do you need passport to travel domestically

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Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.

• Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.  
• State-Issued Drivers License or State-Issued ID
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a  federally recognized , Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

In coordination with its DHS counterparts, TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for use in special circumstances at the checkpoint.

A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.

Learn more about flying with a REAL ID .

TSA currently accepts expired ID up to a year after expiration, for the above listed forms of identification. DHS has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. Learn more about REAL ID on  TSA’s REAL ID  webpage.

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.

Don’t Have Your Acceptable ID?

In the event you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification (whether lost, stolen, or otherwise), you may still be allowed to fly.

The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.

You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed.

TSA recommends individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least three hours in advance of their flight time.

Names With Suffixes

TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and ID. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass, and there is not one on the ID or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.

If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.

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How a Passport Can Help You Fly Domestically

The U.S. passport book and passport card are both accepted as REAL ID for domestic flights.

The REAL ID Act requires IDs issued by a state to meet federal security standards. You will need a REAL ID to board a domestic flight and enter a federal facility.

Check  your state’s status to see if your current driver’s license or state ID meets REAL ID standards.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts  several photo IDs  when boarding domestic flights.

If you don't have REAL ID, check with your state on how to apply for one, or consider applying for a U.S. passport book or card. 

You may not have heard about the U.S. passport card before. 

About the Passport Card

The U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized, plastic passport that has no visa pages. The card has the same length of validity as the passport book. The card is a cheaper alternative to the book, and is not valid for international air travel. 

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Do you need a passport to travel in the U.S. in 2024?

Find out what kind of id you need to travel domestically.

Travel is tricky enough, but to add to the already confusing world of air travel, the U.S. government has been teasing us with updated identification requirements for what seems like forever. After years of changed dates, extended deadlines, and general defiance at the state level, there’s still a lot of confusion around the REAL ID Act, particularly when it comes to modern air travel . So, do you need a passport to travel within the U.S. once this goes into effect?

The REAL ID Act basics

Do i need a passport to fly domestically, what kind of id do you need to travel domestically within the u.s., do you need a real id to fly in the u.s., what do you need to travel within the u.s., where can i fly without a passport.

Direct answer:  You will not need a passport to travel within the US in 2024 or 2025, when the REAL ID Act goes into effect, though you can use one. Most people will use a REAL ID compliant driver’s license. These are already being issued and can be identified by the star in the upper right hand corner of the ID.

Read on to see more about what this means and how do you prepare if your ID isn’t already compliant? We’ll clear a few things up regarding this issue and explain the use of your passport when traveling domestically.

For starters, the REAL ID Act was slated to become law back on Oct. 1, 2020. However, the unprecedented circumstances of the last few years — traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic in particular — pushed the execution date. Now that date has been changed yet again . According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), all U.S. travelers must meet the REAL ID requirements to board domestic flights by May 7, 2025 (it was last slated for May 3, 2024, with October 1, 2021, and then to May 3, 2024, as the dates before then). While you may not need a passport to travel, you will need a REAL ID.

Every state will require a REAL ID

If you thought maybe your state wouldn’t comply with the act, we’re sorry to say that every territory and state will require a REAL ID. Some states have already started issuing them, so you may have one.

The REAL ID won’t get you everywhere

For trips to Mexico (by land) and Canada, and other international travel , you will still need a passport to enter. The REAL ID isn’t a substitute for your passport.

The REAL ID isn’t a passport

When you get your new ID, it doesn’t replace a passport. This can’t be used to fly outside of the U.S., but it could be used as a second form of ID. It’s also not a visa, it’s just your ID taken up a notch.

According to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), all adult passengers (18 and above) must show valid identification at the airport to travel. The identification must show your picture, name, and state of residence. It doesn’t necessarily need to be your passport, which means you can fly domestically in the U.S. in 2024 without a valid passport for travel.

If you don’t have a passport, there are other acceptable forms of identification, including:

• U.S. passport card
• State-issued driver’s license
• DHS trusted traveler card
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Border crossing card
• Permanent resident card
• U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) ID
• Tribal-issued photo ID

Believe it or not, even if you don’t have any form of ID because, say, you forgot it at home, it’s lost, or you’re a “sovereign citizen,” you’re still able to fly within the U.S. You’ll need to complete an identity verification process as required by the TSA.

Don’t plan on breezing through airport security , though, because you’ll be subject to additional (i.e., lengthier, more intensive) screening. Children under the age of 18 are not expected to provide identification when traveling domestically.

For domestic US travel in 2024 , an in-date driver’s license or other DMV-issued photo identity card with work. For other methods of identification, check the TSA’s acceptable identification guidelines .

Starting on May 7, 2025 , you will need a new REAL ID if you plan to use an ID to board. Fortunately, you are likely to already have one. As, according to the DHS, “All 50 states are now in full compliance issuing these cards, with most states becoming compliant in the last four years.” Again, a REAL ID has a star in the upper right hand corner. If you happened to renew your last ID before your state was compliant, you’re now able to receive a REAL ID-compliant version at your next visit. In the absence of a REAL ID, you will be able to use a valid passport, a U.S. military ID, or a federal government PIV card for domestic travel.

Without a passport, REAL ID-compliant card, or any other accepted forms of identification, you won’t be allowed through TSA checkpoints, meaning you won’t be able to fly within the U.S.

• If the new date sticks, when it gets here, then yes, you will.
• You’ll also need it if you want to enter federal facilities.

Beginning May 7, 2025, if they don’t have a passport, all U.S. travelers will need a REAL ID to fly for domestic travel. The ID will be required to access any federal facility, so, for example, you won’t be able to visit some national monuments, federal buildings, or loved ones at military installations without one.

This law will apply to all 50 states and territories, including Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Without the ID, you could still use your passport to fly locally. But that could still be a potential challenge for the almost 60% of U.S. citizens who don’t have a passport.

You get your REAL ID through your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, AAA, or regional state offices. It’s possible to complete the necessary documentation online before visiting the office, too, so be sure to check the minimum requirements before applying.

When traveling as a resident, you’ll need a valid passport, driver’s license, state ID, or military ID. Before traveling, be sure to check your identification to ensure it is valid and current. Also, take time to learn about the laws of the state you’re flying to — that helps avoid delays and frustrations.

U.S. citizens can also use state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses (EDLs) to fly locally. Know that EDLs are only available in select states, including New York, Washington, Minnesota, Vermont, and Michigan. They’re typically given to residents in states close to U.S. borders to comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative .

If you’re a foreign national traveling within the U.S., you’ll need your passport, so be sure to keep your passport safe while traveling. Flying within the U.S. without a passport as a foreign national could be quite stressful.

On the other hand, green-carded residents must have their regular photo ID and green card to fly within the U.S. The card also functions as a driver’s license or other ID, and you’re not required to have a passport for domestic travel.

• The sky is the limit — within the U.S.

As of 2024, there are no states that require passports from U.S. citizens to fly domestically. Your airline or the TSA should never ask you to present a valid passport. Of course, you could carry it with you for additional photo identification in case you lose your other forms of ID.

Bottom line: You can fly to all 50 states and surrounding territories without a passport. Just make sure to carry either your driver’s license or a state-issued ID. To avoid frustrations in the future, ensure your driver’s license and other ID are REAL-ID compliant before May 2025. You’ll need a passport to travel internationally , so it’s vital not to leave it at home if your travel plans are likely to include leaving the U.S.

If you have a trip planned for the next few years, it will be business as usual, where you won’t have to worry about having a passport or REAL ID, anyway. But after that, you will need a REAL ID, and if you don’t have one, you’ll need a valid passport. Either get ready to get your passport — which is good for 10 years — or your REAL ID before 2025, not forgetting about how long it could take to get that passport. Things will probably be a bit rough, and we’ll have some growing pains while everyone adjusts to the new REAL ID rules, so it might be better if you have a passport to be safe.

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Planning to Fly? You’ll Need This ID.

For years, the government has warned travelers they will need a security-enhanced Real ID to board domestic flights, and for years the requirement has been delayed. Now they mean it.

By Debra Kamin

It’s a change nearly 20 years in the making: a post-Sept. 11 law requiring that U.S. travelers carry more than a standard driver’s license to board a domestic flight. Now, after years of delays, it is finally kicking into gear.

Beginning May 3, 2023, U.S. travelers flying within the United States will need to show Transportation Security Administration agents either a security-enhanced driver’s license that’s Real ID-compliant or another T.S.A.-approved form of identification like a passport. A state driver’s license that does not contain the Real ID seal will no longer be accepted.

