After a much-delayed rollout, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will finally require American travelers to carry a Real ID for domestic airport travel starting this spring. Beginning in May, regular driver’s licenses will no longer pass muster for TSA security.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Real ID requirement to ensure your travels go smoothly.
What is the Real ID Act?
Congress passed the Real ID Act back in 2005, in response to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the government set clearer “standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”
This law established a uniform set of specifications for driver’s licenses and other government-issued ID cards, prohibiting government agencies from accepting identification that did not meet the standards of the Real ID Act.
One of the act’s goals was to add an extra layer of security to commercial aviation by making it more difficult for people to obtain false documents to access airplanes. Government agencies require more documentation when issuing Real IDs, and the cards are more advanced — and, therefore, harder to forge.
The law has taken two decades to implement because each state has different standards and processes for issuing photo IDs. Several states and the American Civil Liberties Union criticized the law, saying the federal government was overreaching.
The Real ID Act officially takes effect May 7.
How to tell if you have a Real ID
Because this law has been on the books for a while, many states started issuing Real IDs ahead of the deadline, meaning you might already have a Real ID.
Generally, IDs with a star or star cutout are Real ID-compliant.
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However, if your ID is missing the star or says something like “federal limits apply” or “not for federal identification,” you do not have a Real ID.
All 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands are now issuing compliant IDs. But just because you live in a state that issues a Real ID doesn’t mean you’ll automatically receive one. You may need to provide extra documentation, wait to receive the ID or pay a higher processing fee.
This means you should double-check your ID for compliance. If you’re still unsure, the DHS has a short quiz online to help you identify whether yours is compliant.
Can I still use a driver’s license to fly in the US?
As of May 7, passengers will not be allowed through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints with a driver’s license that isn’t a Real ID. But while your driver’s license may not be sufficient to pass through TSA checkpoints for domestic air travel, you can still travel with a U.S. passport or various TSA-approved forms of identification.
If you don’t upgrade your driver’s license and don’t have a Real ID, you can use one of the following:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, Nexus, SENTRI, FAST)
- Permanent resident card
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- Border-crossing card
- State-issued enhanced driver’s license
- Photo ID issued by a federally recognized tribal nation/Indian tribe
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employment authorization card (I-766)
- U.S. merchant mariner credential
Travelers under 18 don’t need to provide identification when traveling with a companion, which will not change under the Real ID Act.
Do I need a Real ID if I’m enrolled in PreCheck or Global Entry?
Yes. While your Global Entry card is a valid form of ID, you’ll need to bring along your Real ID (or another compliant photo ID) when traveling, even if you’re enrolled in one of these programs. Your TSA PreCheck card does not qualify.
My state is compliant with Real ID. Does this mean my driver’s license is OK?
Not necessarily. As we mentioned earlier, just because your state issues compliant IDs doesn’t mean you received one. Check for the star or star cutout to confirm your ID is compliant.
The Real ID regulation requires that states recertify their compliance with the act every three years, on a rolling basis, as determined by DHS.
Do I need a Real ID to fly if I’m under 18?
Not unless you’re flying alone. As mentioned earlier, minors traveling with a companion don’t need to present a photo ID.
How much does it cost to get a Real ID?
The cost of Real IDs varies by state but is usually $30. In most states, the fee for a Real ID is the same as a regular driver’s license.
Bottom line
If your driver’s license is already Real ID-compliant, you need not worry; these upcoming changes will not affect you. However, if your license isn’t up to the standard of the Real ID Act, upgrade it as soon as possible to avoid crowds and long wait times as the May 7 deadline approaches.
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