Can Passport Card Be Used For Real ID?

Since 2008, passport cards have been widely used by US travelers when entering either land or sea ports of entry into their own country – though not air travel. Offering an affordable alternative to traditional passport books and convenient for use only in specific situations, passport cards offer travelers with ID requirements an easier and cheaper solution to international air travel.

One primary advantage of using a passport card at US ports of entry is accessing Ready Lanes quickly and effortlessly. Unlike an ordinary driver’s license or state-issued identification document, a passport card has an RFID chip embedded within that can quickly scan and link with other data in government databases, making crossing borders much faster and simpler for you.

You may qualify for a passport card if your traditional passport hasn’t expired yet. Bring both documents: birth certificate or certified copy of marriage/divorce papers along with traditional passport. Alternatively, an expediter registered with the passport office can submit your application on your behalf for a passport card application.

Real ID requires states to adhere to federal standards in order for driver’s licenses and non-driver ID cards issued by states to be recognized when boarding flights and entering certain federal buildings. Unfortunately, for undocumented immigrants seeking these credentials to legally drive and work, Real ID poses a huge challenge, since their citizenship and address data will become easily available to both Homeland Security and I.C.E – making these undocumented immigrants potential ICE targets.