As you may have heard, beginning 2018, the airlines and TSA will enforce the act set forth regarding REAL ID for domestic travel. Until recently, only a few states are compliant with the REAL ID act, but more are joining the crowd.
What is the REAL ID ACT? This act was passed by Congress in 2005 by the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. The act seeks to streamline the aspects of proper state issued identification such as driver’s licenses and non-driver license Federal ID. Until this time, there hasn't been any uniform template for identification across the US or her territories. Now Federal agencies have at the very least, minimum standards which must appear on a driver's license or other identification. If these minimum requirements are not met, Federal government agencies may not accept personal IDs.
Though the Federal government has announced this will be firm by January 22, 2018, they realize not all states will be compliant. If your ID is not compliant, your state must be granted a compliance extension by the Federal government. All IDs will need to be compliant by October 2020.
So, what does this have to do with my travel? Up until now for domestic travel all you needed was a picture ID with your name, birth date, valid expiration date, and gender contained in a tamper resistant frame. Not rocket science. However, the one link all of the IDs must have for REAL ID compliance is proof of US citizenship or residency. Several states are still lacking this requirement for new or renewed ID. Currently the states and US territories which are non-compliant include:
- Maine
- Missouri
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Alaska
- Kentucky
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- S. Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Washington (State)
Other states and territories with extensions through October 2017 include:
- American Samoa
- California
- Guam
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- N. Marianas
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- N. Carolina
- N. Dakota
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- Texas
- Virgin Islands
Residents in those states will need to have a more secure identification. These passengers can use a US Passport or NEXUS pass, permanent resident card (formerly known as a green card), military ID or Global Entry pass. If you live in a compliant state, but don't have a driver's license, you may also use one of the mentioned compliant IDs.
While these issues are being worked out in your state, be prepared for longer lines as security will become slower as travelers are weeded out of line for improper ID. In the long run, it will be up to you to prove your status and have proper ID. If you are one of the many states not in compliance, I highly recommend you register for a passport. It is one of the most perfect forms of ID and lasts 10 years for travelers over 16 years old.
Residents in those states will need to have a more secure identification. These passengers can use a US Passport or NEXUS pass, permanent resident card (formerly known as a green card), military ID or Global Entry pass. If you live in a compliant state, but don't have a driver's license, you may also use one of the mentioned compliant IDs.
While these issues are being worked out in your state, be prepared for longer lines as security will become slower as travelers are weeded out of line for improper ID. In the long run, it will be up to you to prove your status and have proper ID. If you are one of the many states not in compliance, I highly recommend you register for a passport. It is one of the most perfect forms of ID and lasts 10 years for travelers over 16 years old.
You
can check for your state’s update at: https://www.dhs.gov/current-status-states-territories