What is Real ID, anyway?

Real ID is a driver’s license or identification card that bears a special seal, which signifies that the bearer of the card has been screened and approved according to a standard set by the federal government, rather than just by the state issuing the license.

Why is this change taking place?

In the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, the U.S. government realized that nearly all of the hijackers who boarded commercial planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a field in Shanksville, Penn., were carrying U.S. driver’s licenses and state IDs, and most of those documents had been obtained fraudulently.

In the years that followed, the federal government began an effort to tighten national standards for state-issued documentation, and in 2005, Congress passed the Real ID Act. The act sets minimum standards for driver’s licenses and other types of identification cards. Once the law kicks into gear, any traveler who wishes to use a driver’s license or state-issued ID at a T.S.A. checkpoint must make sure that it is Real ID-compliant.

“The findings of the 9/11 Commission clearly identified gaps in security management of state-level procured identity cards and driver’s licenses,” said Frank Harrison, the North America regional security director for World Travel Protection , a risk management company. “The Real ID Act provides a national framework of screening and approval to ensure consistency and integrity of programs. In other words, each state will maintain authority over their ID issuances, but they collectively will adhere to one standard of practice.”

The Real ID Act was initially set to be enforced in 2008 and has been delayed a number of times.

“It’s remarkable how long it has taken for this to come into effect,” said Scott Keyes, the founder of the travel platform Scott’s Cheap Flights . “It’s been decades in the making.”

How do I know if my license is a Real ID?

The easiest way to tell is just to look at it. Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses have a star, usually in gold or black. The stars look slightly different on each state’s licenses — in California, it sits on top of an image of a bear, which is the state animal.

A license that is not Real-ID compliant will not have a star in the corner, and some will also have the words “federal limits apply.”

Can I get a Real ID regardless of where I live?

Real ID-compliant licenses and identification cards are now being issued in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia and the majority of U.S. territories. American Samoa is not yet issuing them.

What do I need to get a Real ID?

Each state has a different process for applying for a Real ID, so applicants should check requirements online. New Yorkers can visit a special Department of Motor Vehicles page detailing the process; many other states, including California and Texas, offer similar sites either through their D.M.V. or government portals. In most instances, you can get a Real ID by visiting your local D.M.V., either as part of a standard license renewal or by filling out a special application.

But no matter where you live, to apply for a Real ID or change your license over, you’ll need to provide a Social Security number, prove your address through documents like a utility bill or bank statement, and verify your identity through a handful of additional documents like a birth certificate or passport.

In many instances, there is no additional cost to receive a Real ID if you’re already renewing your license, although some states charge extra — in Pennsylvania, for example, it’s an additional $30 on top of the renewal fee.

If I don’t get a Real ID, can I still fly?

Yes. There are a number of other forms of identification that T.S.A. agents will accept for domestic air travel starting in May. These include a passport, a permanent residency card (also known as a Green Card), or the card for trusted traveler programs, including Global Entry and NEXUS , which allows pre-screened travelers to transit quickly across the United States-Canada border.

In addition, a handful of states — Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Washington and Vermont — offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses , or E.D.L.s. Some travelers may prefer to opt for these over a Real ID because they can also be used at some land or sea border crossings. They provide proof of U.S. citizenship, much like a passport, and are equipped with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip that can display biographic and biometric data on the owner, including facial image, gender, date of birth and citizenship status, to U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.

E.D.L.s are Real ID-compliant, as well, although instead of a star, they have an American flag. The flag’s location varies by state.

E.D.L.s can be used by travelers crossing land and sea borders to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, but they can’t be used in lieu of a passport if you’re traveling anywhere by air.

Do children need a Real ID?

No. The T.S.A. doesn’t require kids under the age of 18 to show any identification right now when they’re traveling domestically with an adult.

For international travel, children of all ages are required to carry passports and that will continue.

Can a Real ID be used as a replacement for any other form of identification, like a passport?

It can’t. For the vast majority of travelers, becoming Real ID-compliant will be a matter of simply updating their driver’s licenses. Real IDs cannot be used at any international border, including land crossings with Canada and Mexico, and they can’t be used for sea travel on a cruise, either. International travelers will still be required to carry a passport.

Should I be concerned about my personal privacy?

Maybe. Many organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union of New York, have decried the Real ID Act as a threat to personal privacy and an overstep of information gathering on the part of the federal government.

“A lot of the security and privacy concerns revolve around the fact that it’s pushing every state’s D.M.V. into a national database,” said Anaya Robinson, a senior policy strategist for the A.C.L.U. of Colorado. “If someone were to hack that singular database, they could get the personal information of anyone.”

For undocumented immigrants who seek out driver’s licenses so they can legally operate a motor vehicle, the shift to Real ID also presents a threat, Mr. Robinson added. “There’s a severe privacy concern in the immigration space of the federal government, Homeland Security and I.C.E. being able to access that information,” he said.

In addition to centralizing personal data like addresses and citizenship status into a federal database, the cards also carry a machine-readable zone that can be scanned for information on the card owner’s identity, which detractors say also presents a risk of identify theft.

But only 37 percent of Americans have a passport, according to estimates from the U.S. State Department, so if you plan to fly after May 2023 and don’t want to scramble with alternative documentation, you’ll need to update your driver’s license.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places for a Changed World for 2022.

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the American flag on Enhanced Driver’s Licenses. While the flag often appears in either the upper right corner or the bottom right corner of a driver’s license, in some cases it appears elsewhere on the license, depending on the state.

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the star that indicates a driver’s license is Real ID-compliant. While the star is usually in the top upper corner of the license, occasionally, as in the instance of Alabama licenses, it is not.

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Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

D enver, Colo.: The city is undergoing a rebirth , with a newly refreshed Union Station and the gradual reopening of the mile-long, pedestrian-friendly 16th Street Mall to go along with views of the snow-capped Front Range.

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Do I need a passport to fly domestic? What you should know

If you are wondering whether you need a passport to fly domestic this guide is for you. Typically, traveling domestically by air does not require a passport. TSA allows US citizens to use other forms of ID for domestic flights. However, this will soon evolve (2025) in accordance with the Real ID Act. It is thus imperative to check if your state’s ID meets these minimum-security requirements before traveling domestically.

Do I need a passport to fly domestic in the U.S. in 2024?

Passport Needed?

Not necessarily

Blank pages needed

Passport validity

Visa tourist needed

Quick answer: No. A government-issued photo ID, such as a state-issued ID card, is sufficient for domestic air travel. In other words, using your passport as a government-issued photo ID is possible but not mandatory. Your state-issued driver’s license, for instance, is sufficient to board your domestic flight.

When I ask myself “Do I need a passport to fly domestically?”, I always check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or the airline company I plan to fly with for the most up-to-date information regarding identification requirements for domestic flights in 2024.

What do you need to fly without a passport?

As a US citizen, you can use various forms of identification, as you do not need a passport to fly domestically within the US. Aside from the passport, you can use the following documents:

• Border crossing card
• DHS trusted traveler cards
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
• Permanent resident card
• State-Issued Drivers License or State-Issued ID
• U.S. Department of Defense ID
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

Can I still fly in the US without a REAL ID?

Yes. The REAL ID compliance to board domestic flights begins on May 7, 2025.

What is a Real ID?

A REAL ID is a U.S. government-issued identification card that meets enhanced security standards. It’s required for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities. REAL IDs are designed to enhance security by verifying the identity of cardholders using stricter authentication processes, and are distinguishable by a star symbol on the card.

Do I need any authorization to fly within the U.S.?

No, you do not need specific authorization or travel documents beyond the standard identification requirements. This applies to flights between states, including those to and from various U.S. territories and insular areas, like Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. However, states may have different driver’s licenses and identification card issuance processes, and some states may offer enhanced or REAL ID-compliant cards.

The KAYAK travel tips to enjoy your trip within the U.S.

To make the most of your trip and ensure an enjoyable experience, consider these travel tips.

What are the essentials to pack in your suitcase?

Here are some recommended travel essentials to consider when packing for a trip within the US:

• Versatile clothes
• Travel essentials like toiletries, snacks, and extra socks
• Electronics such as extra adapters and portable chargers
• Entertainment essentials like headphones
• Financial essentials like credit cards

What are the best National Parks to visit in the U.S.?

