If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the looming REAL ID deadline on May 7, 2025, trust me—you’re not alone. Airports nationwide are gearing up to enforce stricter identification rules, and no one wants to be the traveler who gets turned away at the gate. But here’s what nobody’s telling you: The best ID for travel in 2025 might not be what your local DMV wants you to get.
What’s the Deal With REAL ID?
First things first: What’s a REAL ID? Simply put, it’s your standard state-issued driver’s license or ID card—just upgraded to meet new federal security requirements.
Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant card for any domestic flights or entering federal buildings—unless you have another federally approved ID (more on that later!).
Not sure if you already have a REAL ID? Check your license. If there’s a small gold or black star (or in California, a bear with a star cutout), you’re all set, your license is REAL ID-compliant. If not, you’ll need to visit a DMV to upgrade your license.
But be aware—appointments in many states are hard to come by. We’ve heard too many stories of people waiting weeks and even months for an appointment, only to be turned away because they forgot just one required document. As it is, most states are all booked up for appointments well beyond the May 7th deadline. Does that sound like a nightmare? It is!
What’s more, you can’t expedite a REAL ID. You read that right. Unlike other federally approved IDs, like the passport book and passport card, the REAL ID cannot be expedited—even in an urgent or emergency travel situation!
So, what should you do if you’re stuck waiting for a DMV appointment with a trip coming up soon? Glad you asked! Here are some hassle-free alternatives that let you skip the DMV drama entirely.
REAL ID License Alternatives
If you don’t have a federally approved ID yet, don’t stress—you still have other options!
Both passport books and passport cards are federally approved forms of identification that meet the new security requirements. Either one can be used for domestic travel, letting you skip the DMV hassle altogether.
Passport Card
The passport card—issued by the U.S. Department of State—-is wallet-sized and REAL ID-compliant. The passport card is perfect for domestic flights and entering the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda.
Sounds great, right? But hold on—there’s a catch. The passport card is not valid for international air travel. So if your travel plans involve flying abroad—even to Canada or Mexico—you’ll need to have a passport book.
Passport Book: The Ultimate Travel ID
The passport book is the most reliable travel document. U.S. Department of State-issued and REAL ID compliant, the passport book is the best federally approved ID you can carry.
A passport book covers everything the REAL ID and passport card do, plus more:
- Domestic flights
- International flights
- Land and sea travel
- Emergency identification
Not only is the passport book the most reliable travel ID, but it’s also valid for 10 years (if you’re over 16) and can easily be renewed by mail or online. That’s right, one less appointment you’ll need to make!
And here’s the secret nobody’s telling you: In many states, getting a passport book is actually easier right now than securing a DMV appointment for a REAL ID!
The State Department lets you apply for a passport book at thousands of locations—like post offices or courthouses—and many have appointments available as soon as this week.
Need it quickly? Expedited service is available, and if you’re in a real hurry, registered passport expediting services (we’ve vetted the best ones for you on our site!) can get you your passport book (and passport card!) in 48 hours or less!
If your main goal is to hop on a domestic flight with ease, a REAL ID or passport is all you need. But if you want maximum flexibility for all travel scenarios—both domestic and international—the passport book is undeniably the most dependable ID you can carry.
Final Thoughts
If there’s even a chance your future travels could take you internationally—or if you simply dread dealing with your local DMV—skip the hassle and go straight for the passport book. It’s the simplest, fastest, and most versatile choice. In a rush? Have urgent travel needs? Skip the wait and get your passport book expedited!
Need help getting started? Check out our step-by-step guides and vetted passport expediting services to make your life easier:
- How to Obtain a U.S. Passport
- Ultimate U.S. Passport Renewal Guide: Forms, Fees, Photos, & Steps
- Top Passport Expediting Services
- Get a Passport in 24 Hours with Expedited Service
