Can You Use Real Id To Get On Cruise Ship

REAL ID Act: What You Need to Know for Cruises

Beginning May 3, 2023

The REAL ID Act will go into effect, which means that you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable form of identification to board a domestic flight. However, a REAL ID is not required to board a ship.

May 7, 2025

Beginning May 7, 2025, you will need a passport or other accepted form of identification to board a cruise ship departing from a U.S. port. A passport is the best ID document for travel, and you should make sure that it does not expire for at least 6 months after your cruise ends.

If you have a passport and have just ordered a REAL ID, you do not need to take both on a cruise.

You cannot use a REAL ID card for international sea cruise travel.

You may be able to cruise with a driver's license or medical card as your form of identification, but only if it is REAL ID-compliant.

For more information about the REAL ID Act and what it means for you, please visit the Department of Homeland Security website.