As of May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act is officially in effect. This means that anyone 18 or older must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings in the United States.

For many, this is a last-minute wake-up call. DMV appointments for REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses are booked out for months in some states, leaving travelers with urgent plans—and no way to board a plane.

There is a legal and fast alternative: the U.S. passport card. If you’re wondering whether it can replace a REAL ID, the answer is yes. And if you need it urgently, A1 Passport & Visa Services can help you get one in just a few days.

What Is a REAL ID, and Why Does It Matter Now?

REAL ID is a federal security standard for state-issued IDs. After years of extensions, the final enforcement date is May 7, 2025. From this date forward, the TSA only accepts REAL ID-compliant IDs for domestic air travel.

This includes:

• A driver’s license with a REAL ID star
  
• A U.S. passport or passport card
  
• Certain DHS Trusted Traveler cards
  

If you don’t have one of these, you can’t fly domestically or access certain federal buildings.

What Is a U.S. Passport Card?

A passport card is a wallet-sized ID issued by the U.S. Department of State. It looks similar to a driver’s license, but it functions as an official federal identity document.

What Does a Passport Card Look Like?

• Durable plastic card
  
• Includes your photo, full name, nationality, date of birth, and passport number
  
• Has RFID technology for land/sea border crossings
  

It can’t be used for international flights, but it is accepted for domestic air travel, land or sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and identification at federal facilities.

Will a Passport Card Work for REAL ID Requirements?

Yes. The passport card meets all REAL ID requirements. According to the TSA and Department of Homeland Security, it is fully acceptable as one of the TSA-accepted IDs for domestic flights.

U.S. Passport Card vs REAL ID — What’s the Difference?

A REAL ID driver’s license is issued by your state’s DMV and is typically the go-to ID for driving and everyday use.

A passport card is issued by the federal government. It is:

• Valid for domestic flights
  
• Valid for entering federal buildings
  
• NOT valid for international air travel
  
• NOT valid for driving
  

So while a passport card won’t replace your license on the road, it’s a perfect legal backup (or primary ID) for domestic travel.

Why Would You Need a Passport Card Right Now?

Many states are reporting DMV appointment delays well into July or August. With the REAL ID deadline now active, people trying to upgrade their licenses are facing long waitlists and strict documentation rules, especially in high-demand metro areas.

If you’re one of the many trying to avoid the DMV wait for Real ID processing, a passport card offers a faster and federally approved solution. It’s one of the most reliable travel ID options without a REAL ID license—and it’s available in a much shorter timeframe.

A passport card is ideal for:

• Travelers who don’t have a REAL ID yet
  
• Seniors or students without a driver’s license
  
• Anyone renewing an expired passport and needing a valid ID quickly.
  

With a valid passport card in hand, you can fly domestically, enter federal buildings, and move forward with your travel plans—without relying on the backlogged DMV system.

How Long Does It Take to Get a U.S. Passport Card?

Standard processing through the U.S. State Department takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Expedited service can shorten this to 2 to 3 weeks.

But if you’re in a rush, A1 Passport & Visa Services offers personalized expedited passport card services—we help eligible clients get one within a few business days, depending on individual circumstances.

Where to Apply for a Passport Card

You can apply:

• At authorized passport acceptance facilities (post offices, some libraries, government offices)
• Or through a registered passport expediting agency like A1 Passport & Visa Services

If you’re applying for the first time, you’ll need:

• Form DS-11
• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• Government-issued ID
• Passport photo
• Fees ($30 for the card, plus execution fee)

Why a Passport Card Makes Sense Right Now

A passport card is a federally recognized ID that fully satisfies the new TSA requirements for domestic flights. It’s one of the most practical solutions for travelers who need to fly but don’t want to deal with the long lines and paperwork at the DMV.

If you’re wondering, “Will a passport card work for REAL ID?”—yes, it absolutely does. The TSA accepts it as a valid form of identification under the REAL ID Act for air travel within the U.S.

For anyone looking for a passport card for domestic travel, this option makes complete sense. It’s valid for 10 years, fits in your wallet, and can be processed faster than most state-issued IDs. For travelers facing DMV delays, it’s the most direct way to stay compliant and travel without disruption.

Get Your Passport Card Fast — A1 Passport & Visa Services Makes It Easy

At A1 Passport & Visa Services, we understand what urgent travel means. We’re located in New York City, near major consulates and passport offices, and we specialize in fast-track passport services.

If you need a passport card quickly—whether for business, emergency travel, or to meet the new REAL ID rules—we can guide you through the process step by step, handle the paperwork, and submit your application through expedited channels.

Don’t Wait Months for a DMV Appointment

Avoid the delays. Avoid the risk. Let A1 Passport & Visa Services help you get your REAL ID-compliant passport card in days, not weeks. Call us now or start your application here — and travel with peace of mind.