REAL ID when traveling

[MrsAb2021 29]

Question for anyone who might know:

 

I see that the deadline to obtain a REAL ID will be in May. Trying to figure out if my husband needs one or not for international flights, specifically when returning to the U.S. He is a LPR, plastic green card expired in November and he has his extension letter extending his status here as a LPR while he waits for his I-751 to be processed. He has a foreign passport. He usually travels internationally once a year, will he need a REAL ID to fly back home to the U.S. or will he just need to show the extension letter and expired green card with the foreign passport to board a flight to return? 

 

He can get a REAL ID if needed, but did not want to have to go through the process unless it was necessary when returning to the U.S. 

 

We are under the impression that the REAL ID is for domestic flights only, but I wanted to verify and make sure he didn't get stuck somewhere. 

 

 

 

While on the topic, are you able to use an international passport for domestic flights are the May 7th deadline as well? Or would a REAL ID be needed?

 

[EatBulaga 344]

@MrsAb2021 Yes, the ROC foreign spouse can travel domestically and internationally with a green card, extension letter, and passport. You book the ticket with the passport but upload the green card and extension letter for US entry documents.

 

REAL ID or REAL ID driver's license is more convenient for domestic travel since it is just 1 card vs 3 documents.

Edited 19 hours ago by EatBulaga

[Cw1977 118]

1 hour ago, MrsAb2021 said:

Question for anyone who might know:

 

I see that the deadline to obtain a REAL ID will be in May. Trying to figure out if my husband needs one or not for international flights, specifically when returning to the U.S. He is a LPR, plastic green card expired in November and he has his extension letter extending his status here as a LPR while he waits for his I-751 to be processed. He has a foreign passport. He usually travels internationally once a year, will he need a REAL ID to fly back home to the U.S. or will he just need to show the extension letter and expired green card with the foreign passport to board a flight to return? 

 

He can get a REAL ID if needed, but did not want to have to go through the process unless it was necessary when returning to the U.S. 

 

We are under the impression that the REAL ID is for domestic flights only, but I wanted to verify and make sure he didn't get stuck somewhere. 

 

 

 

While on the topic, are you able to use an international passport for domestic flights are the May 7th deadline as well? Or would a REAL ID be needed?

 

you are correct. Real ID is US/domestic flights only. However an international passport (provided valid and in date etc) is basically real ID anyway. If you have the passport there is not any specific need for anything else. The only benefit to having real id is so you don’t need to carry your passport on domestic only flights plus it’s marginally quicker for TSA but I’m splitting hairs. Don’t worry. Foreign passport is perfect still. 

[MrsAb2021 29]

Thank you both for the reply! Makes things easier then. 🙂

[Bob in Boston 767]

Federal buildings also require a real ID or passport for entry. 

[JeanneAdil 6,617]

you don't need Real ID if u have a passport/  they created the real ID as many US citizens do not have a passport but in the reality they can be domestic terriotist so if traveling across the borders or by plane ,  they need to have security checks done also

[Edward and Jaycel 475]

Just as further information, for those adjusting status and have the EAD card but not their green card yet, the EAD card (I-766) is a REAL ID document, so if you want to use that to travel domestically, TSA will accept it.

[OldUser 7,428]

There's many real ID options for domestric travel such as green card, passport, EAD.

 

I'd still recommend getting a real ID compliant driver's license or state ID. Those are easier to travel with domestically, as TSA is more used to seeing them. If lost, they're also easier, cheaper and quicker to replace than passport, EAD or GC.

Edited 3 hours ago by OldUser

[mam521 2,173]

2 hours ago, OldUser said:

There's many real ID options for domestric travel such as green card, passport, EAD.

 

I'd still recommend getting a real ID compliant driver's license or state ID. Those are easier to travel with domestically, as TSA is more used to seeing them. If lost, they're also easier, cheaper and quicker to replace than passport, EAD or GC.

Passport card works for DOMESTIC air travel, too, if you don't have a Real ID compliant DL (pretty rare these days and obviously applicable to citizens only). 

 

Permanent residents and visa holders are supposed to carry proof of status at all times and some people who normally wouldn't carry that ID are a bit concerned with the sweeping executive orders being signed.  Make sure you take photos of your documents if you're not going to physically carry them and have those photos with you.