REAL ID: What you need to know to be ready
4/23/2019 8:36:45 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Beginning October 1, 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
What is a REAL ID?
REAL ID-compliant cards are generally marked with a star located in the upper portion of the card. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act and implementing regulations establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibit federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as getting through the airport security checkpoint to board a plane.
How do I get a REAL ID?
Check with your state driver’s license agency. You will need to go in person to present documentation to verify who you are in order to get your REAL ID. Check your states website for the exact documentation needed.Will minors need a REAL ID?
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need proper identification.How do I know if I have a REAL ID drivers license?
Look for the Star. REAL ID compliant cards are generally marked with a star located in the upper portion of the card. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.What are other Acceptable forms of ID for air travel?
• U.S. passport • U.S. passport card • DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents • Permanent resident card • Border crossing card • DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license • Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID • HSPD-12 PIV card • Foreign government-issued passport • Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card • Transportation worker identification credential (TWIC®) • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) • U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential