Does REAL ID replace a passport for international travel?

If you’re traveling overseas, it’s critical to bring the documents and identification you need to board planes and cross borders. If you recently updated your driver’s license and got a REAL ID, you might wonder: does REAL ID replace a passport for international travel?

In a word, no. You need a passport to travel overseas. Your REAL ID helps you fly in the US without your passport. But your passport is necessary for international travel. Here’s what to know.

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What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a state ID card, usually a driver’s license, that meets federally mandated security standards.¹ As of May 7, 2025, REAL IDs are required documentation for entering federal facilities and traveling by plane within the US.²

This means that a REAL ID is an acceptable identification for domestic air travel, and a non-REAL ID driver’s license is not.

Keep in mind that other identification documents meet the REAL ID standards, including an enhanced driver’s license and your US passport or passport card.³ So if you don’t have a REAL ID but you have a passport, you can still fly.

If you don’t have a REAL ID yet, you can get one from your state motor vehicle office.

Does REAL ID replace a passport for international travel?

No. A REAL ID is sufficient identification to board a plane traveling domestically, but you won’t be able to use it to travel overseas or across borders — including to Mexico and Canada.¹

You can’t use your REAL ID for international travel. You will always need your passport to fly abroad.

Do I need a passport and REAL ID for international travel?

No. Because a passport meets the REAL ID security standards, a passport can get you through any checkpoint that requires a REAL ID.²

You will never need a REAL ID *and *your passport while traveling abroad, because your REAL ID has no bearing on international travel, only domestic.

You may be asked to show a driver’s license abroad to rent a car, but it won’t matter if it’s a REAL ID or not.

What ID do you need to fly internationally?

To fly internationally, you will always need your passport. And depending on where you’re going, the passport may need to be at least 6 months away from expiration.

Depending on your situation, you may also need the following documents before you travel:

• A visa: This will depend on where you’re going, why, and for how long

• Medications and prescriptions: Bring along copies of your prescriptions along with labeled bottles in case you need to refill medications overseas⁴

• Proof of travel insurance: This isn’t always required, but the country you’re visiting may require you to prove that you’re insured

• Proof of vaccinations: Some countries require you to prove that you’re vaccinated against specific diseases; to be sure of your requirements, check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Proof of accommodation: In some cases, you’ll need to prove that you have a place to stay in the country you’re traveling to, whether in the form of a book accommodation or a letter from your host

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REAL ID vs. passport: FAQs

Still unclear about REAL IDs, passports, and travel documents? Here’s some more info.

Can you use a passport instead of a REAL ID?

Yes, you can always use your passport to fly domestically or enter federal facilities if you don’t have a REAL ID. Your passport is REAL ID compliant, so anywhere that you need a REAL ID, your passport will do.

Is a passport better than a REAL ID?

A passport is more useful than a REAL ID because it allows you to do everything you can do with a REAL ID and* *it’s one of the most important documents required for international travel.

If you travel abroad, you need a passport, but you don’t need a REAL ID.

A passport, however, is not a substitute for a driver’s license.

Do I only need my passport to fly internationally?

Yes. Your passport is sufficient identification on its own for international travel. You may need other travel documents depending on the country you’re traveling to.

How do I get a REAL ID?

You can apply for a REAL ID at the motor vehicle administration office of the state you live in. Contact your local state office that issues driver’s licenses to find out more.

How long does it take to get a passport?

Routine passport applications take 4–6 weeks, with up to 2 weeks’ mailing time. That's up to 8 weeks in total.⁵ You can pay for expedited passport service on the State department website.

Sources

1. TSA - REAL ID FAQs
2. Travel.State.Gov - U.S. Passports and Real ID
3. TSA - Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint
4. Travel.State.Gov - International Travel Checklist
5. Travel.State.Gov - Get My Passport Fast