If you’re planning to fly after Jan. 22, you may not be able to use your driver’s license as a form of identification to get through security.   This is due to the REAL ID Act that was implemented in 2005.  Travelers may need additional identification when traveling domestically if the state the traveler lives in is not REAL ID compliant.  An additional form of ID will be requested by the TSA.

How Real ID Compliance Could Affect Your Domestic Travel After January 2018 – Will you be compliant?

• Starting January 22, 2018, passengers with a driver’s license issued by a state that is still not compliant with the REAL ID Act (and has not been granted an extension) will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel to board their flight, see additional forms of ID below. For additional forms of ID, visit the TSA’s website:  https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
• Passengers with driver’s licenses issued by a state that is compliant with REAL ID (or a state that has been issued an extension) will still be able to use their driver’s licenses or identification cards.

Review the DHS website to check the status of your state:  https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-enforcement-brief#

• Starting October 1, 2020, every air traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant license, or another acceptable form of identification, for domestic air travel.

Here’s a summary All travelers flying domestically will eventually need a REAL ID compliant license, but they are not yet available in every state.  I encourage you if your state is REAL ID compliant to take the necessary actions necessary to get one.

Domestic Travel – Frequently asked questions

Q:  How will the public be notified of these changes?

A:  On January 8, 2016, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced the timetable for the final phase of implementation to the REAL ID Act to inform the traveling public of changes that will be made for identification for domestic air travel effective January 22, 2018. DHS will conduct outreach to educate the traveling public about the timeline, and continue engagements with states to encourage compliance with REAL ID standards.Starting July 15, 2016, TSA, in coordination with airlines and airport stakeholders, will begin to issue web-based advisories and notifications to the traveling public.Starting December 15, 2016, TSA will expand outreach at its airport checkpoints through signage, handouts, and other methods.

Q:  Will minors need a driver’s license to fly domestically?

A:  No, TSA does not require children traveling with a companion under the age of 18 to present identification within the United States.

Q:  What happens when travelers show up without a Compliant License?  Will TSA turn them away?

A:  Starting January 22, 2018, travelers who do not have a license from a compliant state or a state that has been granted an extension they will be asked to provide alternate acceptable identification. If the traveler cannot provide an acceptable form of identification, they will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.

Q:  Is a Passport my only option if my state is not Real ID compliant?

A:  No, review the list on TSA’s website: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

If you have more questions, please contact us – we are here to help!

Happy & Save Travels,
Tammy