A Real ID cannot replace your passport for international travel

A Real ID is a domestic identification card that meets federal security standards for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights within the United States. A passport is an international travel document issued by the U.S. State Department that proves your citizenship and identity to foreign governments. They serve different purposes, and one does not replace the other.

If you plan to leave the country — by air, sea, or land — you need a passport. A Real ID alone will not get you through customs or immigration at any border. However, if you only travel within the United States by plane or need to enter a federal building, a Real ID may be sufficient on its own.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID is for domestic U.S. travel and federal building access; a passport is required for any international travel.
  • You can have both documents at the same time, and many people do.
  • A Real ID driver's license or state ID card costs less and takes less time to obtain than a passport.
  • If you travel internationally, you must carry your passport regardless of whether you also have a Real ID.

When you need a Real ID instead of a passport

You need a Real ID for domestic air travel within the United States. Starting in May 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires all passengers to show either a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a Real ID state ID card, a passport, or another federally accepted form of identification at airport security checkpoints. A standard (non-Real ID) driver's license will no longer be accepted for domestic flights.

You also need a Real ID to enter certain federal facilities, including federal courthouses, military bases, and some government office buildings. Again, a passport works for this purpose too, but a Real ID is often more convenient because you carry it daily.

For travel within the U.S. by car, train, or bus, you do not need a Real ID or a passport — a standard driver's license is fine.

When you must have a passport, not a Real ID

A passport is the only document that works for international travel. This includes flying to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or anywhere outside U.S. territory. It also applies to cruise ships that leave U.S. ports, even if they return to the same port — you cross international waters and must prove citizenship to re-enter the country.

Land and sea borders have different rules. If you drive to Canada or Mexico, you can use a passport, a passport card (a smaller, wallet-sized version), or a Real ID-compliant driver's license paired with a birth certificate or other citizenship document. However, if you fly to any country, you must have a passport book or passport card — a Real ID driver's license is not sufficient.

If you hold citizenship in another country or have permanent resident status, you may also need that country's travel document. A U.S. passport does not replace documents issued by other nations.

How to get a Real ID and how long it takes

You obtain a Real ID through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. You cannot get one online or through the mail. You must visit in person and bring specific documents: a valid passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization papers to prove citizenship; a Social Security card or tax return to prove your Social Security number; and two documents showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Processing time varies by state. Some states issue Real IDs on the spot; others mail them within two to four weeks. Check your state's DMV website for current wait times and whether you need to schedule an appointment. The cost ranges from about $20 to $50 depending on your state.

How to get a passport and how long it takes

You obtain a passport through the U.S. State Department, either in person at a passport acceptance facility (often a post office, library, or courthouse) or by mail if you are renewing an existing passport. For a first-time passport, you must explore in person.

You will need a completed process form (DS-11 for in-person, DS-82 for mail renewal), a birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and a passport photo that meets State Department specifications. Processing takes four to six weeks for a standard passport book, or two to three weeks if you pay for expedited service. A passport card, which is smaller and works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, takes the same time and costs less than a passport book.

Passport fees vary: a passport book costs around $130 for adults, and a passport card costs around $35. Expedited service adds an extra fee. You can check current fees and processing times on the State Department's official website.

Can you use a passport instead of a Real ID for domestic flights?

Yes. A passport book or passport card satisfies the TSA's Real ID requirement for domestic flights. If you already have a passport and do not want to get a Real ID, you can use your passport at airport security. However, you must carry it with you every time you fly domestically, whereas a Real ID driver's license is something you carry anyway.

Some travelers choose to get both: a Real ID for everyday domestic travel and a passport for international trips. Others use their passport for both purposes. The choice depends on your travel habits and how often you need to access federal buildings.

Real ID and passport: which should you get first?

If you travel internationally, start with a passport because it is the only document that works for that purpose. A passport also satisfies domestic flight requirements, so you do not need a Real ID if you have one.

If you only travel domestically and need a document for federal building access, a Real ID is faster and cheaper to obtain. You can get one while you wait for a passport to arrive, or skip the passport entirely if you have no plans to leave the country.

If you are unsure about your travel plans, getting a passport first gives you the most flexibility. You can always get a Real ID later if you want one for convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport card for domestic flights?

Yes, a passport card works for TSA security checkpoints on domestic flights. It is smaller and cheaper than a passport book, but it only works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean — not for flights to other countries.

What if my state has not issued Real IDs yet?

All U.S. states and territories now issue Real IDs. If your state's DMV website says Real IDs are available, you can get one. If you have questions about your specific state's process, contact your state DMV directly.

Do I need both a Real ID and a passport if I travel internationally?

No. A passport alone is sufficient for international travel and domestic flights. You only need a Real ID if you want a second form of identification for federal building access or prefer not to carry your passport for everyday domestic travel.

Can I renew my passport by mail if I also have a Real ID?

Yes. Having a Real ID does not change passport renewal rules. If your passport is not damaged and you still have it, you can renew by mail using form DS-82. If it is lost or stolen, you must renew in person.

What happens if I fly domestically with an old driver's license after May 2025?

The TSA will not accept a non-Real ID driver's license at security checkpoints. You will need to show a Real ID, passport, passport card, military ID, or another federally accepted form of identification to board a domestic flight.