Is My California Driver’s License Considered a Passport 

Your California driver’s license can still be used as identification for boarding domestic flights and entering secure federal facilities until May 7, 2025. After that, to continue using your driver’s license to do so, you need to convert it to a REAL ID. Read this complete guide on REAL ID to find out whether you need one.

What Is a California Driver’s License?

A California driver’s license is a government-issued identification card that allows you to legally operate a motor vehicle within the US. It also serves as proof of your identity, containing personal information, including your name, date of birth, address, and photo. You can use your driver’s license as identification for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities until May 7, 2025. After that, to continue using it to do so, you will need a REAL ID driver’s license.

What Is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets enhanced security standards set forth by the REAL ID Act. It is also a federally compliant form of identification. The REAL ID can be used as an identification when you board a domestic flight within the U.S. and enter secure federal facilities.

REAL ID Act Explained & Impacts

The REAL ID Act is a U.S. federal law enacted in 2005 that establishes minimum security standards for the US driver’s licenses and identification cards. The goal of the act is to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents. Under the REAL ID Act, driver’s licenses and identification cards must meet requirements set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, your driver’s license or ID card must be REAL ID compliant if you wish to use it as identification to board domestic flights or to enter secure federal facilities. REAL ID driver licenses and identification cards are now available on the California DMV.

What Is a Passport?

A passport is an official government-issued document that certifies a person’s identity and nationality for international travel. It is a widely accepted form of identification for domestic travel as well. If you have a valid U.S. passport or passport card, you may use it as your identification to board domestic flights or to enter secure federal facilities.

California Driver’s License vs REAL ID vs Passport

While the California driver’s license, REAL ID, and passport can all be used as proof of identity, there are distinctive differences between these three forms of identification. Here is a breakdown:

Is My California Driver’s License Considered a Passport?

No. For international travel, your California driver’s license cannot be used as an identification document as your passport does. A passport is a government-issued document that certifies an individual’s identity and nationality for international travel. A driver’s license, on the other hand, is primarily used for driving and domestic identification. Whilst for domestic air travel within the US and federal facilities access, both your REAL ID driver’s license and your passport can be used as valid forms of identification.

When Can I Use My California Driver’s License for Identification

You can use your California driver’s license for identification in many situations, but its acceptance for specific purposes depends on whether it’s a standard license or a REAL ID.

A standard California driver’s license can be used for:

• Driving: It’s the primary form of identification for driving in California.
• Age verification: You can use it to verify your age for purchasing alcohol or tobacco.
• Identification: It can be used for identification verification when opening a bank account, renting a car, and applying for jobs.

However, starting from May 7, 2025, it will no longer be accepted for:

• Domestic air travel: You’ll need a REAL ID or another federally accepted form of identification, such as a passport.
• Access to federal facilities: This includes military bases, federal courthouses, and other secure federal locations.

If you have a REAL ID California driver’s license, you can use it for all uses of a standard driver’s license with no time limit. Therefore, it is recommended to obtain a REAL ID if you anticipate using your driver’s license for these purposes.

What Are the Alternatives to a Passport for International Travel? 

While a passport is typically the primary document for international travel, there are a few alternative options in specific circumstances:

• Enhanced driver’s license

If you have an enhanced driver’s license, you can use it in place of a passport for travel to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean by car or sea. The EDL is available in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. 

• Passport card

The U.S. passport card is a plastic passport with no visa pages. It serves as proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. The passport card is for US citizens who visit Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean countries by land and sea. However, it cannot be used for international travel by air.

• Refugee travel documents

The refugee travel document is issued by the US government for refugees to travel abroad. It allows entry to over 145 countries.

• Trusted traveler program card

If you cross the US border to Canada or Mexico frequently, you may apply for Trusted Traveler Programs and get a membership card valid for five years. The card is designed for frequent travel between the US and Canada or Mexico.

How to Apply for a REAL ID?

If you find a REAL ID necessary, here is how to obtain one:

Step 1. Gather required documents

• One identity document (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
• Proof of Social Security number
• Two different documents proving your California residency (e.g., utility bill, bank statement)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Step 2. Make an appointment with a local DMV in California

1. Visit the California DMV online portal. Login to your DMV account. Navigate to MAKE AN APPOINTMENT and click REAL ID Application.

2.  Complete the application online and upload your documents. When it is completed, make sure to save your confirmation code.

3. Click Visit A DMV Office and use the search tool to find a DMV field office near you. You may check wait times.

4. Select a date and time and click “Get in Line” to make an appointment with the office.

Step 3. Visit the DMV

Bring all required documents to your appointment. Provide your confirmation code to the office employee Present the document and have your photo taken and thumbprint scanned. Then, pay the application fee of $39.

Step 4. Receive your REAL ID

You will receive your REAL ID card via mail within three to four weeks. If not, check your REAL ID application status.

FAQs

Can I use my REAL ID to fly within the US?

Yes, you can use your REAL ID to fly within the US.

Do I need a passport to go to Canada if I have an enhanced driver’s license?

If you have an Enhanced Driver’s License from Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, or Washington, you can use it in place of a passport for travel to Canada by car or by sea.

Can you fly in the US with a normal driver’s license?

Until May 7, 2025, you can take a domestic flight in the US with a normal driver’s license. After that, you cannot with a normal one.

Can you cross the border with a California REAL ID?

No. You cannot use a California REAL ID for border crossings into Canada, Mexico, or other international travel.

Should I apply for a real ID if I have a passport?

No. A REAL ID is optional. It is only needed if you wish to continue to use your driver’s license or identification card to take domestic flights or enter secure federal facilities. You can use your passport to do so.

Conclusion

The REAL ID is a federal-compliant driver’s license that allows you to use it for domestic air travel and access to secure federal facilities. If you already have a passport to do so, a REAL ID is not necessary. That being said, it is recommended to obtain a REAL ID, for it offers a convenient and secure way to identify yourself for various purposes.