Becoming compliant before the REAL ID deadline is a must if you want to be able to travel without any issues after October 1, 2020. That is the final deadline when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will stop accepting standard driver’s licenses and ID cards. Here’s what you need to know.
The REAL ID Act
The 9/11 Commission recommended the REAL ID Act, which was passed in May 2005. It set new security requirements for state ID cards and driver’s licenses when as a form of identification at airport security and federal buildings. Before the REAL ID Act, each state was able to determine their own standards. This new act would federally standardize the procedures for these forms of identification across all states and US territories. The plan was to roll out the act in four phases, beginning in 2013. The first three phases focused on increasing security at nuclear power plants and federal facilities. The fourth phase, which includes air travel security, was launched in 2016.
The REAL ID Deadline
Originally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) set January 22, 2018 as the deadline for all states to have compliant IDs. It has since been pushed back to October 1, 2020. At that time, if US travelers do not have a compliant REAL ID, they will have to use a valid passport at TSA checkpoints.
Is My State Compliant?
Five states and two US territories are still not compliant with the REAL ID Act and have formally been granted extensions. Kentucky only has until August 1, 2019 to become compliant. . Oregon, Oklahoma, New Jersey, Maine, and American Samoa have until October 10, 2019. The Northern Mariana Islands’ deadline is February 28, 2020. You can check the status of your state or US Territories here.
Is My ID a REAL ID?
If you are a resident of a compliant state or territory you can check with your local DMV to see if you have a REAL ID. For example, Florida has been compliant since 2010. If you were issued a new driver’s license or state ID after January 1, 2010 you have a REAL ID. These have a star on the upper right hand corner and will be accepted after October 1, 2020 for air travel. You may have a REAL ID when if you renewed after January 1, 2010. Check your ID to see if you have the star, if you don’t you will need to get a REAL ID at your local DMV. While all REAL IDs all have a star to designate compliance, it’s not the same color or in the same place across all states and territories.
Final Thoughts
There’s still plenty of time to get ensure you have a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card. If your state or territory isn’t compliant yet, keep checking. You can still travel after October 1, 2020 without a REAL ID you’ll just need a valid Passport.
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