Now that you know you do not necessarily need a passport to travel within the US, here are some of the best national parks to visit in the U.S. besides Yellowstone , known for their breathtaking landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities, including:

• Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
• Zion National Park (Utah)
• Yosemite National Park (California)
• Acadia National Park (Maine)
• Glacier National Park (Montana)
• Arches National Park (Utah)

The 5 U.S. cities to (re)discover

Since you do not need a passport to fly in the US, plan to visit some of the top 5 cities without doubts and stress.

Best period to visit: May-July

Average Temperature: 70-85 °F

Best Food: Bagels with Cream Cheese

A hidden gem not to miss: Little Red Lighthouse – make sure you call Urban Park Rangers at (212) 360-1444 prior to your visit as it is closed to public most days

More info: New York Guide

Los Angeles

Average Temperature: 74-83 °F

Best Food: Sushi

Must see: Malibu Hindu Temple – I enjoyed the drive there almost as much as the temple, the streets are narrow but the green hills are beautiful

More info: Los Angeles Guide

Best period to visit: June-July

Average Temperature: 70-80 °F

Must see: Kubota Garden – make sure you book a tour at least 3 weeks before your visit.

Best Food: Seafood

More info: Seattle Guide

Best period to visit: November-January

Average Temperature: 76-82 °F

A hidden gem not to miss: The tropical paradise of the Kampong gardens

Best Food: Latin American cuisine.

More info: Miami Guide

Average Temperature: 71-85 °F

Hidden gem to not miss: Garfield Park Conservatory – a fun and free visit for the whole family

Best Food: Chicago hot dog

More info: Chicago Guide

Do I need a passport to fly domestic: Bottom line

This guide has answered one of the burning questions – do I need a passport to travel in the US? And for the perfect flight , don’t forget to check out our tips to make sure your luggage meets the requirements and what to do on a plane (especially important on long flights )!

The foregoing article was last updated on the 29th of August 2024. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency, or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information. Sources: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification https://www.dhs.gov/real-id https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/passports/forms-fees/Real%20ID%20Infographic_2022%20Update.pdf https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-980?language=en_US https://www.usa.gov/visit-territories

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How to get a REAL ID and use it for travel

The REAL ID Act is a law that sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards (IDs).

Why upgrade your license to a REAL ID?

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you have not upgraded your driver’s license or state-issued ID to be REAL ID-compliant, you will not be able to use it to:

• Board federally regulated commercial aircraft
• Access federal government facilities or military installations
• Enter nuclear power plants

Visit the REAL ID website for more details and frequently asked questions.

Check to see if your license or state ID is already REAL ID-compliant

If your driver's license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, it is already REAL-ID-compliant. There is nothing more you need to do.

How to get a REAL ID

When you apply for or renew your driver’s license or state identification card, you can choose to make it REAL ID-compliant. Find and visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see what documentation you will need. Your new card will have the REAL ID star marking at the top right.

Do you need a REAL ID to fly?

If you do not upgrade your license or state ID, you can use a passport or one of these other acceptable forms of identification to fly . 

Can you still get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID?

You will still be able to get a driver's license or state ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant. But you will not be able to use it for air travel or to get into federal facilities or military installations. Find and visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see how to get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID.

LAST UPDATED: May 23, 2024

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• Frequently Asked Questions

This page and its content reflects language used at the time of publication and may include terminology no longer used by the Department.

REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions and answers regarding the implementation of the REAL ID Act. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards.

Additional questions may be sent to the Department of Homeland Security at [email protected] .

For the Public

Q: what is real id.

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. These purposes are:

• Accessing certain federal facilities
• Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
• Entering nuclear power plants

Q: When will REAL ID be enforced?

The enforcement date is May 7, 2025.

Q: What happens when the REAL ID enforcement date begins?

Federal agencies, including DHS and TSA, may only accept state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards as identification for purposes of accessing federal facilities - including TSA airport security checkpoints - if the license or card was issued by a REAL ID compliant state in accordance with the REAL ID security standards (meaning the license or card must include the REAL ID compliant star marking). Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes. Most EDLs do not contain the star marking and this is acceptable.

Q: Are all states issuing REAL ID compliant cards?

Yes. All states, the District of Columbia, and the 5 territories are REAL ID compliant and issuing REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and IDs.

Q: How do I get a REAL ID?

Visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID. At a minimum, you must provide documentation showing: 1) Full Legal Name; 2) Date of Birth; 3) Social Security Number; 4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and 5) Lawful Status.

States may impose additional requirements, so check with your state’s driver’s licensing agency website, before visiting them in person, for additional guidance and assistance.

Q: If an individual’s Social Security Administration account card is not available, what other documents can be used to verify an individual’s Social Security Number SSN?

The person may present any of the following documents bearing the applicant's SSN:

• A W-2 form,
• A SSA-1099 form,
• A non-SSA-1099 form, or
• A pay stub with the applicant's name and SSN on it.

Q: How do I know if my license or identification card is REAL ID compliant?

REAL ID-compliant cards will have of one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity in order to board commercial aircraft.

Examples of REAL IDs:

Q: When will I need to change how I travel domestically?

Beginning May 7, 2025 every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, for accessing federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial aircraft. The card, itself, must be REAL ID compliant unless the resident is using an alternative acceptable document such as a passport or passport card, or state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License. The Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not currently required to access a federal facility (such as to enter the public areas of the Smithsonian) nor does it prohibit an agency from accepting other forms of identity documents (such as a U.S. passport or passport card).

Q: Will minors need to have driver's licenses/ identification cards to fly domestically?

No. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification.

Q: What happens to travelers who show up without a compliant license? Will TSA turn them away?

Travelers who do not present a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative beginning May 7, 2025 will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.

Q: Is a passport my only other option?

No. TSA accepts several other forms of identity documents. For more information on acceptable forms of identification for boarding aircraft, please visit TSA’s website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification .

Starting May 7, 2025, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, for accessing federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial aircraft. The card, itself, must be REAL ID compliant unless the resident is using an alternative acceptable document such as a passport. The Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not currently required to access a federal facility (such as to enter the public areas of the Smithsonian) nor does it prohibit an agency from accepting other forms of identity documents (such as a U.S. passport or passport card).

Q: Can I use my REAL ID card to cross the border into Canada and Mexico and for international travel?

No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel.

Q: Can I use my REAL ID for sea (cruise) travel?

No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for international sea cruise travel.

Q: Do I need a passport if I have a REAL ID?

If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.

Q: What type of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards does the Department of Homeland Security currently accept as identification to access its buildings and facilities and at TSA airport security checkpoints?

Until full enforcement of REAL ID begins on May 7, 2025, DHS and its component agencies, including TSA at its airport security checkpoints, will continue to accept for identification purposes all state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by compliant states, as well as noncompliant states with a valid extension.

Q: Will a federal agency accept my Enhanced Driver's License?

Yes. State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by DHS under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and are acceptable alternatives for official federal purposes such as accessing a federal facility or boarding a commercial aircraft. Individual agency policies may still apply.

Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington are the only states that currently issue EDLs. For more information on EDLs, please go to https://www.dhs.gov/enhanced-drivers-licenses-what-are-they .

Q: What about non-DHS federal entities? What types of licenses and identification cards will they accept for access purposes?

Federal agencies have the authority to set their own minimum security access requirements and, if desired, decide not to accept noncompliant marked cards before the May 7, 2025 deadline.

For example, The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) recently finalized an update to its DoD-Wide installation security policy and is in the process of no longer accepting noncompliant marked cards across all of its facilities and installations. However, DoD will continue to accept state-issued noncompliant unmarked "legacy" cards until the May 7, 2025 deadline.

To ensure you have the proper identification, DHS recommends that you contact the federal agency you plan to visit in advance, to obtain information regarding identification requirements. As a reminder, the REAL ID Act applies when an individual presents a state-issued driver’s license or identification card to a federal agency for an “official purpose” as defined in the Act and regulations, such as boarding a federally regulated commercial aircraft. Although a REAL ID card may not be necessary for other purposes such as driving, voting, banking, or applying for benefits or employment, we recommend checking with the relevant state, local, or commercial entities regarding their specific identification requirements.

Q: Is DHS trying to build a national database with all of our information?

 No. REAL ID is a national set of standards, not a national identification card. REAL ID does not create a federal database of driver license information. Each jurisdiction continues to issue its own unique license, maintains its own records, and controls who gets access to those records and under what circumstances. The purpose of REAL ID is to make our identity documents more consistent and secure.

Q: How does REAL ID implementation impact states that provide driver's licenses and IDs to certain non-citizens/undocumented immigrants?

REAL ID allows compliant states to issue driver's licenses and identification cards where the identity of the applicant cannot be assured or for whom lawful presence is not determined. In fact, some states currently issue noncompliant cards to undocumented individuals. Noncompliant cards must clearly state on their face (and in the machine readable zone) that they are not acceptable for REAL ID purposes and must use a unique design or color to differentiate them from compliant cards. DHS cautions against assuming that possession of a noncompliant card indicates the holder is an undocumented individual, given that individuals may obtain noncompliant cards for many reasons unrelated to lawful presence. Possession of a noncompliant card does not indicate that the holder is an undocumented individual, given that individuals may obtain noncompliant cards for many reasons unrelated to lawful presence.

Q: How will the phase-out of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program affect state issuance of driver's licenses and IDs to DACA beneficiaries?

The REAL ID Act allows states to issue temporary (i.e., limited-term), REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards to applicants who provide valid, documentary evidence that they have “approved deferred action status.” [Sec. 202(c)(2)(B)(viii)] Under the REAL ID regulation, applicants with approved deferred action who hold valid Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and Social Security Numbers (SSNs) may qualify to receive temporary REAL ID driver's licenses and ID cards. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) Program standardized and expedited the process for obtaining these supporting identification documents for individuals with Deferred Action seeking REAL IDs. Individuals with approved Deferred Action, valid EADs and valid SSNs may continue to hold temporary (limited-term) REAL IDs until their expiration. In any case, REAL ID compliant states may continue to issue noncompliant licenses and IDs to individuals with or without lawful status, including deferred action, as defined under the REAL ID Act.

Q. Can a person granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or who has a pending application for TPS get a REAL ID-compliant license/ID? How long will it be valid?

Yes, a TPS beneficiary or individual with a pending TPS application can obtain a REAL ID compliant license or identification card. The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country's nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately. USCIS may grant TPS to eligible nationals of certain designated countries (or parts of countries), who are already in the United States. Eligible individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated country may also be granted TPS.

The validity period of the license or ID card generally depends upon the length of the TPS period. When DHS initially designates TPS status for a country, it can do so for a minimum of 6 months but no more than 18 months. TPS extensions provided after the initial designation are for a period of 6, 12, or 18 months. Designations and extensions are provided through a Federal Register Notice. A TPS beneficiary’s status is tied to a country designated for TPS. Pursuant to Section 202(c)(2)(C)(ii) of the Real ID Act of 2005, a temporary driver's license or temporary identification card issued to individuals who have a pending or approved application for TPS “shall be valid only during the period of time of the applicant's authorized stay in the United States or, if there is no definite end to the period of authorized stay, a period of one year.”

See the USCIS TPS website for countries currently designated for TPS and their designation periods .

Issuance of REAL ID Compliant Documents to Citizens of the Freely Associated States

On December 17, 2018, President Trump signed the REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act, Public Law 115-323. This Act amends the REAL ID Act of 2005 to authorize states to issue full-term REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards to citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (collectively known as the Freely Associated States, or FAS) who have been admitted to the United States as nonimmigrants pursuant to a Compact of Free Association and who meet the identification requirements of the REAL ID Act.

Q: What does the legislation do? Citizens of these countries are nonimmigrants and have only been issued temporary/limited term licenses in the past.

The REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act amends the REAL ID Act to separate citizens of the Freely Associated States from the categories of non-U.S. citizens who are only eligible to receive a temporary (limited term) REAL ID- compliant driver’s license or identification card with a validity period no longer than the period of authorized stay in the United States, or if there is no definite end to the period of authorized stay, one year. With this amendment, citizens of the Freely Associated States who present acceptable evidence of identity and lawful status under the REAL ID Act and its implementing regulations should now receive a full-term driver’s license or identification card, rather than a temporary one.

Q: What identity and lawful status documents will FAS citizens need to present in order to obtain a REAL ID compliant license?

DHS recently designated an unexpired foreign passport with an approved I-94, with a valid visa no longer required, documenting the applicant’s most recent admission to the United States under a Compact, as acceptable documents FAS citizens may present to establish identity in order to obtain a REAL ID license or identification card. FAS citizens also may present one of the other identity documents listed in the regulations, including an unexpired passport, with a valid, unexpired visa (if applicable), and approved I-94, an unexpired employment authorization document, or a previously issued REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card (in which case, a valid passport and I-94 is acceptable evidence of lawful status). In all cases, the documentation presented for proof of identity and lawful status must be verified through Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE).

Q: What if an applicant states he or she has been in the United States for a number of years and does not have a valid passport?

Freely Associated States citizens who entered the United States lawfully years ago may have passports that have expired. In order to be issued a REAL ID-compliant document, they will need to renew their passport or present another acceptable identity document, such as an unexpired EAD.

Q: What will the expiration date be for a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card issued to citizens of the Freely Associated States?

The appropriate validity period of the driver’s license or identification card will be consistent with the state’s regular expiration period for full-term REAL ID-compliant documents and carry the same compliant markings without any additional language.

Q: Will other classes of nonimmigrants be eligible to present a valid passport and I-94 for proof of identity and lawful status and be issued a REAL ID-compliant document?

The designation of the unexpired passport with an approved I-94 as an acceptable identity document is only available to Freely Associated States citizens admitted under the Compacts. This designation does not change the requirement for other classes of nonimmigrants to present a valid unexpired passport, valid unexpired visa, and I-94; or an EAD as evidence of identity and lawful status. In all cases, the documentation presented for proof of identity and lawful status must be verified through Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE).

Q: Are other categories of non-U.S. citizens that are only eligible to receive a temporary (limited term) REAL ID-compliant document eligible for a regular full term REAL ID-compliant document?

The REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act only applies to citizens of the Freely Associated States and enables them to receive full-term REAL ID licenses. Other categories of non-U.S. citizens in a “temporary lawful status” as defined in the REAL ID regulations remain eligible for temporary (limited term) REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card with a validity period no longer than the period of authorized stay in the United States, or if there is no definite end to the period of authorized stay, one year. These categories of individuals in a “temporary lawful status” as defined in the REAL ID regulations include a person who is a nonimmigrant; has a pending application for asylum; has a pending or approved application for temporary protected status; has approved deferred action; or has a pending application for lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident status.

Q. Does the REAL ID Act require an applicant who wears a head covering for religious reasons to alter or remove the head covering so that the driver’s license or identification card photograph shows their hair or ears?

No. The REAL ID regulatory standards for the digital photograph recognize that some individuals may wear head coverings for religious or other reasons. However, such coverings should not obscure an applicant’s facial features or generate a shadow. For purposes of the photograph, the face should be visible from the hairline to the chin and forward of the ears, and be free of shadows. The REAL ID regulation does not require the exposure of the hair line or the ears.

State Compliance

Q. can jurisdictions meeting the standards of real id continue to issue non-compliant real id driver’s licenses and identification cards.

Yes. REAL ID allows jurisdictions to issue identification cards and driver’s licenses that are not in compliance with the requirements of the Act. Those licenses and identification cards, however, must clearly state on their face and in the machine readable zone that the card is not acceptable for official purposes.

Q. If my state issues an Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, is that sufficient for my state to be REAL ID compliant?

State Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by DHS under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) are acceptable for official federal purposes (i.e., boarding a commercial aircraft, accessing a federal facility, or entering a nuclear power plant). However the existence of an EDL is not sufficient to consider the state to be in overall compliance for purpose of determining whether a federal agency may accept a state’s regular driver’s license for official purposes. For example, a federal agency could accept an EDL issued from a state but not be able to accept a standard driver’s license from that same state.

Q. Why is DHS recertifying states already determined to be compliant?

DHS makes determinations that a state is meeting the minimum requirements of the REAL ID Act based upon certifications submitted by the state to the Secretary of Homeland Security. The REAL ID regulation prescribes how these certifications are to be made. In particular, the REAL ID regulation requires that states recertify their compliance with the Act every three years, on a rolling basis, as determined by DHS.

State Implementation

Q. can states accept electronically submitted copies of source documents from applicants.

On November 7, 2019, DHS issued a request for information (RFI), published in the Federal Register, to receive input on technologies that could assist states and their residents in the digital submission, receipt, and authentication of documents and information applicants must provide when applying for a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card. DHS received 69 responsive comments and completed its preliminary review of the responsive proposals. Based on this review, DHS has identified one viable option that can be immediately implemented by the states, territories, and District of Columbia, hereafter “States,” consistent with existing authorities.

