Passport Card vs Real ID: Everything You Should Know About

The officers and staff need to identify your identity in many cases, such as traveling, passport application, entering federal buildings, etc. What types of identification documents are required depends on the way you travel and where you go. It is well-known that international travelers must present passports. As the Real ID Act passed, the Real ID has gained more and more attention, but what is it? What is it used for? Is there any difference between a Real ID and a passport card? What are their requirements? In this passage, we are going to address all these questions.

What Is Passport Card

A passport card, as one form of passport, is a proof of identity and US citizenship. US citizens can use it to fly within the US, take a cruise or drive to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean countries. According to the Department of State, a passport card can be considered as an alternative to a state-issued ID. It is as large as a credit card, which is cheaper and more portable than a passport book. However, compared with the booklet, the card does not have blank pages for visa stamps and it is not acceptable to board an international flight.

How to Apply for a Passport Card

The process of passport card application is the same as a passport book but charges less. First-time applicants must fill out Form DS-11 online and take it to the passport acceptance facility in person along with supporting documents, including ID, proof of citizenship, proof of payment, a passport photo, or other documents for special circumstances. Please note that some acceptance facilities require applicants to make an appointment before visiting. Find a nearby acceptance facility here and check whether the booking is needed. Generally, you should wait for 8-11 weeks to receive your passport card. If you pay extra fees and prove urgent needs, it could be shortened to 3 business days to 7 weeks.

What Is Real ID

In 2005, the REAL ID Act was passed to strengthen national security by regulating the issuance of driver’s licenses and identification documents and preventing federal facilities from accepting licenses and cards issued by non-compliant states. Starting from May 7, 2025, residents of each state and territory are required to present a REAL ID-compliant license, or other acceptable ID forms to board an airplane and enter federal facilities, military installations or nuclear power plants.

It is quite easy to recognize whether your ID is Real ID-compliant. The answer is YES If there is a star mark (See the picture below) at the top of the card while those with words like “Not for Federal Identification” “Federal Limits Apply”, or “Not for Real ID Act Purposes” are not.

Eligibility for a Real ID

You are eligible to get a Real ID-compliant license or ID if you are:

• Aged 18 years old and above.
• A US citizen or national.
• A lawful permanent resident.
• A lawful temporary resident, such as a work permit holder, or H1B visa holder.
• Approved or pending for asylum, entry as a refugee, or temporary protected status.
• Holding a valid nonimmigrant visa.
• Approved of a deferred action status (including DACA).

Although undocumented immigrants can apply for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, they cannot get a Real ID.

Not Applicable Real ID requirements

Please note that the Real ID requirements do not apply to the following conditions.

• Voting
• Gaining permission to drive or rent a car
• Entering national parks, Social Security offices or other identification-free facilities
• Access to federal benefits
• Access to health or medical services
• Law enforcement proceedings or investigation
• Purchasing alcohol, filling cash checks, or gambling
• Traveling by train within or across states where a standard driver’s license or ID card is accepted

TSA-approved Identifications

Identifications approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are listed as follows.

• U.S. passport book
• U.S. passport card
• Passports issued by foreign governments
• Traveler cards trusted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST
• Permanent resident card
• U.S. Department of Defense ID
• Border-crossing card
• State-issued enhanced driver’s license or equivalent photo ID
• Photo ID issued by tribes and recognized by Federal State
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• USCIS employment authorization card
• U.S. merchant mariner credential

How to Get a Real ID

Since 2010, states in the United States have started issuing new licenses. All states have been compliant with the Real ID Act up to now. Although the application fees and required documents might vary from state to state, you still need to go through the general steps as follows.

Make an Appointment

The Real ID can be obtained at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Although some of them allow walk-in services, it is still recommended to make a reservation before visiting the nearest office in case of waiting in a long queue. Find out how to make an appointment in each state in the Real ID by State Section.

Attend the Appointment

You need to take all required documents on the scheduled date to attend the meeting. And here is the checklist of supporting documents.

Proof of Identity

• Valid US passport card
• Passport book
• Certified birth certificate
• Foreign Passport with a valid US visa or supporting documents
• Certificate of naturalization
• Certificate of citizenship
• U.S. consular report as proof of birth abroad.

