Using a Foreign Passport Instead of REAL ID: What You Need to Know

A foreign passport alone will not work as a REAL ID

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you cannot use a foreign passport to meet the REAL ID requirement for domestic flights or federal buildings. REAL ID is a U.S. security standard, and only documents issued by U.S. states, territories, or the federal government count toward it. A foreign passport proves your identity to other countries, but the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) do not accept it as proof of citizenship or legal residency in the United States.

This matters because starting in May 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant document to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building that requires ID. A foreign passport will not get you through security, even if you also have a U.S. visa or green card in it.

Key Takeaways

A foreign passport does not satisfy the REAL ID requirement, even if you hold a U.S. visa or green card.
U.S. citizens must obtain a REAL ID driver's license or state ID card from their state of residence.
Permanent residents and other lawful immigrants can obtain a REAL ID driver's license if they provide proof of legal status, such as a green card or employment authorization document.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant document by May 2025, you will need a passport (U.S. or foreign) plus a secondary form of ID to board domestic flights.

Who can get a REAL ID driver's license or state ID

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, you must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or other lawful immigrant with valid immigration status. Each state sets its own rules about which documents prove your status, but all states require proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), you will need to bring your green card or a copy of it when you explore. If you have another form of legal status—such as an employment authorization document (EAD), a visa, or a temporary protected status (TPS) certificate—your state's DMV can tell you whether that document is acceptable. Some states accept more forms of status than others, so contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you go in.

What documents you will need to bring

The exact documents vary by state, but here is what most states require for a REAL ID driver's license or state ID:

Proof of identity: a U.S. passport, foreign passport, birth certificate, or state ID
Proof of Social Security number: your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return
Proof of residency: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address
Proof of legal status (if you are not a U.S. citizen): a green card, EAD, visa, or other immigration document

You will also need to fill out your state's process form and pay a fee, which ranges from about $15 to $50 depending on the state. Some states charge extra for a REAL ID-compliant card. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies usually do not count.

How long it takes to get a REAL ID

Processing time depends on your state and whether you explore in person or by mail. Most states issue a REAL ID driver's license or state ID on the spot if you explore at a DMV office in person and all your documents are in order. Some states mail the card to you within one to two weeks.

If you explore by mail, expect two to four weeks. A few states are still slower than others, so check your state DMV's website for current wait times. If you need a REAL ID before May 2025 and your state is backed up, call ahead to ask about expedited processing or whether you can renew early.

What to do if you do not have a REAL ID yet

If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID by May 2025, you can still board a domestic flight or enter a federal building—but you will need to bring two forms of ID instead of one. The TSA will accept a foreign passport plus a secondary ID, such as a credit card, library card, or employer ID.

This is less convenient than having a REAL ID, because you will need to carry two documents and the security line may take longer. If you travel frequently or visit federal buildings often, getting a REAL ID now will save you time and hassle later.

Permanent residents and other immigrants

If you are a permanent resident, you have the same right to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license as a U.S. citizen. You do not need to become a citizen first. Bring your green card (or a copy) along with the other required documents, and your state's DMV will issue you a REAL ID card.

If you are in the United States on a visa but do not yet have permanent residency, you may still be able to get a REAL ID driver's license in some states. The rules vary widely: some states issue REAL ID cards to visa holders, while others do not. Contact your state DMV to ask which immigration documents they accept. If your state does not accept your visa, you will need to use a passport plus a secondary ID for travel and federal building access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my foreign passport to fly domestically within the U.S.?

A foreign passport alone will not work at TSA security starting in May 2025. You will need either a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, or a foreign passport plus a secondary form of ID like a credit card or employer ID.

What if my state does not accept my immigration status for a REAL ID?

If your state's DMV will not issue you a REAL ID driver's license, you can use your foreign passport plus a secondary ID for domestic flights and federal buildings. You can also ask your DMV whether a non-REAL ID driver's license is available to you as an alternative.

Do I need to get a U.S. passport instead of a REAL ID driver's license?

No. A U.S. passport and a REAL ID driver's license both work for domestic flights and federal buildings, but they serve different purposes. A passport is for international travel. A REAL ID driver's license is for domestic travel and federal building access. You do not need both unless you travel internationally.

How much does a REAL ID driver's license cost?

The cost varies by state, typically between $15 and $50. Some states charge the same fee as a regular driver's license, while others charge extra for the REAL ID security features. Check your state DMV's website for the exact fee.

Can I renew my driver's license early to get a REAL ID?

Many states allow early renewal specifically to get a REAL ID. Contact your state DMV to ask whether you can renew before your current license expires and whether there is an extra fee.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.