Real ID: What That Means for Flying

Real ID is popping up more and more and it is because the deadline to have one is fast approaching.
 
For those who need a short refresher on this topic, in an attempt to cut down on domestic terrorism and security threats post 9/11, Congress enacted Real ID Act in 2005. This federal law deals with the security, authentication, and issuing of standards for identity licenses and documents. Essentially, this elevated ID technology is more difficult to fake.
 
The Real ID law intensified the standards for identity cards accepted at the federal government level for boarding commercially operated airline flights, entering an official federal building and nuclear power plants.
 
In addition to other aspects of the Real ID law, the most pertinent to the travel industry is the portion regarding the Real ID-compliant form of identification for domestic air travel. What this means traveling is by October 1, 2020, you will need a Real ID to fly domestically.
 
To find out if your driver’s license is a Real ID, it must have a black or gold star on it. If you live in Hawaii, Tennessee, Ohio or Utah, you will have to check with your state government.
 
To complicate things, some states are issuing driver’s licenses that are a form of Real ID but will not pass for a Real ID for air travel.
 
It is best to check if you’re not certain if your ID is a Real ID. Otherwise, this could prevent you from boarding a flight after the deadline.
 
To learn more information see: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id and https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-frequently-asked-questions
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