REAL ID vs. Passport: What Travelers Need to Know
Understand the difference between REAL ID and a passport, when each is required, and which documents travelers can use for domestic and international trips.
REAL ID and a passport are both travel-related identification documents, but they solve different problems. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license can help you board domestic flights. A passport is the core document for international travel.
What REAL ID is
REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Enforcement for domestic air travel began on May 7, 2025. Adults using a state driver's license or state ID at a TSA checkpoint need a REAL ID-compliant version or another acceptable form of identification.
Most REAL ID-compliant licenses have a star marking, though designs vary by state. Your state DMV controls how you apply and what documents you need.
What a passport is
A U.S. passport book is a federal travel document used for international air, land, and sea travel. A passport card is more limited: it can be used for land and sea travel from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean destinations, but not for international air travel.
Both passport books and passport cards can be used for domestic air travel as alternatives to REAL ID.
When you need each one
For domestic flights within the United States, adults need a REAL ID-compliant license or another TSA-accepted ID, such as a U.S. passport book, U.S. passport card, Global Entry card, military ID, or other approved document.
For international flights, you need a passport book. A REAL ID license is not a substitute for a passport and does not prove citizenship for international entry.
For cruises, requirements depend on the itinerary, cruise line, ports, and whether you may need to fly internationally in an emergency. A passport book is usually the most flexible option.
Which should you carry?
For domestic-only travel, a REAL ID may be enough. For international travel, bring your passport book. For travelers who want a backup domestic ID, a passport card can be useful because it fits in a wallet and is valid for domestic air travel as a REAL ID alternative.
Do not pack your only valid ID in checked luggage. Keep it accessible at the airport.