Traveling within the United States with just a driver’s license has long been a common practice for American citizens. However, this privilege has come under scrutiny in recent years due to changes in federal security regulations. Despite this, the simple answer to the question of whether you can travel in the US with only a driver’s license is still yes.
Before delving deeper into this topic, it is important to understand the background of why this question is being asked. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set new federal standards for driver’s licenses and identification cards. These standards were put in place to improve the security of state-issued identification cards, in an effort to combat terrorism and identity fraud.
One of the key provisions of the REAL ID Act is that starting on October 1, 2020, federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) would only accept state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that comply with the new standards for certain purposes, such as boarding domestic flights or entering federal facilities. This means that if your state-issued driver’s license does not meet the REAL ID requirements, you would need an alternative form of identification, such as a passport or a DHS-approved Trusted Traveler Program card, to travel by air domestically.
However, it is important to note that not all states have complied with the REAL ID Act, leading to a patchwork of different rules and deadlines across the country. Some states have been granted extensions by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to meet the new requirements, while others have chosen not to participate in the program at all.
For those who are unsure if their state-issued driver’s license is REAL ID-compliant, the DHS has created a website where you can check the status of your state’s compliance. If your state is not compliant, it is recommended that you obtain an alternative form of identification, such as a passport or a DHS-approved Trusted Traveler Program card, to ensure that you can continue to travel by air domestically after the October 1, 2020 deadline.
While the REAL ID Act has brought about changes to how Americans can travel within the country, it is important to remember that a driver’s license is still a valid form of identification for many purposes. For example, you can still use your driver’s license to drive a car, check into a hotel, or purchase alcohol. It is only for certain federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal facility, that a REAL ID-compliant form of identification will be required.
In conclusion, the answer to the question of whether you can travel in the US with just a driver’s license is still yes, but with some caveats. It is important to be aware of the REAL ID Act and its implications for domestic air travel, and to take the necessary steps to ensure that you have the proper identification to continue traveling by air after the October 1, 2020 deadline. As always, it is recommended to stay informed and prepared when it comes to changes in federal regulations that may affect your ability to travel within the United States.
