In the wake of the REAL ID Act implementation, many travelers are left wondering if they need a new driver’s license to fly. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 with the goal of improving the security of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Starting on October 1, 2020, all travelers will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other acceptable forms of identification at airport security checkpoints in order to board a domestic flight.
The REAL ID Act was passed in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which exposed vulnerabilities in the United States’ identification system. The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, including requirements for verifying the identity of applicants, checking their legal status, and incorporating anti-counterfeiting measures. The Act also prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards for official purposes, such as boarding a commercial flight or entering a federal building.
As the October 1, 2020 deadline approaches, many travelers are scrambling to ensure that their driver’s licenses are compliant with the REAL ID Act. To be considered REAL ID-compliant, a driver’s license must include the following features:
– Full legal name
– Date of birth
– Gender
– Driver’s license or identification card number
– Issuing state
– Signature
– Photograph
– Security features to prevent tampering, counterfeiting, or duplication
In addition to these features, REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses must also meet specific physical and technical requirements set forth by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These requirements are intended to make it more difficult for counterfeiters to reproduce the licenses and prevent terrorists from using fake IDs to board commercial flights.
For travelers who are unsure whether their driver’s license is compliant with the REAL ID Act, there are a few ways to check. The Department of Homeland Security has created a website where travelers can enter their state of residence and find out if their driver’s license is compliant. In some states, the driver’s license will have a gold or black star in the upper right-hand corner to indicate that it is REAL ID-compliant.
If a traveler’s driver’s license is not compliant with the REAL ID Act, they have a few options. They can apply for a new driver’s license that meets the requirements of the Act, or they can obtain another form of acceptable identification, such as a passport, passport card, or military ID. It’s important to note that the REAL ID Act only applies to domestic flights – international flights still require a valid passport.
The process of obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license can vary from state to state, so travelers should check with their local Department of Motor Vehicles for specific instructions. In general, applicants will need to provide documentation to prove their identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, as well as proof of their Social Security number and address. They may also be required to pay a fee for the new license.
For travelers who are unable to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license before the October 1, 2020 deadline, there are still options available. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that travelers who do not have a compliant driver’s license may still be able to board a domestic flight with other forms of identification, such as a passport or passport card.
Overall, the implementation of the REAL ID Act has caused some confusion and inconvenience for travelers, but it is ultimately intended to enhance the security of our nation’s transportation system. By ensuring that all travelers have a secure and verifiable form of identification, the Act aims to prevent terrorists from using fake IDs to board commercial flights and carry out attacks. As the deadline approaches, travelers are encouraged to check the status of their driver’s licenses and take steps to ensure compliance with the Act.