Some states also accept permanent resident cards, employment authorization documents (EAD), etc.

Proof of Residency

It must show your last name and current residence address in the state you applying from. If the residency paper only shows another’s name, please provide a certificate to verify your relation with him/her, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or domestic partner registration certificate. Generally, two residency documents are required. They could be:

• Rental or lease agreement signed by both the owner/landlord and tenant/resident
• Property ownership certificate
• Mortgage document
• Home utility bill or cellular phone bill
• Labor contract
• Insurance documents for medical, dental, vision, life, home, rental, vehicle, etc
• Tax bill
• Bank statement
• Confirmation letter for voting registration issued by the Division of Elections
• Letter from a Homeless Shelter, Shelter for Abused Women, NGOs, religious organization, employer or government agency stating you are residing in the state you applied from
• School documents issued by a public or private educational institution
• State-issued certificate of vehicle titles or registration (issued in the last 30 days)
• Confirmation for address change (certified by the United States Postal Service)
• Proof of Social Security Number

It is not a must in all states. However, even if your state (i.e. California) does not require an SSN card or equivalent documents, the authority still asks you to provide your SSN. The following documents are known to show SSN.

• U.S. Social Security Card
• DD214
• NGB 22
• W-2 Form
• SSA-1099 Form
• Non-SSA 1099 Form with full SSN
• 1098 Form
• Bank/loan/financial documents with full SSN
• Paystub with full SSN.
• Name Change Documents (If Applicable)

If you have ever changed your name, which led to a different name on the residency documents and tracing documents, extra proof is needed, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, deed poll or other court orders.

Pay the Application Fees

Real ID fees vary from state to state, which is displayed in the next section). It is acceptable to pay in person at a DMV office, online, over the phone, or by mail in cash, cheque, credit card, debit card, e-wallet, or money order.

Real ID by State

According to the federal government, the rules and regulations are made by each state and territory independently. Some require applicants to renew an existing license while others request new applications. The chart below reflects the major differences among them.

Difference Between Passport Card VS Real ID

Although a passport card is an alternative to a state-issued ID, there are some key differences between them.

First of all, a driver’s license compliant with the Real ID is issued by the state government while the passport is issued by a federal government. The latter serves as proof of both your identity and U.S. citizenship, but the former can only prove your identity.

Secondly, the Real ID is not allowed to be used to cross national borders. That is to say, you cannot leave the United States and enter another country with a Real ID. With a passport card, you can enter specific countries by land or sea, including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean countries.

Thirdly, it takes $30 to apply for a passport card while the cost of a Real ID varies from $10 to $85 in different states.

Last but not least, passport cards and Real ID requirements are different as we have stated before.

FAQs:

Q: How long does it take to get this new license?

A: It depends on your local DMV office. It might take a few weeks or longer. We suggest you apply in advance and avoid the last-minute application when the Act comes into enforcement.

Q: When will the Real ID Act be enforced?

A: May 7, 2025.

Q: Can I fly with only a Real ID?

A: Yes, but it is only applicable to fly within the US.

Q: Can this state-issued new ID serve as a substitute for a passport while traveling abroad?

A: No. A passport is mandatory to travel internationally no matter by car, cruise or air.

Q: My child is under 18 years old. Should he get a Real ID to fly within the US?

A: No. TSA-approved ID is not required for minors but is required for the adult companion.

Q: Do I need to apply for both a passport and a Real ID?

A: No, it is not mandatory. If you are planning to travel internationally, you need a passport. If you only travel domestically, a passport, Real ID or other valid form of identification is acceptable.

Summary

Now you have learned thoroughly about the two popular ID forms. Within the US A passport card can replace a Real ID, but it is not the only substitute. However, if you are traveling abroad, a passport is the only acceptable document. Every state has its own requirements for a Real ID while the passport card application is uniform throughout the whole country. When the Real ID Act is enforced on May 7, 2025, old licenses might be restricted. If you haven’t got a Real ID-compliant card, we hope this ultimate guide will help you decide which one you need and successfully apply for one.