What To Know
- A passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version of a traditional passport book.
- This means that a passport card can be used as a valid form of identification for domestic flights within the United States, as well as for other purposes that require REAL ID-compliant identification.
- Yes, passport cards can be used as a proof of identity to apply for a driver’s license in most states.
The REAL ID Act, implemented in 2005, established federal standards for state-issued identification cards to improve security and prevent identity fraud. One common question that arises is whether a passport card is considered a REAL ID. In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve into the details of passport cards, their purpose, and their equivalency with REAL ID.
What is a Passport Card?
A passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version of a traditional passport book. It is designed for land and sea travel within the Western Hemisphere, including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Passport cards are not valid for air travel outside the Western Hemisphere.
Is Passport Card Considered REAL ID?
Yes, a passport card is considered a REAL ID-compliant document. It meets all the security requirements set forth by the REAL ID Act. This means that a passport card can be used as a valid form of identification for domestic flights within the United States, as well as for other purposes that require REAL ID-compliant identification.
Benefits of Passport Card as REAL ID
Using a passport card as a REAL ID offers several benefits:
- Convenience: Passport cards are more compact and easier to carry than traditional passport books.
- Wide Acceptance: Passport cards are accepted as a valid form of identification by all federal agencies and most state agencies.
- Enhanced Security: Passport cards incorporate advanced security features to prevent counterfeiting and identity theft.
Differences Between Passport Card and Passport Book
While both passport cards and passport books are valid travel documents, there are some key differences between the two:
- Size: Passport cards are smaller and more convenient to carry than passport books.
- Validity: Passport cards are valid for 10 years, while passport books are valid for 5 years.
- Purpose: Passport cards are primarily designed for land and sea travel within the Western Hemisphere, while passport books are valid for international air travel.
When to Use Passport Card as REAL ID
Passport cards can be used as a REAL ID-compliant document in the following situations:
- Domestic flights within the United States
- Entering federal buildings
- Accessing military bases
- Opening bank accounts
- Applying for government benefits
How to Obtain a Passport Card
To obtain a passport card, you must apply to the U.S. Department of State. The application process involves submitting a completed form, a passport photo, and a fee. The processing time for a passport card is typically 4-6 weeks.
Questions You May Have
1. Can I use a passport card to travel to Europe?
No, passport cards are not valid for air travel outside the Western Hemisphere.
2. Is a passport card a REAL ID if it is expired?
No, an expired passport card is not considered a valid REAL ID document.
3. Can I use a passport card to enter Canada?
Yes, passport cards are accepted as a valid form of identification for land and sea travel to Canada.
4. Can I use a passport card to apply for a driver’s license?
Yes, passport cards can be used as a proof of identity to apply for a driver’s license in most states.
5. What are the security features of a passport card?
Passport cards incorporate advanced security features such as holograms, watermarks, and embedded data to prevent counterfeiting and identity theft.
