Do I Need a Real ID to Board a Cruise Ship?

By Alice Nichols

The answer is yes.

A Real ID is required for all passengers 18 and older who are boarding any U.S.-based cruise ship. The Real ID Act, which was passed in 2005, requires travelers to present a form of identification that meets specific criteria when boarding a U. cruise ship.

Real IDs are issued by the Department of Homeland Security and contain extra security features that make them difficult to counterfeit. They also require proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, and proof of residence, such as utility bills or bank statements. All forms of identification must be current and unexpired.

The purpose of the Real ID Act is to prevent terrorism by making it more difficult for terrorists and other criminals to board U.-based cruise ships using false identities.

In addition to requiring passengers 18 and older to have a valid Real ID when boarding a U.-based cruise ship, the law also requires children under 18 who are traveling without their parents or legal guardians to have an unexpired passport or other form of government-issued photo identification.

Conclusion:

In summary, travelers 18 and older must present a valid Real ID when boarding any U. Children under 18 who are traveling without their parents or legal guardians must present an unexpired passport or other form of government-issued photo identification. The purpose of the Real ID Act is to prevent terrorism by making it more difficult for terrorists and other criminals to board U.