In recent months, there has been a growing concern among travelers about whether or not they can still fly with a regular driver’s license. With the implementation of the Real ID Act, many people have been left wondering if their current form of identification will be enough to board a domestic flight.
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in an effort to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The act requires state-issued IDs to meet certain security requirements in order to be accepted for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
As of October 1, 2020, all travelers will be required to present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another form of acceptable identification in order to board a domestic flight. This has left many people questioning whether or not their current driver’s license will be sufficient for air travel.
The good news is that most states are already in compliance with the Real ID Act, meaning that the majority of driver’s licenses issued in the United States are already Real ID-compliant. However, there are still a few states that are not yet compliant, and residents of these states will need to obtain an alternative form of identification in order to fly domestically after October 1, 2020.
For residents of non-compliant states, there are several options for alternative forms of identification that can be used to board a domestic flight. These include passports, passport cards, military IDs, permanent resident cards, and trusted traveler program cards such as Global Entry or NEXUS.
It’s important to note that while the Real ID Act does impose stricter requirements for identification, it does not apply to international flights. Travelers will still need to present a passport in order to board an international flight, regardless of whether or not their driver’s license is Real ID-compliant.
In order to check if their driver’s license is Real ID-compliant, travelers can look for a small gold star in the top right corner of the card. This star indicates that the license meets the requirements of the Real ID Act and is acceptable for federal purposes.
For those who are unsure about the status of their driver’s license, it is recommended to contact the issuing state’s department of motor vehicles for clarification. They will be able to provide information about whether or not the license is Real ID-compliant and what steps may need to be taken in order to obtain a compliant form of identification.
Overall, the implementation of the Real ID Act has caused some confusion and concern among travelers, but with proper planning and awareness, it is possible to ensure that one’s identification is sufficient for air travel. By taking the necessary steps to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or an alternative form of identification, travelers can avoid any issues when it comes time to board a domestic flight after October 1, 2020.
