Foreign passports do not satisfy Real ID requirements for domestic flights or federal buildings

A foreign passport is not a Real ID-compliant document, even if it is valid and current. The Real ID Act requires a document issued by a U.S. state, territory, or the federal government. A passport from another country — whether Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, or anywhere else — does not meet that standard.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen living in the United States, you will need a state-issued ID or driver's license to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after the Real ID important date. A foreign passport alone will not work for these purposes, though it remains valid for international travel.

U.S. citizens who hold a foreign passport in addition to a U.S. passport should use their U.S. passport for domestic travel and federal building access. The foreign passport is not an alternative to Real ID compliance.

Key Takeaways

  • Foreign passports do not count as Real ID-compliant documents, regardless of how current or valid they are.
  • Non-U.S. citizens need a state-issued ID or driver's license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings.
  • U.S. citizens should use their U.S. passport for domestic travel, not a foreign passport they may also hold.
  • A foreign passport remains valid for international travel but cannot replace Real ID compliance for domestic purposes.
  • If you are a non-U.S. citizen without a state ID, you can obtain one through your state's DMV using your foreign passport as proof of identity.

What documents the Real ID Act actually accepts

Real ID compliance requires one of these documents: a state-issued driver's license, a state ID card, a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card (green card). All of these are issued by U.S. authorities. A foreign passport does not appear on this list because it is issued by a foreign government.

The rule applies equally to citizens and non-citizens. A U.S. citizen with only a foreign passport cannot use it for domestic air travel. A non-U.S. citizen with a valid foreign passport still needs a state ID or driver's license to board a domestic flight.

How non-U.S. citizens can get a Real ID-compliant document

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you can obtain a state-issued ID or driver's license through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Most states accept a foreign passport as proof of identity for this purpose. You will also need to show proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), proof of your current address, and proof of your lawful presence in the United States.

Proof of lawful presence typically means a green card, employment authorization document (EAD), visa, or other immigration document showing you are authorized to be in the country. Some states have different rules, so contact your state DMV before you go to confirm what documents they require.

The process usually takes one to two weeks after you submit your process, though some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Once you have a state ID or driver's license, you will be Real ID-compliant for domestic flights and federal building access.

Why foreign passports are not accepted under Real ID

The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 and requires all states to issue IDs to a federal security standard. The law was designed to create a uniform baseline for identification across the United States. Only documents issued by U.S. authorities — federal, state, territorial, or tribal — meet that standard.

Foreign governments do not follow U.S. security protocols or verification procedures, so their documents cannot be verified against U.S. databases. The Department of Homeland Security cannot confirm the authenticity of a foreign passport or cross-reference it with U.S. immigration records in the same way it can with a U.S. passport or state ID.

What happens if you try to use a foreign passport for domestic travel

If you arrive at an airport with only a foreign passport after the Real ID important date, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not allow you to board a domestic flight. You will be turned away, even if your foreign passport is valid and current.

The TSA does not make exceptions for foreign passports, even for citizens of countries with strong diplomatic relationships with the United States. The rule is uniform: domestic flights require a Real ID-compliant document.

If you are a U.S. citizen and only have a foreign passport, you can explore for a U.S. passport at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you need to obtain a state ID or driver's license before you can fly domestically.

U.S. citizens who hold both a U.S. and foreign passport

Many U.S. citizens hold both a U.S. passport and a foreign passport (often from a country where they were born or where a parent is a citizen). For domestic travel and federal building access, you must use your U.S. passport. Your foreign passport will not satisfy Real ID requirements, even though it is valid.

For international travel, you may use either passport depending on which country you are entering and which country you are leaving. However, the U.S. government recommends using your U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States.

Real ID important date and enforcement

As of now, the Real ID requirement is in effect for all domestic flights and entry to federal buildings. There are no further delays or extensions planned. If you do not have a Real ID-compliant document, you will not be able to board a domestic flight or enter a federal courthouse, federal office building, or military base.

State DMVs continue to issue Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards. If you need one, contact your state DMV to find out what documents you need to bring and how long the process takes in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my foreign passport to board a domestic flight if I am a U.S. citizen?

No. U.S. citizens must use a Real ID-compliant document for domestic flights. If you only have a foreign passport, you need to obtain a U.S. passport, a state driver's license, or a state ID card before you can fly domestically.

I am a non-U.S. citizen with a valid foreign passport. Can I fly domestically?

Not with only your foreign passport. You need a state-issued driver's license or ID card. You can obtain one through your state DMV using your foreign passport as proof of identity, along with proof of your Social Security number or ITIN and proof of lawful presence in the United States.

Does a foreign passport work for entering federal buildings?

No. Federal buildings require a Real ID-compliant document. A foreign passport is not accepted, regardless of your citizenship status or how current the passport is.

What if my foreign passport is the only ID I have right now?

Contact your state DMV to begin the process of obtaining a state driver's license or ID card. Bring your foreign passport, proof of your address, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you will also need to show proof of lawful presence. The process usually takes one to two weeks.

Can I use my foreign passport for international travel even if I have a Real ID-compliant U.S. ID?

Yes. A state driver's license or ID card is not valid for international travel. You need a passport — either U.S. or foreign — to leave and enter the United States. Many people carry both for this reason.