You can use your Global Entry card as a Real ID
Editor's Note
Quick summary
The Real ID Act will go into effect May 7.
After that date, American travelers will need an ID that complies with the Real ID requirements in order to pass through U.S. airport security checkpoints — even for domestic flights. This change aims to set clearer standards for government-issued photo IDs. The law established a uniform set of security standards for driver's licenses and other government-issued ID cards.
Most importantly, it prohibits government agencies from accepting identification that does not meet the new standards. One of the goals was to add an extra layer of security to commercial aviation by making it more difficult for people to obtain false documents and use them to board airplanes.
Related: What will happen after May 7 if you try to fly without Real ID?
To check if you have a Real ID, look for a star in the upper right-hand corner of your ID. If there's no special indicator (like a star) or if it has fine print that says something like "Not for federal purposes," the ID is not compliant. If you haven't gotten a new state ID in the past year or so, you probably don't have a Real ID.
There are a few reasons why you may be hesitant to get one. If your current ID doesn't expire for a few more years, you may not want to pay the fee for a new one. You also might want to avoid the long wait times that typically come with a visit to the DMV.
Luckily, you can avoid a trip to the DMV and use these other forms of acceptable identification at TSA checkpoints without risking your flight privileges after May 7.
Global Entry card
Global Entry cards meet all the requirements for a Real ID since they are DHS-trusted traveler cards. So you're in the clear if you don't want to get a new state ID and have Global Entry. (The same goes for other DHS-trusted traveler cards, including Nexus, SENTRI and Fast.)
Global Entry membership costs $120 and is valid for five years. However, many travel rewards cards give credit to cardholders to cover the application fee, so take advantage of that perk if you haven't already. Global Entry routes travelers through expedited screening for international travel and includes TSA PreCheck for domestic flights.
Related: Things to know before getting Global Entry
Passport or passport card
You can also use your passport or passport card as a Real ID. Getting a passport card requires an additional fee, but you can apply for one when you apply for or renew your passport book. On the form, just select that you want both documents.
A passport card can be especially handy since it's the size of a regular ID. However, it is only a valid form of ID for travel within the U.S. and land and sea entry to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and some Caribbean countries. (A passport book is still required for international air travel.)
If you already have a passport book and want a passport card, you can apply for a passport card for a $30 fee as a renewal by mail, even if it is your first passport card. (You'll have to submit your passport book with your application, which is not ideal if you plan to fly soon.)
Beyond those two common forms of identification for frequent travelers, you're also in the clear if you have any of the following IDs:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License or Enhanced ID
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Bottom line
If your state-issued ID expires soon anyway, it's better to get a new Real ID now, even though it can be a hassle if you don't want to wait in long DMV lines right now. If you have a Global Entry card or a passport, you're in the clear — just remember to bring them with you whenever you travel domestically and internationally.