On February 19, 2020, DHS informed the States that effective immediately, they are permitted to implement the acceptance of electronically submitted copies of source documents with certain restrictions. Specifically, the States may now add the pre-submission of identity and lawful status source documents, through a secure electronic process, prior to an applicant’s in-person DMV visit, and physical presentation of those same documents for authentication and verification by DMV personnel.

States had requested this ability during the RFI process stating that electronic pre-submission helps streamline the application process by: 1) ensuring that an applicant has the correct information and, 2) allowing a state to electronically retain that information prior to the applicant’s in-person visit. Retaining the information in advance eliminates time-consuming activities associated with the physical scanning and retention of source documents that typically occurs during the applicant’s DMV visit. States informed DHS that this can have a direct impact on reducing overall applicant wait times and improving customer satisfaction. DHS guidance to the States recommend that they consider implementing this option.

DHS continues to evaluate the other proposals for action and is working with the Office of Management and Budget and Congress, as necessary.

Q. At what point in the application process should states capture the applicant's image?

States should capture the applicant's image at the beginning of the licensing process when the applicant submits a completed application to a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) representative for processing. If at any time during the application process fraud is suspected, the DMV should make every attempt to capture the applicant's image whether or not a completed application is submitted for processing.

Q. Does an applicant have to provide documentation of all previous names if the name on the lawful status document is different from the current legal name that will be displayed on the new license or identification card?

The applicant should demonstrate name traceability, i.e., a connection between the name presented on the source document and the name requested to be on the issued document. States may choose the kinds of documentation individuals should present as evidence of this traceability. Individuals do not have to provide a complete listing of all the names that they may have previously used.

Q. What classifications of noncitizens are eligible for full-term compliant driver's licenses?

Noncitizens lawfully admitted for permanent or temporary residence, noncitizens with conditional permanent resident status, noncitizens with an approved application for asylum, and noncitizens who have entered the United States as refugees are eligible for a full-term REAL ID license or identification card.

Q. Can a "Temporary" or "Limited Term" license be renewed remotely?

No. Temporary or limited-term licenses and identification cards need to be renewed in person and upon presentation and verification of valid documentary evidence that the temporary lawful status is still in effect or that the individual has lawful status in the United States.

Q. How should a "Temporary" or "Limited Term" license be marked?

Temporary and limited term cards need to clearly indicate both on its face and in the machine readable zone that they are temporary and include the expiration date.

Q. What is the purpose of an exceptions process?

DHS recognizes that each jurisdiction is unique and needs flexibility to tailor an exceptions process to meet its individual needs and circumstances. An exceptions process helps states address unique situations where individuals, for reasons beyond their control, are unable to present one or more of the identity documents listed in the regulations. For example, following a natural disaster, for reasons beyond a person's control, documents necessary to establish identity and lawful status may no longer be readily available or obtainable. In such cases, states may need to rely on alternate documents to establish their identity or U.S. citizenship.

Q. Should states inform DHS when they change their exception process?

DHS understands that circumstances may require the development or modifications to a state's exceptions process following certification. In such cases, a state only needs to report to DHS its new or modified process when DHS conducts a periodic compliance recertification process.

Q. Should states have an independent laboratory assess the physical security features of their driver's licenses or identification cards?

States should employ multiple levels of security features for the detection of false cards, and submit a report to DHS that indicates the ability of the card design to resist compromise and document fraud. However, states are also welcome to use an independent laboratory to assess the documents or prepare a report.

Q. How should states mark compliant and non-compliant licenses so that screeners can easily distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable state-issued driver's licenses or identification cards?

While DHS recommends that states adopt the general design marking (aka "gold star"), per the REAL ID Security Plan Guidance Handbook, states may submit for DHS review and approval alternative methods of marking documents to clearly differentiate a compliant card from a non-compliant card. Those methods could include differentiations in color, lettering, and/or format.

Q. Upon renewal do applicants need to re-submit any documents that were required at the time of the initial application?

Except for holders of temporary or limited term licenses or identification cards, applicants renewing their licenses or identification cards do not need to re-submit identity source documents unless there has been a material change in any personally identifiable information (PII) since prior issuance.

Q. What would be considered a material change in Personally Identifiable Information (PII)?

Material change includes any change to an individual's PII, which is defined in the regulations to include information to demonstrate identity, date of birth, or social security number, as well as information that appears in databases or in the machine readable technology of the license or identification card. Notwithstanding the definition of PII, material change does not include a change of address of principal residence.

Q. May states issue a duplicate REAL ID remotely?

Yes. States may use remote procedures to re-issue a duplicate card – a card that bears the same information and expiration date as the original card – as long as there has been no material change to the card-holder's PII since prior issuance and the document bears the same expiration date as the original document. States may choose to re-verify an applicant's SSN and lawful status when issuing a duplicate driver's license or identification card.

Q. If a state has already copied an individual's source documents does the individual need to re-submit those same documents when applying for a REAL ID?

DHS understands that some states may currently require presentation, verification, and retention of identity source documents, social security information, and proof of address in a manner that meets the minimum regulatory standards. This also includes meeting the minimum standards for employee background checks, fraudulent document recognition training, and information security and storage requirements. States already meeting these standards do not need to have applicants resubmit identity source documents upon initial application for a compliant document.

Q. Are Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) and Enhanced Identification Cards (EID) acceptable for official federal purposes such as boarding a commercial aircraft?

Yes. State EDLs designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by DHS under WHTI are acceptable for official federal purposes such as boarding a commercial aircraft or entering a federal facility.

REAL ID Modernization Act

The REAL ID Modernization Act, passed by Congress as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 includes a provision that removes a requirement for a state to require an individual to provide documentation of their social security number when applying for a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. Title X, Div. U, Pub. L. No. 116-260 (Dec. 27, 2020). This provision, contained at subsection 1001(c) of the REAL ID Modernization Act, provides that “[n]otwithstanding any other provision of law (including regulations), beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, a State does not need to require an applicant for a driver’s license or identification card to provide separate documentation of the applicant’s Social Security account number in order to comply with the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005.” This provision became effective on December 27, 2020. Although states are no longer required to collect a social security document from a REAL ID applicant they still must collect and retain the number as part of the application process and verify that information with the Social Security Administration as currently required by the REAL ID regulations. Not all states have applied this, so please check with your state driver's licensing agency to find the most up to date information.

Q: Does an applicant still need to provide their SSN when applying for a REAL ID?

 The REAL ID Modernization Act includes a provision that removes the requirement for states to require an individual to provide documentation of their SSN when applying for a REAL ID driver's license or identification card.  See REAL ID Modernization Act. 

While the REAL ID Modernization Act no longer requires an applicant to present documentary evidence of their SSN some states may continue to require applicants to present documentation containing their SSN.  DHS recommends applicants check with their state's DMV for information on their requirements.

Q: Do applicants still need to bring in their social security card when applying for a REAL ID?

States may choose to require applicants to present documentation containing their social security number but are not required to do so.

Q: If a state no longer requires a physical document containing the SSN how would someone provide that information to the DMV?

States that choose to no longer require a social security document may collect the number as part of the application process (e.g., states may collect it on the application form).

Q: If a state continues to require a document, are they limited to the documents described in section 37.11(e) of the regulation?

DHS has not added any new social security documents to the regulation so an applicant would still need to provide one of the listed documents (i.e., a social security account number card, a W-2 form, an SSA-1099 form, a non-SSA form, or a pay stub with the applicant’s name and social security number).

Q. Does a state need to verify an applicant’s social security number even if it no longer requires a social security card or other document?

Yes. The verification requirements have not changed. States must continue to verify social security numbers with the Social Security Administration as required by 6 CFR 37.13(b)(2) of the REAL ID regulations.

Eligibility of Afghanistan nationals paroled into the United States for REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards

The Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act, enacted into law on September 30, 2021, includes a provision making certain citizens and nationals of Afghanistan paroled into the United States eligible for REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. Pub. L. 117-43, Div. C, Title V, § 2502 (Sept. 30, 2021).

Q: What does the legislation do and to whom does it apply?

The legislation makes certain citizens and nationals of Afghanistan paroled into the United States eligible for a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card. It applies to citizens and nationals of Afghanistan paroled into the United States between July 31, 2021, and September 30, 2022, and certain immediate family members paroled into the United States after September 30, 2022 (covered parolees).

