What ID Do You Really Need to Cruise or Fly? A Simple Guide for Families Planning Magical Vacations

Confused about Real ID, passports, or what documents you need to travel? Here’s the ultimate guide to help families cruise or fly with confidence in 2025.

Planning your next vacation—maybe to a Disney park, aboard a cruise ship, or on a multi-generational family getaway? You’ve probably asked the big question: Do I need a Real ID to fly or cruise in 2025? It’s a common concern, especially for families juggling schedules, activities, and now…federal travel regulations. This guide breaks it all down for you, simply and clearly.

Real ID vs. Passport: What’s the Difference?

A Real ID is a federally compliant driver’s license or state-issued ID that meets enhanced security standards. You’ll spot it by a star (or bear, in California) on the upper portion of the card.

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document issued by the federal government that proves your citizenship.

So, when do you need which? That’s where it gets a little more interesting.

Do You Need a Real ID to Fly Domestically in 2025?

Yes. Beginning May 7, 2025, the TSA will require every traveler aged 18 and older to present a Real ID or other acceptable form of identification (like a passport) to board domestic flights within the U.S.

So, if your current driver’s license isn’t Real ID-compliant, you’ll need to either:

• Visit your local DMV to upgrade to a Real ID

• Use a valid passport or military ID when flying

Tip: If you’re planning a family trip that involves flying (even just to Florida for Walt Disney World), it’s wise to check your ID status now so you’re not scrambling later.

Do Kids Need a Real ID to Fly?

Nope! Children under 18 do not need a Real ID or any ID to fly domestically as long as they’re flying with an adult who has proper identification.

However, some airlines may ask for a birth certificate or passport for age verification—especially for children under 2 flying as lap infants, or if your child appears older or younger than their age.

Do You Need a Real ID to Cruise?

Not necessarily. Real ID is only required for air travel, not cruises. However, what ID you do need depends on:

• Your departure port

• Your cruise destination

• Your citizenship

What is a Closed-Loop Cruise?

A closed-loop cruise is a cruise that starts and ends at the same U.S. port. Many popular itineraries from Port Canaveral, Miami, or Galveston fall into this category.

Examples:

• 3-night Bahamas cruise roundtrip from Port Canaveral

• 7-night Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Miami

• 5-night Western Caribbean cruise from Galveston and back

For U.S. citizens on a closed-loop cruise, you can sail with:

• An original or certified copy of your birth certificate (photocopies are not accepted), AND

• A government-issued photo ID (like a Real ID or standard driver’s license)

BUT — a passport is strongly recommended. If something happens and you need to fly home from an international port (for example, due to illness or emergency), you cannot fly back into the U.S. without a passport.

International Cruises and Passport Requirements

Planning a cruise that begins or ends in a non-U.S. port (like Europe, Canada, or Mexico)? You’ll need a valid U.S. passport, with an expiration date at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.

This applies to:

• One-way Alaska cruises starting in Vancouver

• Mediterranean or European cruises

• Panama Canal cruises starting or ending outside the U.S.

Always double-check your specific itinerary.

Travel Documents You May Need (By Type of Trip)

For Domestic Air Travel (2025+):

• Real ID-compliant driver’s license OR

• Valid U.S. passport

For Cruises from U.S. Ports (Closed Loop):

• Passport (recommended), or

• Government-issued photo ID + original or certified copy of birth certificate

For International Cruises:

• Valid U.S. passport required

• Check visa requirements for certain destinations

For Children: