My understanding is “Real-ID” is the only thing in 2026 to fly. A passport is not enough? Anyone know? How do foreigners fly? Bob Wilson
Real ID is good for domestic flights and some cruise ships. You'll need a passport card and/or REAL passport to cross into another country. I've crossed into Canada & Mexico with my passport card in a car; but I still had my REAL passport on me - just in case. This was before the current administration started 'pissing everyone off'. Your REAL passport will always "Trump" the passport card. Whenever I renew, I always get both and keep them is separate places while traveling. I haven't had any issues, but I haven't lost either while traveling - so basically don't know what happens when you show up at the US embassy in a foreign country with just your passport card or nothing at all, but claiming to be a US citizen. If they let you into the country, you obviously had a valid REAL passport on you at some point.
I carry the card in my wallet. The passport book is saved in case I need a visa. Just I’m not that curious about foreign travel. I really got it as an alternative to ‘real-id.’ Bob Wilson
I've had both for about two decades now and just the passport book before that. I didn't rush out to get a 'real ID' because I had the card. My DL eventually expired and I upgraded to a real ID. It was funny looking at the lines wrapped around the DMV in those months following the LAST deadline - it was extended several times. I believe my DL expired during the first deadline extension.
Someone told you wrong. TSA lists many acceptable IDs. Both U.S. and foreign passports are on this list: Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint | Transportation Security Administration Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. TSA strongly encourages you check this list again before traveling, so you do not arrive at the airport without acceptable ID. State-issued REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or identification cards If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles (or equivalent). A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification. State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID) Mobile Driver's Licenses (mDLs): TSA accepts certain mDLs issued by states that have been approved for Federal use. The mDL must be based on a REAL ID, EDL, or EID. Approved states are listed at Participating States and Eligible Digital IDs | Transportation Security Administration 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, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs) HSPD-12 PIV card Foreign government-issued passport Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) TSA is also accepting the following Digital Identification as a part of our ongoing testing efforts to strengthen identity security: Apple Digital ID Clear ID Google ID Pass
