Still don’t have a REAL ID? You may already have what you need
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As travel plans begin to fill the calendar and summer getaways inch closer, many Americans are being reminded of an important upcoming change: the new identification requirements for domestic air travel.
If you've been putting off getting your REAL ID, you're not alone—but there's good news.
You may already have a document that can serve as a helpful backup.
Let’s walk through what you need to know about the REAL ID Act, why your passport might be more useful than you thought, and how to make sure you’re fully prepared before your next trip.
Understanding the REAL ID requirement
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to create more secure, standardized forms of identification across all states.
Beginning May 7, a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other approved ID will be required for: boarding domestic flights, entering certain federal facilities, and accessing nuclear power plants.
REAL IDs are marked with a star in the upper corner and are issued through your local DMV or licensing office.
Don’t have a REAL ID? Your passport can help
If you haven’t secured your REAL ID yet, don’t worry—a valid US passport book or passport card can serve as an alternative for domestic air travel.
Here’s the difference between the two: the passport book is accepted for all international travel by air, land, and sea.
The passport card is more compact and less expensive, but only valid for land and sea travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and select Caribbean countries—not for international flights.
Both are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.
As of now, a new adult passport book costs $165, while a card is $65. Renewals are $130 for books and $30 for cards.
Also read: Don’t miss the REAL ID deadline—check now if your ID actually qualifies
Other forms of ID that still work
If you won’t have a REAL ID by the deadline, you still have options.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will continue to accept the following:
Also read: Flying soon? Here’s why not having this ID by May could ground your travel plans
Need a passport fast? Here’s what to do
If you’re traveling soon and need a passport quickly, expedited service is available.
You’ll need to pay an extra $60 and allow 2–3 weeks for processing (not including mailing time).
You can apply for expedited service at select post offices, libraries, or passport agencies.
Keeping track of your passport application
Wondering if your passport is on its way?
You can check your status anytime by visiting the US State Department’s Online Passport Status System and entering your personal details.
Also read: Travel nightmare: Lost or stolen license? You never know when this might happen.
Time to renew? Here’s how
Renewing an expired or expiring passport is a simple process.
Most adults can do it by mail if they meet certain criteria.
You’ll need your most recent passport, a completed DS-82 renewal form, a new passport photo, and payment for the renewal fee. If you can’t renew by mail, you’ll need to apply in person.
What to bring when applying
To apply for a passport, you’ll need an original or certified replacement of one of the following documents to prove your US citizenship:
Also read: Discover the truth: Is there more to long DMV wait times than meets the eye?
You’ll also need to present a valid photo ID, along with a photocopy of it. If your ID was issued by a different state than where you’re applying, you’ll be asked to provide a second form of photo ID.
Additional documents may be required in certain situations, including:
What to expect at airports after May 7
There’s been some concern that airport security lines could get longer as the REAL ID deadline takes effect.
However, TSA has said they don’t expect significant delays, thanks to state efforts to educate residents and encourage early compliance.
If you're applying for both a passport book and card, you can check both boxes on a single application and submit them together.
This is a good option if you travel both internationally and close to the border.
As we prepare for the next chapter in travel security, staying informed is the best way to avoid last-minute headaches.
Whether you go for a REAL ID, a passport, or one of the alternative forms of ID, making sure your documents are ready will keep your travel plans running smoothly.
After all, being prepared makes for a smoother journey—no matter where you're headed!
Read next: Flying at 106: The unexpected airport moment that caught one woman off guard—twice a year
Have you recently applied for your REAL ID or passport? Was the process smooth or a little confusing? Do you have any tips for other travelers? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
If you've been putting off getting your REAL ID, you're not alone—but there's good news.
You may already have a document that can serve as a helpful backup.
Let’s walk through what you need to know about the REAL ID Act, why your passport might be more useful than you thought, and how to make sure you’re fully prepared before your next trip.
