Starting October 1, 2020, all adults boarding commercial flights within the United States will be required to present a Real ID compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification. This new requirement is part of the REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 to improve the security of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
The REAL ID Act was in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and aims to prevent identity theft and fraud by setting minimum security standards for the issuance of driver’s licenses and identification cards. States have been working to comply with these standards in order to issue Real ID compliant licenses to their residents.
If you already have a driver’s license or state ID that is Real ID compliant, you don’t need to do anything. You can continue to use it as your primary form of identification when flying. However, if your current driver’s license or ID is not Real ID compliant, you will need to update it before October 1, 2020, if you want to use it for domestic flights.
To update your driver’s license or ID to a Real ID compliant version, you will need to visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office with documentation proving your identity, Social Security number, and address. The specific documents required may vary by state, so it’s important to check with your state’s DMV before making an appointment.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you will need to apply for a new driver’s license or ID and pay any applicable fees. The process may take some time, so it’s recommended to start early to avoid any last-minute issues.
Some states offer the option to upgrade to a Real ID compliant driver’s license or ID online, but not all states have this option available. If you live in a state that does not offer online renewals, you will need to visit your local DMV office in person.
In addition to being required for domestic flights, a Real ID compliant driver’s license or ID will also be necessary to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases and nuclear power plants. If you don’t have a Real ID compliant form of identification, you may still be able to use your passport or another acceptable form of identification to access these facilities.
It’s important to note that a Real ID compliant driver’s license or ID is not mandatory for everyday activities, such as driving or purchasing alcohol. However, it will be necessary for certain federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight.
If you’re unsure whether your current driver’s license or ID is Real ID compliant, look for a star in the upper right-hand corner of the card. This star indicates that the card meets the security standards set forth by the REAL ID Act.
In conclusion, if you plan to travel domestically by air after October 1, 2020, make sure you have a Real ID compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification. The deadline is quickly approaching, so don’t wait until the last minute to update your ID. Plan ahead and avoid any potential issues at the airport by ensuring your identification is up to date. Safe travels!
