The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has recently announced a new requirement for travelers in the United States. Starting next month, all airline passengers will need to present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or other approved form of identification in order to board a domestic flight. This new rule has left many travelers questioning whether they need to rush to get the new driver’s license before their next trip.
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, in an effort to prevent terrorists from obtaining fraudulent identification. The Department of Homeland Security has been rolling out the enforcement of the act in phases, with the final deadline for compliance set for October 1, 2020.
The new Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses feature enhanced security features, such as a star in the upper right corner, and are designed to be more difficult to counterfeit. In order to obtain a Real ID-compliant license, applicants must provide additional documentation, such as a birth certificate or passport, proof of social security number, and two forms of address verification. The process can be time-consuming and requires an in-person visit to the DMV.
But do travelers really need to rush to get the new driver’s license in order to fly? The answer is not as straightforward as it may seem. While a Real ID-compliant license will be required for domestic flights starting next month, there are other forms of identification that will also be accepted. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), passengers can use a passport, passport card, military ID, or other approved forms of identification in lieu of a Real ID-compliant license.
For travelers who already have a passport or other valid form of identification, there may be no need to rush to get the new driver’s license. However, for those who do not have a passport and rely solely on their driver’s license for identification, obtaining a Real ID-compliant license may be necessary in order to avoid any travel disruptions. It’s important to note that the new requirement applies only to domestic flights – passengers traveling internationally will still need to present a passport.
The DMV has been working to educate the public about the new requirement, through a series of public service announcements and informational campaigns. Many states have also extended their hours to accommodate the influx of travelers seeking to obtain a Real ID-compliant license. Despite these efforts, there are concerns that many travelers may not be aware of the new requirement and could be caught off guard when trying to board a domestic flight.
In addition to the new identification requirements for air travel, the Real ID Act also applies to access federal facilities and nuclear power plants. Starting next year, a Real ID-compliant license will be required to enter these facilities, in addition to boarding a domestic flight. The goal of the act is to enhance national security and prevent acts of terrorism, but the implementation has faced criticism for being confusing and burdensome for travelers.
As the deadline for compliance approaches, travelers are advised to check their state’s DMV website for information on how to obtain a Real ID-compliant license. The process may vary from state to state, so it’s important to familiarize oneself with the requirements in advance. While obtaining a new driver’s license may be a hassle, it’s a necessary step for those who want to continue flying within the United States after the deadline.
In conclusion, the new requirement for a Real ID-compliant driver’s license to fly domestically in the United States has left many travelers wondering whether they need to rush to get the new identification. While there are alternative forms of identification that will be accepted, obtaining a Real ID-compliant license may be necessary for those who do not have a passport or other approved ID. Travelers are advised to plan ahead and check their state’s DMV website for information on how to obtain the new license. Failure to comply with the new requirement could result in travel disruptions and delays, so it’s important to take action before the October 1 deadline.
