The passport card: your gateway to seamless travel and enhanced id verification. is it real id compliant?
What To Know
- A passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport book.
- While the passport card is not REAL ID compliant, it remains a valid travel document for land and sea travel within the Western Hemisphere.
- The passport card is a convenient travel document, but it is important to be aware of its limitations and ensure you have a REAL ID-compliant document for domestic flights and federal facility access.
As you embark on your travel adventures, it’s crucial to ensure your travel documents meet the latest security standards. One such standard is the REAL ID Act, which aims to enhance the security of federal facilities and domestic flights. So, the question arises: is the passport card REAL ID compliant? Let’s delve into this topic and uncover the intricacies of this travel document.
What is a Passport Card?
A passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport book. It is designed for land and sea travel within the Western Hemisphere, including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
REAL ID Compliance: A Complex Landscape
The REAL ID Act, enacted in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. These standards include specific requirements for document issuance, physical security features, and data storage.
Passport Card: REAL ID Compliance Status
The passport card is NOT REAL ID compliant. This means that it cannot be used as a valid form of identification for accessing federal facilities or boarding domestic flights after October 1, 2023.
Alternative REAL ID-Compliant Documents
To comply with the REAL ID Act, individuals must present one of the following REAL ID-compliant documents:
- State-issued driver’s license or identification card
- U.S. passport book
- U.S. passport card with a machine-readable zone (MRZ)
- U.S. military identification card
- Permanent resident card (green card)
Passport Card with MRZ: A REAL ID-Compliant Option
If you have a passport card issued before April 1, 2016, it does not have an MRZ. However, you can apply for a new passport card with an MRZ, which will make it REAL ID compliant.
Applying for a Passport Card with MRZ
To apply for a passport card with an MRZ, you will need to submit the following:
- Form DS-11
- Two passport photos
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Proof of identity
- Payment of the application fee
Using a Passport Card for International Travel
While the passport card is not REAL ID compliant, it remains a valid travel document for land and sea travel within the Western Hemisphere. However, it is important to note that some countries may require a passport book for entry.
Wrap-Up: Navigating the REAL ID Maze
Understanding the REAL ID requirements is essential for seamless travel. The passport card is a convenient travel document, but it is important to be aware of its limitations and ensure you have a REAL ID-compliant document for domestic flights and federal facility access.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Why is the passport card not REAL ID compliant?
The passport card does not meet certain security standards mandated by the REAL ID Act.
2. Can I use my passport card to board domestic flights?
No, you will need a REAL ID-compliant document, such as a passport book or state-issued driver’s license.
3. How long does it take to get a passport card with MRZ?
Processing times vary, but typically it takes 4-6 weeks to receive your new passport card.
4. Can I use my passport card to enter Mexico?
Yes, the passport card is a valid travel document for land and sea travel to Mexico.
5. What other documents can I use as a REAL ID-compliant form of identification?
State-issued driver’s license, U.S. passport book, U.S. military identification card, and permanent resident card (green card).