Beginning in 2023, travelers will have the option to use their driver’s licenses as identification when flying within the United States. This change comes as a result of the Real ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 to increase security measures for state-issued identification cards.
The Real ID Act was intended to prevent terrorists from obtaining fraudulent identification cards that could be used to board airplanes. The Act requires all states to issue standardized, tamper-proof identification cards that meet federal security standards. Many states have already complied with the Act and have begun issuing Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses.
One of the main components of the Real ID Act is the requirement for travelers to present a Real ID-compliant form of identification when flying within the United States. Currently, this includes a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or a passport. However, starting in 2023, travelers will have the option to use their driver’s license as identification when flying within the United States.
This change will make traveling more convenient for many Americans who may not have a passport, but do have a driver’s license. It will also save travelers the time and hassle of having to bring both a driver’s license and a passport when flying domestically.
In order for a driver’s license to be used as identification when flying, it must be Real ID-compliant. To determine if a driver’s license is Real ID-compliant, travelers should look for a star symbol on the upper right-hand corner of their license. This star symbol indicates that the license meets federal security standards and can be used as identification when flying.
Travelers who do not have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license can still use their passport as identification when flying within the United States. Passports are considered a universally accepted form of identification and are not affected by the Real ID Act.
Overall, the option to use a driver’s license as identification when flying within the United States will make traveling more convenient for many Americans. It is important for travelers to ensure that their driver’s license is Real ID-compliant in order to take advantage of this option. Those who do not have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license should consider obtaining one before the 2023 deadline.
In conclusion, the ability to fly with a driver’s license in 2023 is a positive development that will benefit many travelers. This change is a result of the Real ID Act, which aims to increase security measures for state-issued identification cards. Travelers should ensure that their driver’s license is Real ID-compliant in order to take advantage of this option when flying within the United States.
