passport card not valid for air travel?


Because the passport card will be specifically designed to facilitate land and sea border crossings, it is not compatible with the global air environment

, which is already set up for passport books.

What's the difference between a passport and a passport card?


A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but can't be used for air travel and is only valid in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean

. Passport cards cost $65 for first-time passport holders, while passport books cost $145.

Can I use a passport card for a cruise?


You can use the passport card to reenter the United States at sea ports of entry from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean

. However, if you are not able to return on the cruise ship for any reason (e.g., for an emergency evacuation, you will need a passport book to fly back to the United States.

Do I need a real ID to fly in 2022?

The new deadline for REAL ID enforcement is May 3, 2023. Read the announcement. Beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

Can I fly with just a passport?


Yes, you can use your passport to travel domestically

.

Can I use my passport card to fly to Mexico?


U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card

, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.

Can you fly to Canada with a passport card?

Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity.

A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens

.

Do I need a passport to fly domestic in US 2020?


On October 1, 2020, travelers will need a “REAL ID-compliant” driver's license, US passport, US military ID or other accepted identification to fly within the United States

. The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for the issuing of state licenses and their production.

How much does a REAL ID cost?

REAL ID and federal non-compliant cards are both valid forms of identification. All driver licenses, including REAL ID driver licenses, cost

$35

and ID cards cost $30.

What ID can you use to fly?

If you are flying solely within the UK, including Northern Ireland, you do not need a passport but we advise that you carry photographic identification with you when travelling, such as your

passport or driving licence

. This may be requested at certain points in your journey.

Should I get a passport card or book?

A U.S. passport — book or card — is accepted as an alternative to the Real ID, but

the card is more convenient to carry around

. If you're flying domestically without a Real ID, you can use a passport card for air travel within the 50 states and reserve your passport book for international travel.

How long is a passport card good for?

The application process and validity of a U.S. passport card is the same as that of a passport book. Any U.S. citizen over the age of 16 qualifies to receive a

ten-year

document whether they're renewing or applying for the first time.

Should I get both a passport book and card?


You do not need to have both a passport card and a passport book

. You can choose which one suits your situation best. For example, your passport card will suffice if you are a frequent traveler across Canada and Mexico. But, if you are planning to travel to other international countries, you can get your passport book.

Can you use a passport card to fly to the Bahamas?

Passport Requirements for the Bahamas

If you're traveling to the Bahamas by sea (as in a cruise),

you can use a passport or substitute one of the following documents: a passport card

. a Trusted Traveler card. an enhanced driver's license (sometimes called Real ID) with security features.

Should I carry my passport card in my wallet?


Don't Store Your Passport or Passport Card in Your Wallet

A passport or passport card, like any government-issued photo ID, can be a weapon used against your finances if it falls into the wrong hands, ID-theft experts warn.

Do passport cards come faster?

The good news is

a passport card is valid for the same time

and has the same application process as a standard passport book.

Do passports and passport card arrive separately?

We do not send cards via 1-2 day delivery services. I applied for both a passport book and passport card:

You may receive three separate mailings; one with your citizenship documents, one with your newly-issued passport book, and one with your newly-issued passport card

.

Can I use passport card for cruise to Mexico?


You can use a passport card as legitimate identification on your cruise if you're sailing exclusively to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or Caribbean countries

. As you'll be re-entering the U.S. through a seaport, the customs and immigration officials at the port will recognize your passport card as a valid travel document.

Does Carnival allow passport cards?

A new, lower-cost alternative to the passport, called a passport card, is acceptable for entries into the U.S. by land or sea. The passport card is not acceptable for air travel.

Carnival requires for all voyages visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe

.

Can I get off the cruise ship in Mexico without a passport?


All travelers are advised to carry a valid passport with them when taking a cruise to Mexico, regardless of their nationality and port of departure

. US citizens on closed-loop cruises, meaning they begin and end at the same US port, can travel to Mexico with proof of citizenship other than a passport.

What documents are needed to fly in the US?

  • Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) …
  • U.S. passport.
  • U.S. passport card.
  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
  • Permanent resident card.

Do I need a passport to fly domestic?


It is not usual to ask for passport details for domestic trips

. As mentioned previously, passports are for international travel, not domestic. But do be aware that you need to present a passport or other valid ID to enter most airports, even for domestic flights. Yes, it is ok.

Do I need a passport to fly domestic in US 2022?

Can I use my passport to fly after 2020?

“If your driver's license or your passport, or whatever form of ID you're planning to use at the checkpoint, is expired,

TSA will accept that document for up to one year past the expiration date

,” says Dankers.

Can you get on a plane without an ID?


Failure to present identification for each passenger, including minors and infants, as outlined above will result in a denied boarding

.

Can you use birth certificate to fly?

What documents do I need to travel to Mexico by Air 2021?

  • A valid passport or travel document. …
  • A properly completed Multiple Migratory Form (FMM). …
  • Mexican immigration officers at the port of entry may request additional documents depending on the purpose/activity of your trip.

Can a US citizen be denied entry back into the USA?

The same is true for lawful permanent residents:

you generally cannot be denied entry to the United States

, but declining to answer questions may result in delay or further inspection. Refusal by non-citizen visa holders and visitors to answer questions may result in denial of entry.

Do you need a Real ID to fly to Mexico?


You'll need your passport for international travel

, and you can use your passport to verify your identity at the TSA checkpoint instead of a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license.

Can you cross the Canadian border with a passport card?

Traveling to Canada (land and sea travel)

Passport Cards:

The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry

and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book.

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.