Q: What does it mean to be paroled into the United States?

Parole is a discretionary decision that permits a noncitizen to be physically present in the United States. It is granted on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Parole falls under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(5)(A)).

Q: Are parolees who are not covered by this legislation eligible for a REAL ID?

No. Parole is not one of the lawful status categories covered by the REAL ID Act.

Q: What form of identity and lawful status documents are acceptable for a covered parolee to present when applying for a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card?

Covered parolees must still meet all the identity and lawful status documentation and information requirements of the REAL ID regulation. Covered parolees are eligible to apply for, and normally are issued a Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), soon after their parole into the United States. As the Form I-766 is issued to numerous categories of noncitizens, the DMV will need to verify that an applicant is a covered parolee through the SAVE system.

Q: Are covered parolees required to provide a Social Security Number to be issued a REAL ID?

Yes. Covered parolees are eligible for a Social Security Number, which they must provide when applying for a REAL ID, as required by the REAL ID regulations.

Q: Are covered parolees required to provide proof of principal residence address?

Yes. Covered parolees must provide proof of address in accordance with the requirements of the REAL ID regulations.

Q: What type of a REAL ID are covered parolees eligible for?

Covered parolees are eligible for a temporary/limited term REAL ID. The expiration date of the temporary/limited term REAL ID is to be based on the expiration date of the parole term as determined by DHS.

Q: Will DMVs be able to use SAVE to verify the immigration documentation and information provided by Afghan parolees?

Yes. Please see the following Q&A for more information.

Q: How can a DMV distinguish covered parolees from other parolees who may not be eligible for a REAL ID license or identification card?

The SAVE response will indicate Parolee and the date that the applicant was paroled into the United States. In addition, the SAVE response will generally include an “OAR” (Operation Allies Refuge) class of admission (COA) if the individual is an Afghan parolee. For limited situations in which an Afghan parolee has another parole COA such as “PAR” or “DT”, the procedures for receiving Afghanistan as the Country of Citizenship through initial verification depend upon whether the agency is using the web services access (system-to-system) or web browser access method:

• Web Services – SAVE may provide Afghanistan in the Country of Citizenship field (NonCitCountryCitCd) as part of the initial verification response.
• Web Browser – SAVE may provide Afghanistan in a new Country of Citizenship field as part of the initial verification response screen.

The procedure for obtaining Afghanistan as the Country of Citizenship through additional verification is the same for both access methods. Specifically, user agencies should include a “Request verification of Afghan citizenship” note in the comments field for the additional verification request. SAVE will then respond with “Citizen of Afghanistan” in the DHS Comments to Agency field.

Q: What if an individual’s status changes?

If a parolee adjusts status, they will have to reapply. Any individual who is issued a temporary/limited term REAL ID can reapply for a regular full term REAL ID at any time if their status changes.

Q: What qualifies as a valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) for purposes of establishing identity and lawful status under the REAL ID regulations?

In addition to the plastic I-551 Permanent Resident Card, the following documents qualify as a valid, unexpired Form I-551:

• A foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp, or with a temporary I-551 printed notation on a machine-readable immigrant visa (MRIV) with a DHS admission stamp, within the stated validity period, which is normally one year from the date of the DHS stamp;
• A DHS Form I-94 or Form I-94A with a photograph and an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp; or
• A U.S. Department of State Form DS-232, Unrecognized Passport or Waiver Cases, with a temporary I-551 printed notation on a machine-readable immigrant visa (MRIV) with a DHS admission stamp and validity period, which is normally one year from the date of the DHS stamp.

In all cases, the documentation presented for proof of identity and lawful status must be verified through Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE).

Q: Can a state accept a Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), whose validity has been extended by DHS?

Yes.  States should accept DHS-issued EADs that have had the validity period automatically extended by DHS because they are unexpired.  These include EADs that bear a “Card Expires” date that has passed, or one that has a future expiration date on its face.  To determine whether an EAD validity period is extended, states should follow the scenario-based guidance below and then use SAVE to verify the extended EAD validity period.

Documentation

• The EAD bears a category listed in Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension , then follow the guidance on that webpage and verify it by using SAVE.
• The EAD bears a category not listed in Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension , then the EAD may still be automatically extended.  As with all EAD extensions, verify it by using SAVE .
• In this situation, visit the country-specific TPS webpage available through the applicable country link on left side of the Temporary Protected Status webpage.
• Use the information on the country-specific TPS webpage to determine whether there is a blanket automatic extension of expiring EADs for TPS beneficiaries of that country.

SAVE Verification

Verify all EAD extensions using SAVE.  SAVE will generally include any status and/or EAD extension as part of its initial verification response.  In situations where SAVE does not, please submit an additional verification request.  If a previous SAVE case verified an applicant’s status and/or employment authorization, please submit a new verification request to determine whether there has been an extension or change.

Q: Can a state accept a Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card, whose validity has been extended by DHS?

Yes.  States should accept DHS-issued Form I-551, Permanent Resident Cards that have had the validity period automatically extended by DHS because they are unexpired. These include a Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (PRC, commonly known as a Green Card), bearing a “Card Expires” date that has passed, or one that has a future expiration date on its face, but is presented with a Form I-797 Notice of Action that contains language extending the validity period of the Green Card. Examples include a:

• Receipt notice for Form, I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (In this situation, follow the guidance on the webpage USCIS Extends Green Card Validity Extension to 24 Months for Green Card Renewals .)
• Receipt notice for Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence
• Receipt notice for Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status
• Receipt notice for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

As with all situations where an applicant presents a Green Card, verify their Lawful Permanent Resident status by using SAVE .

Q: Do Afghans with re-parole and extension of parole remain eligible for REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses?

Yes.  Covered parolees who receive re-parole (a new period of parole with new start and end dates) or extension of initial parole (original start date and new end date) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remain eligible for REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. 

Documentation:

• Covered parolees with re-parole or an extension of their initial parole may present a Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document, (EAD) with category C11 and a Form I-797C, Notice of Action, extending their EAD validity. 
• DMVs should accept all EADs that have a validity period extended by DHS because they are unexpired.  Unexpired EADs include those that bear a “Card Expires” date that has passed, in combination with a Form I-797C extending the EAD validity period, and an EAD that has a future expiration date on its face. 
• Apart from their parole documentation, Afghan parolees may also present valid immigration documents to DMVs that demonstrate lawful status under the REAL ID Act because they may have other pending applications or approved statuses or categories. 
• For more information on immigration documents, including sample images, see the SAVE Commonly Used Immigration Documents page.

Verification:

• Many covered parolees will also have automatically extended EADs that SAVE can verify.
• Covered parolees may have more than one valid immigration status or category, and many are independent categories of lawful status under the REAL ID Act such as pending asylum and Temporary Protected Status (both pending and approved).
• A first step SAVE verification is automated.  If an automated verification can be completed, SAVE provides a response in seconds, which will include one class of admission (COA) and employment authorization information, if any. 
• If the first step SAVE response is not sufficient for a DMV to make an eligibility determination, the DMV should institute Additional Verification.
• Parole period,
• Additional immigration statuses and categories, and
• Pending immigration applications.

Additional Verification is a manual process and response times vary.  Agencies are encouraged to submit a copy of the parolee’s immigration document(s) when instituting Additional Verification.

For more information on Afghan re-parole and parole extensions, see the June 8, 2023, DHS announcement  that certain Afghan nationals may maintain parole and employment authorization for up to two additional years and the USCIS webpage “Re-Parole Process for Certain Afghans.”

• REAL ID Act of 2005

Deadline: May 7, 2025

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The Family Vacation Guide

Do You Need a Passport for Domestic Flights?

posted by James Brockbank on November 25, 2021 // last updated on May 6, 2022

An essential part of preparing for any trip is making sure you have your paperwork in order. That includes things like IDs and other necessary travel documentation. So, it’s natural to wonder what type of identification will get you through the security line at the airport.

If you’re flying domestically, you shouldn’t need to show a passport. Currently, you can fly with identification that has your state, picture, and name. Examples include a driver’s license or a permanent resident’s card. However, the Department of Homeland Security has announced the REAL ID Act will take effect on May 3, 2023.  

The Act will require travelers to present a REAL ID, current passport, federal PIV card, or US military ID. Without one of these forms of documentation, you won’t be permitted to board domestic flights. Read on to learn more about current and upcoming ID requirements before you head to the airport.

