In recent years, there has been a lot of confusion surrounding the issue of whether or not individuals can fly domestically using their driver’s license as a form of identification. With the Real ID Act taking effect in the United States, many people have been left wondering if their standard driver’s license is still a valid form of identification for air travel within the country.
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 and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes. One of those official purposes includes boarding a domestic flight.
For years, the Department of Homeland Security has been working with states to ensure that their driver’s licenses and identification cards comply with the Real ID Act. As of October 1, 2020, all air travelers 18 years and older will be required to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another form of acceptable identification (such as a passport or military ID) to fly within the United States.
So, can you fly domestically with a driver’s license that is not REAL ID-compliant? The short answer is, yes, but with some restrictions. If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, you will need to provide an alternative form of identification, such as a passport, passport card, U.S. military ID, DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), or a federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID.
If you are unsure whether your driver’s license is REAL ID-compliant, there are several ways to check. Many states have started issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses with a star symbol in the upper right-hand corner. If your license has this star symbol, then it is REAL ID-compliant. Another way to check is to visit your state’s DMV website and look for information on REAL ID compliance.
It is important to note that the requirement for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other forms of acceptable identification only applies to domestic flights within the United States. If you are flying internationally, you will still need a valid passport.
In the past, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allowed individuals to fly domestically with a standard driver’s license, even if it was not REAL ID-compliant. However, with the deadline for REAL ID compliance approaching, the TSA has been cracking down on this policy and informing travelers of the new requirements.
For those who do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another form of acceptable identification, it is important to start planning ahead. Obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license can take time, as it may require additional documentation and a visit to your state’s DMV office. Alternatively, you can apply for a passport or passport card, which can also take several weeks to process.
For frequent travelers, investing in a Trusted Traveler program such as Global Entry can be a convenient option. These programs not only provide expedited screening at airports but also serve as an acceptable form of identification for domestic flights.
In conclusion, while it is still possible to fly domestically with a standard driver’s license, it is highly recommended to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of acceptable identification to avoid any issues or delays at the airport. With the deadline for REAL ID compliance approaching, now is the time to ensure that you have the necessary identification for air travel within the United States.
