What To Know
- A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets the security standards established by the REAL ID Act.
- If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, you can use one of the following documents as an alternative form of identification.
- If you need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, you will need to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card or one of the alternative forms of identification listed above.
The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. As a result, many states have begun issuing REAL ID-compliant cards, which feature enhanced security features and are required for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. However, some people wonder if they can use a passport card in place of a REAL ID. This blog post will explore the differences between passport cards and REAL IDs and answer the question of their interchangeability.
What is a Passport Card?
A passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport book. It is issued by the U.S. Department of State and is valid for 10 years. Passport cards are designed for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, and they can also be used for international air travel when combined with a valid passport book.
What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets the security standards established by the REAL ID Act. REAL IDs feature enhanced security features, such as a tamper-resistant polycarbonate material, laser engraving, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. They are required for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings.
Can You Use a Passport Card in Place of REAL ID?
The answer is no, you cannot use a passport card in place of a REAL ID. While both passport cards and REAL IDs are federally issued identification documents, they serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.
Passport cards are primarily intended for international travel and do not meet the security standards required for REAL IDs. REAL IDs, on the other hand, are designed for domestic use and are required for certain activities, such as boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings.
What Documents Can You Use in Place of REAL ID?
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, you can use one of the following documents as an alternative form of identification:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- U.S. military ID
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
- Permanent Resident Card
How to Get a REAL ID
To obtain a REAL ID, you will need to visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or other authorized agency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The process may vary depending on your state.
When Will REAL IDs Be Required?
The deadline for REAL ID implementation has been extended several times. As of now, REAL IDs are required for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. However, some states have received extensions, and the deadline for compliance may vary depending on your state.
Wrap-Up: Passport Cards and REAL IDs – Not Interchangeable
It is important to understand the differences between passport cards and REAL IDs. While both documents are issued by the U.S. government, they serve different purposes and are not interchangeable. Passport cards cannot be used in place of REAL IDs, and REAL IDs are not valid for international travel. If you need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, you will need to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card or one of the alternative forms of identification listed above.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use my passport card to enter federal buildings?
A: No, you cannot use a passport card to enter federal buildings. You will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card or one of the alternative forms of identification listed above.
Q: Can I use my passport card to board a domestic flight?
A: No, you cannot use a passport card to board a domestic flight. You will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card or one of the alternative forms of identification listed above.
Q: What are the benefits of having a REAL ID?
A: REAL IDs provide enhanced security features and are required for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. They also make it easier to travel within the United States, as many states accept REAL IDs as a form of identification for purposes such as purchasing alcohol or tobacco.
