In the wake of the Real ID Act being enforced in the United States, many travelers are left wondering if their passport card will suffice as a form of identification. The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting cards that do not meet these standards for official purposes.
The Real ID Act was passed in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, with the goal of improving security and preventing identity fraud. The act requires states to verify the identity of individuals applying for driver’s licenses and identification cards, as well as to secure the production and issuance of the cards themselves.
Many people confuse the passport card with a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, but they are not the same. A passport card is a travel document issued by the U.S. Department of State to U.S. citizens for the purpose of entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. The passport card is the size of a credit card and is more convenient and less expensive than a traditional passport book.
So, the question remains: is a passport card a Real ID? The short answer is no. While the passport card can be used for international travel by land or sea, it does not meet the federal requirements for Real ID compliance. The Real ID Act specifically mandates that driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by states must include certain features, such as a machine-readable zone, a unique identifier, and security features to prevent tampering or counterfeiting.
However, the passport card can still be used as a valid form of identification for domestic air travel. According to the TSA, a passport card can be used as an alternative form of ID for travelers who do not have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. It is important to note that the TSA does not require travelers to present a Real ID-compliant form of identification until October 1, 2023.
In conclusion, while a passport card is not considered a Real ID, it can still be used as a valid form of identification for domestic air travel. Travelers who do not have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card can use their passport card as an alternative form of ID. However, it is important for travelers to check the specific identification requirements of their destination before traveling to ensure they have the appropriate identification documents. As always, it is recommended to stay informed on any updates or changes to ID requirements to avoid any travel complications.
