Real ID and Passport Card Information

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established national standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to strengthen national security. The act contains measures designed to deter insider fraud as well as identity theft.

Law requires that driver’s licenses or ID cards match all documents presented at airport security checks or entering federal buildings, and immigration documents reflect an applicant’s current name. For instance, if someone changes their name due to marriage or court orders it’s essential that their Social Security card matches up with all other documents presented at an airport security checkpoint.

If a person changes their name, they should apply for a new ID as soon as possible in order to ensure they will have one available when needed most. Otherwise, it could be too late to receive a REAL ID-compliant document prior to 2023 when its deadline approaches.

An electronic passport card can be an ideal solution for frequent domestic travelers who reside within the US. Obtainable through local passport agencies, it provides secure and cost-effective travel documentation.

Starting on May 7, 2025, passports will become the only acceptable form of ID when travelling domestically within the U.S. They’ll also be necessary when entering federal facilities that require ID for entry.

Unauthorized immigrants often face difficulty when trying to secure driver’s licenses or passports, with only 12 states (plus Puerto Rico and DC) having passed laws authorizing driver’s licenses or authorization cards for these unauthorized residents. Furthermore, policies differ widely across jurisdictions making legal entry more challenging.