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US Passport Card for Domestic Flights
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Can you use a US passport card to fly domestically?
Yes, you can use a US passport card for domestic flights. It’s accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as valid federal ID at airport security checkpoints across the United States.
That means if you're flying within the US, whether it’s New York to LA or a short regional hop, your passport card works just like a REAL ID or driver’s license.
This only applies to domestic air travel. A passport card cannot be used for international flights, even to nearby destinations like Canada or Mexico by air.
If you've been wondering “can I fly with just my passport card?” or “can I use my US passport card for domestic flights?”, the answer is a straightforward yes, as long as your journey stays within the US.
What is a US passport card?
A US passport card is a government-issued identity document that proves your citizenship and identity. It's wallet-sized, similar to a driver's license and is issued by the U.S. Department of State.
The passport card was designed for convenience, especially for Americans who frequently cross borders by land or sea. While it can be used for domestic air travel, it cannot be used for international flights.
You can use a passport card for:
- Domestic flights within the US
- Land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean
It’s a valid alternative to a passport book for these specific cases, but it doesn’t replace a passport for all travel. If you're flying internationally, you’ll still need your full passport.
How much does a US passport card cost?
A US passport card is one of the most affordable forms of federal ID for travel:
- Adults (first-time applicants): $30
- Adults (renewals): $30
- Children under 16: $15
- A $35 acceptance fee applies for first-time applicants
The card is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children. If you don’t need a full passport for international air travel, the passport card offers a budget-friendly way to fly domestically and cross certain borders by land or sea.
👉 Apply for a US passport card today 👈
Where can you use a US passport card?
You can use a US passport card in a limited number of travel situations. It's valid as an ID for certain trips but not a replacement for your passport book in all cases.
✅ Accepted for:
- Domestic flights within the United States
- Land border crossings into Canada
- Land border crossings into Mexico
- Sea travel to Canada
- Sea travel to Mexico
- Sea travel to Bermuda
- Sea travel to the Caribbean
❌ Not accepted for:
- International flights
- Any travel that requires a visa stamp in a passport book
If you're flying within the US, your passport card is valid ID at the airport. But if you're heading abroad by plane, you'll need your full passport.
Do you need to carry your passport card when flying?
If you're using a passport card as your ID, then yes - you’ll need to carry it with you when flying. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires passengers to show an acceptable form of identification at airport security. A passport card meets that requirement for domestic flights.
You don’t need to bring a passport book if you’re flying within the US and using your passport card as ID. Just make sure the name on your card matches the name on your flight booking.
Other acceptable forms of ID include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s license
- State-issued photo ID
- Department of Defense ID
But if the passport card is your only valid ID, always carry it. It's as essential as your boarding pass.
Passport card vs REAL ID - what's the difference?
Both a passport card and a REAL ID can be used to fly within the United States but they’re not the same.
Passport Card:
- Issued by the U.S. Department of State
- Proves citizenship and identity
- Valid for domestic flights
- Also accepted for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean
- Not valid for international air travel
REAL ID:
- Issued by your state’s DMV
- Proves identity and residency
- Valid for domestic flights and access to federal buildings
- Not valid for any international land, sea or air travel
If you're wondering “Is a passport card better than a REAL ID?”, the answer depends on your travel plans. For domestic flights, both work. But only the passport card proves your citizenship and offers limited cross-border use.
Tips for using a passport card for domestic flights
Using your passport card to fly within the US? Here’s how to make the process smooth:
- Bring the physical card - digital copies aren’t accepted at TSA checkpoints.
- Check the name on your flight booking matches the one on your passport card.
- Keep it handy - you’ll need it at airport security, and possibly again at the gate.
- Have a backup ID if possible, especially if your passport card is close to expiring.
- Don’t use it for international flights - even short-haul trips abroad still require a full passport.
Your passport card is a valid form of ID for domestic air travel. Simply treat it like you would a driver’s license or REAL ID when going through airport security.
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FAQs
Can I use my US passport card to fly within the United States?
Yes, you can. The US passport card is accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as valid identification for domestic air travel. You can use it at airport security checkpoints across all 50 states and US territories.
However, it cannot be used for any international flights, even short routes to Canada or Mexico.
Is a passport card the same as a passport book?
No, they are not the same.
- A passport card is a wallet-sized ID that proves your US citizenship and identity but has limited use. It’s valid for domestic flights and land or sea travel to certain neighbouring countries.
- A passport book is required for all international air travel, including overseas holidays, business trips, or any flight leaving the US.
What’s the difference between a REAL ID and a passport card?
Both can be used for domestic flights, but they serve different purposes and are issued by different authorities:
- A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or ID that meets federal travel standards.
- A passport card is issued by the US Department of State and also proves your citizenship.
The passport card allows for land and sea crossings to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, while a REAL ID does not.
Can I use a passport card instead of a REAL ID at the airport?
Yes! If you don’t have a REAL ID, your passport card is a valid alternative for domestic air travel. TSA agents accept either as compliant ID at security checkpoints. You don’t need both - one is enough, as long as it’s valid and matches your name on the ticket.
Is it safe to travel with just a passport card?
Yes, for domestic flights. The passport card is an official government-issued ID and is safe and legal to carry as your only ID for flights within the United States.
However, if you’re travelling outside the US or might need to prove your citizenship abroad, carry your passport book instead.
What happens if I lose my passport card while travelling?
If you lose your passport card while flying domestically, you may still be able to board with additional identity verification, but this can delay your journey. TSA may ask for:
- Credit cards or other forms of ID
- A background check on-site
If you're travelling internationally by land or sea, losing your passport card could affect your ability to return to the US. It’s a good idea to carry a backup ID and keep a secure photo copy of your documents.
Can I use a passport card for international flights in an emergency?
No. Even in emergencies, a passport card cannot be used to board an international flight. If you need to travel abroad urgently, you’ll have to obtain a full passport book, potentially through an expedited service.
The card is strictly limited to land and sea travel to specific countries and domestic flights only.
Does TSA accept expired passport cards?
No. An expired passport card is not valid for domestic flights. TSA requires all ID documents to be current and valid on the date of travel. If your passport card is expired or close to expiry, renew it well in advance to avoid any issues at the airport.
Can I book a flight using my passport card details?
Not directly. Most airlines don’t require ID at the time of booking. However, the name on your booking must exactly match the name printed on your passport card. You’ll only be asked to show ID when you check in or go through TSA security.
Should I bring both my passport book and passport card when flying?
It depends on where you're going. If you're flying within the US, your passport card is enough. But if there’s any chance you might need to leave the country or continue your journey internationally, bring your passport book too.
Carrying both offers flexibility, but for domestic-only travel, the card on its own is fine.
How much does a US passport card cost?
As of 2026, the cost of a US passport card depends on whether you’re applying for it on its own or alongside a passport book:
- First-time adult applicant (card only): $30 (plus a $35 acceptance fee)
- Adult renewal (card only): $30 (no acceptance fee)
- Child applicant under 16 (card only): $15 (plus a $35 acceptance fee)
If you’re applying for both the passport book and card together, the total cost will be higher, but bundled applications can be more convenient.
The passport card is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children. It’s a cost-effective ID option if you don’t plan on flying internationally but want something federally accepted for domestic flights and nearby land or sea travel.