As the REAL ID deadline approaches, travelers are reviewing their documents to ensure smooth, hassle-free trips. Image Source: YouTube / TODAY.
Understanding the REAL ID requirement
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to create more secure, standardized forms of identification across all states.
Beginning May 7, a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other approved ID will be required for: boarding domestic flights, entering certain federal facilities, and accessing nuclear power plants.
REAL IDs are marked with a star in the upper corner and are issued through your local DMV or licensing office.
Don’t have a REAL ID? Your passport can help
If you haven’t secured your REAL ID yet, don’t worry—a valid US passport book or passport card can serve as an alternative for domestic air travel.
Here’s the difference between the two: the passport book is accepted for all international travel by air, land, and sea.
The passport card is more compact and less expensive, but only valid for land and sea travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and select Caribbean countries—not for international flights.
Both are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.
As of now, a new adult passport book costs $165, while a card is $65. Renewals are $130 for books and $30 for cards.
Also read: Don’t miss the REAL ID deadline—check now if your ID actually qualifies
Other forms of ID that still work
If you won’t have a REAL ID by the deadline, you still have options.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will continue to accept the following:
- Enhanced driver’s licenses (offered in MI, MN, NY, VT, and WA)
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- US Department of Defense ID cards (including those for dependents)
- Permanent resident card (Green Card)
- Border crossing card
- Federally recognized Tribal-issued photo ID
- US Merchant Mariner Credential
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indigenous Affairs card
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
- HSPD-12 PIV card
Also read: Flying soon? Here’s why not having this ID by May could ground your travel plans
Need a passport fast? Here’s what to do
If you’re traveling soon and need a passport quickly, expedited service is available.
You’ll need to pay an extra $60 and allow 2–3 weeks for processing (not including mailing time).
You can apply for expedited service at select post offices, libraries, or passport agencies.
Keeping track of your passport application
Wondering if your passport is on its way?
You can check your status anytime by visiting the US State Department’s Online Passport Status System and entering your personal details.
Also read: Travel nightmare: Lost or stolen license? You never know when this might happen.
Time to renew? Here’s how
Renewing an expired or expiring passport is a simple process.
Most adults can do it by mail if they meet certain criteria.
You’ll need your most recent passport, a completed DS-82 renewal form, a new passport photo, and payment for the renewal fee. If you can’t renew by mail, you’ll need to apply in person.
What to bring when applying
To apply for a passport, you’ll need an original or certified replacement of one of the following documents to prove your US citizenship:
- US birth certificate
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
Also read: Discover the truth: Is there more to long DMV wait times than meets the eye?
You’ll also need to present a valid photo ID, along with a photocopy of it. If your ID was issued by a different state than where you’re applying, you’ll be asked to provide a second form of photo ID.
Additional documents may be required in certain situations, including:
- You’re applying for a child under age 16
- Your child, age 16 or 17, is applying for a passport
- Your current passport is lost or stolen (also submit Form DS-64)
- Your passport is damaged (submit the damaged passport and a signed explanation)
- You owe more than $2,500 in child support
- You’re applying for a special issuance passport
- You are subject to reporting requirements under International Megan’s Law
What to expect at airports after May 7
There’s been some concern that airport security lines could get longer as the REAL ID deadline takes effect.
However, TSA has said they don’t expect significant delays, thanks to state efforts to educate residents and encourage early compliance.
If you're applying for both a passport book and card, you can check both boxes on a single application and submit them together.
This is a good option if you travel both internationally and close to the border.
As we prepare for the next chapter in travel security, staying informed is the best way to avoid last-minute headaches.
Whether you go for a REAL ID, a passport, or one of the alternative forms of ID, making sure your documents are ready will keep your travel plans running smoothly.
After all, being prepared makes for a smoother journey—no matter where you're headed!
Read next: Flying at 106: The unexpected airport moment that caught one woman off guard—twice a year
Have you recently applied for your REAL ID or passport? Was the process smooth or a little confusing? Do you have any tips for other travelers? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
