Do You Need a REAL ID if You Have a Passport?
As the deadline for REAL ID compliance quickly approaches, many travelers are left wondering if they need to obtain a REAL ID if they already have a valid passport. The confusion surrounding this issue has prompted transportation officials to clarify the requirements for domestic travel within the United States.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The Act was enacted in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and aims to improve the security of state-issued identification documents. As part of the Act, states are required to issue REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards to residents who want to use them for official purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering certain federal buildings.
While having a valid passport is an accepted form of identification for domestic air travel, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made it clear that a passport alone is not sufficient for REAL ID compliance. According to the DHS website, “A valid passport is an acceptable form of identification for entering and exiting the United States, but it is not considered a REAL ID-compliant form of identification for official federal purposes, such as boarding a commercial aircraft.”
In other words, travelers who want to board a domestic flight using their state-issued driver’s license or identification card must ensure that it is REAL ID-compliant. This means that the document must meet the security standards set forth in the REAL ID Act, such as featuring a star in the upper right-hand corner.
So, what should travelers do if they have a valid passport but their state-issued driver’s license or identification card is not REAL ID-compliant? The easiest solution is to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card from their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To do so, travelers must bring documentation proving their identity, Social Security number, and residence address to their local DMV office. Once the necessary documents are verified, travelers will receive a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card that can be used for official federal purposes.
For those who do not wish to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, there are alternative forms of identification that can be used for domestic air travel. In addition to a valid passport, travelers can use other TSA-approved forms of identification, such as a U.S. military ID, a permanent resident card, or a DHS trusted traveler card.
While having a valid passport is not a requirement for REAL ID compliance, it can serve as a convenient and accepted form of identification for travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. However, it is important to note that a passport is not a substitute for a REAL ID-compliant document when it comes to official federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight.
As the October 1, 2021 deadline for REAL ID compliance approaches, travelers are encouraged to check their state’s DMV website for information on how to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. By ensuring that their identification documents meet the security standards set forth in the REAL ID Act, travelers can avoid any issues when it comes to boarding a domestic flight or entering certain federal buildings.
In conclusion, while having a valid passport is not a requirement for REAL ID compliance, travelers must ensure that their state-issued driver’s license or identification card is REAL ID-compliant if they want to use it for official federal purposes. By obtaining a REAL ID-compliant document or using an alternative form of TSA-approved identification, travelers can ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience within the United States.
