What Is Real ID and How Will It Affect My Travel?
Starting in October 2020, if you don’t have a Real ID or a passport, you will not be able to fly. How will this rule affect my travel and what steps do I need to take now?
Starting next fall, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require travelers to present a Real ID–compliant driver’s license in order to fly domestically. This is for real: If you don’t present a Real ID or a valid passport you will not be allowed to fly. Here’s what you need to know about whether you have the right kind of ID and how to get one if you don’t.
What is a Real ID?
A Real ID is a driver’s license or identification card that meets certain minimum security standards established by the Real ID Act in 2005 on the basis of a recommendation made by the 9/11 Commission following the September 11, 2001, attacks. The new standards are intended to ensure that identification cards are more secure.
When will I need Real ID?
Starting October 1, 2020, all U.S. travelers 18 and older (kids traveling domestically with an adult don’t need to provide identification) will be required to present a driver’s license that is considered Real ID compliant when passing through airport security.
If you don’t have a compliant ID by that date, you will have to show another acceptable form of identification to fly within the United States, such as a valid passport, permanent resident card, or Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler program card, such as Global Entry or Nexus.
What are the Real ID requirements?
Each state handles the issuance of driver’s licenses and identification cards independently, and each state has its own Real ID requirements. Thus, the requirements vary slightly from state to state. But typically, the main difference in applying for and getting a Real ID–compliant license versus a noncompliant one lies in the documentation you need to provide.
How do I know I am Real ID Compliant?
According to TSA, compliant cards are typically marked with a star (either gold or black) in the upper portion of the card. The agency recommends that people who aren’t sure whether they have a compliant ID contact their state driver’s license agency about how to obtain a compliant card.
Can I fly without a Real ID?
On October 1, 2020, if you are unable to provide a Real ID–compliant license or other acceptable form of ID, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID, you will not be allowed to fly.
If you travel internationally and already have a passport, this won’t be such a big issue because your passport can serve as a stand-in until you obtain a Real ID–compliant driver’s license. But if you plan on flying domestically after October 1, 2020, and your passport has expired or you currently don’t have a passport, getting a Real ID is something you need to need to do sooner rather than later to avoid potential crowds at your local driver’s license agency as the deadline approaches.