Current ID Requirements

Checking the tsa website , what if my state doesn’t issue real ids, states that don’t issue real ids, what about temporary or mobile driver’s licenses, what is a us passport card, submitting documents for your passport , processing times for a us passport , when should i apply for my passport , before you go, check out our other entry requirement guides….

US citizens do not currently need a passport for domestic flights. While most people present a state-issued driver’s license or a military ID, the Transportation Security Administration lists several acceptable forms of identification. Those are as follows:

• A state-issued ID or driver’s license
• Passport issued by a foreign government
• US passport
• DHS trusted traveler cards
• US passport card
• Border crossing card
• Permanent resident card
• Federally-recognized Tribal Nation or Indian Tribe issued card
• Veteran Health Identification Card
• State-issued enhanced driver’s license
• Canadian driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker ID
• US Merchant Mariner Credential

A valid and current US passport is only necessary if you’re flying internationally. The requirements for different destinations can vary. Some countries stipulate your US passport must be valid for a specific number of months after your travel dates. 

If you plan to travel internationally or connect to an international flight through a domestic hub, double-check with the equivalent of the country’s state department before you go. 

Some US citizens who travel domestically prefer to use their passports as their form of identification. If you’d rather use your US passport, go ahead and continue doing so. When REAL ID goes into effect, you may need it anyway.

Upcoming ID Requirements

In the spring of 2023, the implementation of the REAL ID Act means that domestic travelers will need to present a REAL ID to fly. A REAL ID contains a star on the card’s top. US citizens and residents can check to see if their state will be issuing driver’s licenses and ID cards that are REAL ID-compliant.  

They can do this by either checking their current state-issued identification and asking the local motor vehicle department if the state issues REAL ID-compliant identification. Alternatively, people can check each state on the TSA’s website here . 

When checking via the TSA’s website, clicking on a state will redirect you to the rules and procedures for obtaining a state-issued driver’s license or ID card. However, some of the pages do not explicitly indicate whether the state issues REAL IDs. 

For instance, Colorado’s page lists the state’s regulations for issuing driver’s licenses and ID cards. The page also states how to get one for the first time and renew an existing ID. Yet, there is no mention of a REAL ID.

However, as Colorado’s residents with updated driver’s licenses know, they are REAL ID-compliant. This is why it’s best to call the local DMV to clarify and look at your existing identification. Some states also issue enhanced driver’s licenses to meet the TSA’s REAL ID requirements in 2023.

If your state does not issue REAL IDs or enhanced driver’s licenses and you wish to fly domestically, you must obtain a US passport. The exception would be someone with another acceptable identification form , such as a US military ID card. 

The only change on the list of sufficient identification is that state-issued IDs and driver’s licenses must be REAL ID-compliant. However, the list is subject to change between now and May of 2023. 

According to the TSA, the following states issue enhanced driver’s licenses that do not contain a star on the top in addition to REAL IDs:

• New York 
• Vermont 
• Michigan 

The TSA states that they will accept either form of identification for domestic flights once the REAL ID Act goes into effect.

Washington is a state that does not issue REAL IDs at all. However, the state does issue enhanced driver’s licenses. Again, the TSA states it will accept enhanced driver’s licenses from domestic travelers as an acceptable form of identification. 

The TSA’s website states it does not accept temporary or mobile driver’s licenses. If you do not have a physical, permanent copy of your driver’s license, you will need another form of acceptable identification for domestic flights. 

Using a US Passport and REAL ID

Yes, you can use a REAL ID or enhanced driver’s license to pass through domestic security checkpoints. However, once you enter a foreign country or return to the US, you must present a valid US passport. 

Many travelers simply offer their US passports throughout the entire process, so they don’t have to get out or keep track of two separate forms of identification. 

A US passport card is not embedded into a passport book with room for visas and stamps from foreign countries you enter. Instead, the card just contains the ID portion that you usually see in a passport book. 

A US passport card is generally not valid for entry into foreign countries via air travel. However, the card is used for land border crossings and at seaports in various countries.

For example, if you’re traveling into Canada at the US border by car, you can present a US passport card rather than a complete passport book. Citizens under the age of 16 can get a US passport card that’s valid for five years. Individuals over the age of 16 can get a passport card that’s good for ten years, similar to a passport book. 

How Can I Get a Valid US Passport?

To apply for a US passport for international air travel, you’ll need to fill out the US State Department’s form and submit supporting documentation that proves your citizenship status. Most people would submit their original birth certificate if they were born in the United States. 

For citizens born outside of the US, you’ll want to bring: 

• Certificate of Citizenship 
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad

You’ll also need to submit photos of yourself that meet the State Department’s requirements. 

Some drug stores offer passport photos as a service. You can walk in and ask to order passport photos. They’ll take your pictures and produce them according to official specifications. You can then pick up the photos when they’re ready and include them in the documents you send in with your application.

To submit your documents, you’ll need to find a passport service location and present a form of valid photo ID. If you don’t have a passport office or embassy near you, you can go to an acceptance facility such as a local post office branch. 

Individuals renewing an existing passport before it expires or after a specific expiration window can apply by mail. In most cases, you can include your current US passport as proof of citizenship. 

The processing times can vary according to where you submit your documents and whether you choose to expedite your application. 

Renewing by mail or applying at an acceptance facility can take over 8 to 11 weeks or 5 to 7 weeks if you choose to expedite the application. Immediate and urgent travel needs can be accommodated at passport agencies within certain limitations.

The State Department recommends applying for or renewing a passport as far in advance as possible. Processing times start when they receive your application and supporting documents, not when you mail them in or drop them off at an acceptance facility. 

Peak travel seasons and mail delays can impact when you receive your passport and supporting documentation back, such as your birth certificate. 

ID requirements for flying domestically within the US will continue to remain the same as it is now until May 3, 2023. 

As of this date, TSA security checkpoints will be checking for REAL IDs or another form of acceptable documentation on their list. You will no longer be able to use your old ID unless it falls under one of the states that are accepted by TSA after May 2023. 

While US passports are on that list, you won’t necessarily need one to board your domestic flight. As long as you have a REAL ID before your travel date on or after May 3, 2023, you should get through security like usual and board your flight. Bon Voyage!      

Why not also check out our other guides to help you figure out where you do and don’t need a passport to travel to:

• Do you need a passport to go to Cuba?
• Do you need a passport to go to Baja California?
• Do you need a passport to go to Canada?
• Do you need a passport to visit Aruba?
• Do you need a passport to go to Hawaii?
• Do you need a passport to visit the Caribbean?

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

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Passport Required for Domestic Flights [2023]

If you’re a legal resident of the United States, you may be under the assumption that you do NOT need a passport to travel so long as you have no plans on actually leaving the country. In the past, you would be absolutely correct, but as of 2023, you’re going to want to double-check things before you head off to the airport. After an extension of The Real ID Act expired on October 10, 2017, residents in some states may need a passport to travel – regardless of whether or not they’re taking an international trip – as of January 22, 2018.

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The Real ID Act: What Is Going On?

The Real ID Act of 2005  is a piece of legislation that insisted that state-issued IDs and similar forms of identification are more than adequate to meet the minimum security standards now set by the United States federal government. The problem is that the act had an extension that expired on October 10, 2017, meaning that it is no longer valid and could pose significant travel issues depending on where you live and where you might be headed.

What Documents Do I Need to Fly Within the U.S.?

Now that the Real ID Act has expired, certain state residents may need a valid United States passport to fly domestically. This includes those residing in Illinois , Missouri, New Mexico, and Washington, as these are all states which did not meet the security requirements set by the federal government. If you’re a resident of one of these four states (or if you’re unsure), it is highly recommended that you obtain a valid U.S. passport prior to any travel.

For residents of other states, the federal government recommends carrying proof of ID such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID card when flying domestically; however, having a passport is always the safest option and may be necessary for specific flights. You must check with your airline before traveling and ensure you have the required documents.

In addition to carrying proof of identification when flying domestically, a valid U.S. passport is also required for international travel. Depending on where you’re going, certain countries may have specific visa requirements that must be fulfilled to enter the country legally, so it’s essential to check with both the U.S. Department of State and the embassy or consulate of the country you’re visiting before any travel.

Related Read: Do You Need a Passport o Fly Domestic?

The TSA Security Checkpoint

In order to get past a TSA security checkpoint at an airport in any of these states, another form of identification will likely be required beyond your state-issued ID. This means you’ll need a passport, a permanent resident/green card, or a valid military ID. This is true for ANY commercial flight that you may be taking.

Equally important to note is that all of this information could change at any moment. But suppose things stay the way they are right now. In that case, you will need a passport or similar form of identification to take any commercial flight – whether international or domestic – when the current grace period expires on January 22, 2018. If you do not have a valid United States passport, now would be an excellent time to resolve this issue.

On the subject of getting your passport, it’s important that you have several viable options for getting your document in your possession as quickly as possible. Expedited passport services are likely available in your area that can collect and submit all necessary documents on your behalf, cutting the processing time down from the standard six to eight weeks (or longer, depending on the time of year) to 24 to 48 hours depending on where in the country you currently live.

Related Read: Can a Convicted Felon Get a Passport?

Ultimately, it’s important to take action to ensure you have a valid United States passport in your possession before the current grace period expires on January 22, 2018. With expedited services available, several options exist for obtaining a passport quickly and efficiently. Once you’ve taken care of this necessary step, you can then focus on making travel plans with the peace of mind that a valid passport will provide.

For those who have additional questions about the United States Passport Help Guide or need assistance with obtaining a passport, our helpful customer service team is here to answer any inquiries you may have. We are available by phone or email and can help guide you through the process of getting your passport quickly and efficiently.

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Do Kids Need ID to Fly?

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Traveling with children can be quite a different experience than traveling alone. Navigating security, extra bags, boarding the plane, keeping them entertained and myriad other considerations can make flying with youngsters more interesting.

But that’s assuming you can even get on the plane in the first place. Do minors under the age of 18 need identification to travel? The short answer is "no" for domestic U.S. travel, but "yes" for international travel.

For domestic travel, airlines will accept ID from the adult on behalf of the minor, but for international travel, both the minor and the adult must present the same travel documents.

So, whether kids need ID to fly depends on the type of trip you’re taking. To avoid having your vacation sidelined by missing documentation, here are situations where kids can skip having identification when flying and times when it’s required.

Kids don’t need an ID when flying within the U.S.

Domestic travel with an adult.

When flying domestically, both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirm that kids younger than 18 don't need an ID to travel.

However, the adult they are traveling with needs to have an ID — and most airlines don't allow children to fly solo unless using an airline's unaccompanied minor service.

An adult must have a state-issued driver’s license or identity card, passport or passport card, permanent resident or border crossing card or other forms of federally recognized identification.

» Learn more: The key differences between a passport book and a passport card

If the child is traveling with a non-parent adult, it can be helpful to complete a child travel consent form to deal with questions at security checkpoints.

If flying with a newborn infant , some airlines require additional documentation, such as a medical form. It may also be good to secure a note from a physician or hospital stating that the infant is healthy to travel.

Domestic travel as an unaccompanied minor

If a child is traveling as an unaccompanied minor, they don't need identification, but the adult taking the child to the airport needs to show an ID. However, if the child does have an identification card or passport, it is wise to bring it.

» Learn more: Pro tips for smart and cheap family travel

It's also recommended that they carry their birth certificate. Some airlines may require the adult to sign a release form.

Airlines may have their own requirements for unaccompanied minors, so be sure to check with the carrier. For example, American Airlines requires the child to have a form of identification like a passport or birth certificate. The airline also recommends attaching a copy of a form of ID to the child’s clothing as an additional measure.

» Learn more: Which airlines let kids fly free?

Kids need an ID when flying internationally

International travel with an adult.

Every individual traveling outside the U.S. needs some form of identification. This could be a passport, passport card or birth certificate, depending on the destination.

Even though it’s possible to cross certain borders with a state-issued ID or to take a cruise without a passport , it’s still important to have some form of identification for every traveler. Almost all countries require a passport book, and if there’s a visa required to enter, children will need to apply for it, too.

If traveling to Canada , children under 16 can travel with a birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship. Still, children should apply for their first passport if they plan to travel internationally at some point since it is necessary to visit most countries.

When a minor is traveling with one of their parents, it is wise to have a notarized letter of consent to avoid any issues at border control checkpoints. When a child is under the custody of one parent, custodial documents also work. Having this information is a good practice whether crossing a border by land or air.

» Learn more: Tips for traveling with toddlers

International travel as an unaccompanied minor

Similar to when traveling with a parent, unaccompanied children need documentation when flying internationally — typically a passport. There may also be additional requirements.

Some countries require kids traveling solo to have a letter of consent, so be sure to check with the airline and the embassy of the destination country. If connecting via a third country, be sure to verify any documentation that may be needed during transit.

Travel ID requirements for kids recapped

There may be additional measures adults have to take when traveling with children, depending on the destination. When it comes to carrying identification for children, domestic air travel is mostly seamless. But when crossing a border, there’s more complexity — especially if the child is unaccompanied or traveling with only one parent.

Children don’t have to carry identification when traveling domestically, but to play it safe — since airlines may have their own rules — it’s better to have more documentation than needed.

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Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico? What to know before your trip

D o you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico? Planning a trip to Puerto Rico often raises questions about travel documentation. As an unincorporated territory of the United States, Puerto Rico enjoys a unique status that affects the travel requirements needed to enter the area. So, do you need a passport for Puerto Rico? Let’s dive into the details to provide clarity on this matter.

Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico? The bottom line

No, you do not need a passport to go to Puerto Rico as a United States citizen. Puerto Rico is part of a group of U.S. territories that does not require travelers to present a passport at the border. However, if you are not a United States citizen, different entry requirements may apply, and it is always a good idea to double-check the details of your specific situation.

Can I travel to Puerto Rico with just my driver’s license?

The short answer is yes. U.S. citizens can travel to Puerto Rico using only a government-issued photo ID , such as a driver’s license or state ID card. However, starting on May 7, 2025, if you do not have a passport, you will need a REAL ID to fly domestically in the United States , which includes the territory of Puerto Rico. Without the ID, you can still use a passport.

What documents do I need to go to Puerto Rico?

As long as you are a U.S. citizen, a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, suffices for travel to Puerto Rico. However, make sure you double-check your ID’s expiration date before your trip to ensure that it remains valid throughout your stay in Puerto Rico. 

What islands can you go to with just a passport?

While Puerto Rico may not require a passport, other destinations in the Caribbean do. So, if you plan on traveling to multiple different destinations, make sure you research entry requirements for other islands in the region. 

Many Caribbean nations and territories, such as the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport upon entry. However, other U.S. territories like American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not require travelers to hold a valid passport.

Is Puerto Rico a domestic flight?

Yes, flying to Puerto Rico from the mainland United States is considered a domestic flight. Since Puerto Rico is a part of the United States, flights are treated similarly to domestic flights within the contiguous U.S. This means that you will undergo security screening but won’t encounter customs and immigration procedures when arriving in Puerto Rico.

Book your trip to Puerto Rico today

Traveling to Puerto Rico is quite straightforward when it comes to documentation. A valid government-issued ID is all you need to explore this exciting Caribbean destination. However, it is never a bad idea to bring along a backup form of identification , and a passport is a perfect choice!

The post Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico? What to know before your trip appeared first on The Manual .

Everything you need to know to renew a US passport online

A limited number of Americans can renew their passports online daily.

For American travelers with a U.S. passport, the State Department is making it easier to allow for renewal online thanks to an update to the agency's pilot program.

What to know about US passport online renewals

The government agency announced earlier this week that it would open a limited number of applications for online renewal at 1 pm ET on a first-come, first-serve basis.

See the full list checklist of qualifications needed to apply for online passport renewal below.

The routine processing time for online renewals is 6 to 8 weeks, which only includes the time the application is at a passport agency or center and does not include mailing times.

The digital renewal system was first introduced in 2021 through an executive order from President Joe Biden, but later halted applications indefinitely in 2023 due to the backlog of delays and renewals .

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Last year, the U.S. Department of State reported an all-time record high with more than 24 million U.S. passport books and cards issued in a 12-month span.

Online US passport renewal requirements

Passport applicants who wish to do a renewal online must meet the following criteria , per the State Department:

-- Be U.S. citizens and residents ages 25 and older who have already had an existing passport for 10 years; the passport must still be in the applicant’s possession (and not previously reported lost or stolen. It can, however, be expired.) -- Not be changing their name, gender, date of birth or place of birth for the new passport. -- Live in a U.S. state or territory. -- Be applying for a regular tourist passport. -- Be able to upload a recent digital photo. -- Be able to pay the renewal fee online with either a debit or credit card.

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