Can a Passport Card function as an alternative to a REAL ID?
New TSA Rules for Air Travel: What You Need to Know
In today's air travel landscape, several changes are in effect, including the recent TSA rules, causing vacationers to ponder the possibility of using a passport instead of a REAL ID for boarding flights. As the summer season approaches and you want to make the most of your PTO, we've gathered essential information to help you navigate the airport with confidence.
First and foremost, can a passport card be used as a replacement for a REAL ID? According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, both U.S. passport books and passport cards are REAL ID-compliant. Among several documents that can substitute a REAL ID, the following are acceptable:
- U.S. Passport
- Enhanced ID
- Various DHS Trusted Traveler Cards, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential
- Permanent Resident Card
- Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766)
Although standard licenses and IDs remain valid for train or car travel, they will not suffice for domestic and international flights, which necessitate a REAL ID or a REAL ID-compatible document.
Now, what happens if passengers arrive at the airport without a REAL ID? In such cases, additional screening becomes mandatory, and they will need an alternative qualifying document to embark on their flight.
If you primarily rely on your passport for travels within and outside the U.S., you should be aware that it can be renewed online, with our guide offering assistance throughout the process and even helping locate a passport acceptance agency or facility. Moreover, our guide to passport photo regulations will simplify matters prior to your trip, while remembering to check the three- and six-month passport rules that some countries have in place could be critical for a successful journey.
As privacy experts are cautioning travelers, it's worth noting that refusing TSA facial scans is recommended for concerned travelers.
Key Takeaways
Traveling domestically by air:
- U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- Permanent Resident Card
- Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs)
- Border Crossing Card
- Veteran Health Identification Card
- Photo ID issued by a federally recognized tribal nation
- USCIS Employment Authorization Card
Traveling internationally:
- U.S. Passport
Important Details
- May 7, 2025, marks the deadline for travelers over 18 to have a REAL ID or an approved alternative to board domestic flights.
- Lack of a REAL ID or approved ID may lead to additional screening and potential delays.
- To renew a passport, leverage our guide for assistance and locate a passport acceptance agency or facility.
- Remember to verify the three- and six-month passport rules for certain destinations.
- Privacy experts urge travelers to decline TSA facial scans.
In the event of a traveler having a fever, they should avoid air travel as per CDC guidelines to prevent spreading illness. To ensure a smooth airport experience during this summer's travel season, be aware that a fever could potentially disrupt your journey.
Moreover, during air travel, it's essential to consider one's lifestyle choices that might impact health, such as maintaining good hydration and minimizing exposure to germ-prone surfaces to lower the risk of catching or spreading an illness while traveling. Adopting suitable lifestyle practices can enhance your vacation experience and keep you healthy throughout your journey.
