REAL ID DEADLINE APPROACHING
In just under fifty days, your driver’s license may not be an acceptable form of identification for boarding a domestic flight. That is unless your license is REAL ID compliant.
Beginning May 7th, U.S. travelers will be required to have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights. The requirement also extends to Americans looking to access certain federal facilities such as military bases, nuclear facilities, or federal buildings that require identification.
REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 on a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission, is a federal law applicable to all states and all adults 18 and over. REAL ID is a driver’s license or other form of state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets the minimum-security standards set forth by the federal government. It carries with it all the privileges of a standard license/identification. A REAL ID will look almost exactly like your standard ID – except that it’s marked with a star in the upper corner of the card.
REAL ID-compliant cards will have of one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity to board a commercial aircraft.
You can apply for a REAL ID in person at a DMV office and bring several DMV-accepted documents that verify your identity, U.S. legal residence or citizenship status, and current address.
All customers need documents showing United States citizenship or lawful presence, in addition to other identification documents, as required by federal and state law – even if you already have a state-issued driver’s license or ID card.
Each state has set its own standards as to what documents are accepted, so make sure you check with your state’s RMV/DMV office and have all the proper paperwork ahead of time. All documents need to be originals – photocopies will not be accepted.
View Requirements by State