Can I Fly Without an Enhanced Driver’s License? Everything You Need to Know
As the world slowly returns to normalcy post-pandemic, many people are eager to travel again, whether for leisure or business. However, with the ongoing changes in travel regulations, many are left wondering if they can fly without an enhanced driver’s license. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about flying without an enhanced driver’s license.
What is an Enhanced Driver’s License?
First and foremost, let’s clarify what an enhanced driver’s license actually is. An enhanced driver’s license is a state-issued driver’s license that has been enhanced to serve as a form of identification for domestic air travel and entry into federal facilities. It is designed to meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 with the goal of enhancing security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
Can I Fly Without an Enhanced Driver’s License?
The short answer is yes, you can still fly without an enhanced driver’s license. While an enhanced driver’s license is one of the acceptable forms of identification for domestic air travel, there are several other forms of ID that are also accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). These include:
– A valid passport
– A U.S. military ID
– A permanent resident card
– A tribal-issued ID
– A federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID
– A border crossing card
So if you do not have an enhanced driver’s license, you can still fly by presenting one of the above forms of identification at the airport security checkpoint.
Should You Get an Enhanced Driver’s License?
While you can technically fly without an enhanced driver’s license, it may be worth considering getting one if you anticipate traveling frequently within the United States. An enhanced driver’s license is a convenient and efficient form of ID that can save you time and hassle at the airport, especially if you do not already have a passport or other accepted forms of identification.
Additionally, an enhanced driver’s license is also a useful form of ID for other purposes, such as entering federal facilities or crossing the U.S. border by land or sea. So if you want to streamline your travel experience and have a versatile form of identification on hand, getting an enhanced driver’s license may be a smart choice.
How to Get an Enhanced Driver’s License
If you have decided to get an enhanced driver’s license, the process may vary depending on the state in which you reside. Generally, you will need to visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and provide documentation to prove your identity, citizenship, and residency. You may also need to pay a fee for the enhanced driver’s license, which typically ranges from $30 to $100.
Once you have submitted all the required documents and fees, your enhanced driver’s license will be processed and mailed to you within a few weeks. It is important to note that not all states offer enhanced driver’s licenses, so you may need to check with your state’s DMV office to see if it is available in your area.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while an enhanced driver’s license is a convenient form of ID for domestic air travel, it is not the only option available. If you do not have an enhanced driver’s license, you can still fly by presenting a valid passport, U.S. military ID, permanent resident card, tribal-issued ID, or other accepted forms of identification at the airport security checkpoint.
However, if you frequently travel within the United States and want to streamline your travel experience, getting an enhanced driver’s license may be a worthwhile investment. Ultimately, the decision to get an enhanced driver’s license or not depends on your personal travel habits and needs.
