As of October 1, 2020, the REAL ID act will be fully implemented in all U.S. states and territories. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, is a law which seeks to raise security standards at U.S. airports and other federal buildings in order to prevent terrorism and other forms of identity fraud. The law means that anyone wishing to board an aircraft or enter a federal building needs to be in possession of a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or form of photo identification. It’s important to note that while a driver’s license or identification card is a type of REAL ID, not all driver’s licenses and identification cards are REAL ID-compliant.
A REAL ID-compliant card is one that meets certain security and identification requirements laid out by the REAL ID Act. REAL ID cards contain enhanced security features such as holograms, a magnetic stripe, and a cardholder’s full name, date of birth, current address, and a photograph. States are also required to authenticate any documents used to obtain a driver’s license or ID card, such as birth certificates or Social Security cards. All documents must be presented in person for verification.
The implementation of the REAL ID Act has been a gradual process. In 2008, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security first began rolling out the act. Since then, over the course of several years, states have been updating their driver’s license and ID card documents to meet the REAL ID security standards. But not all states have been quick to comply with the requirements of REAL ID, so travelers should check with their government to find out if their state is compliant with the act.
For those travelers who are unable to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, there are alternate options to consider. First, if you’re boarding a domestic flight, you can show a valid U.S. Passport. Alternatively, you can provide two forms of identification, such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, and/or a credit or debit card. Alternatively, you can show a military ID or tribal ID.
Travelers should note that certain states and U.S. territories have been granted extensions or waivers to comply with the REAL ID act. These extensions and waivers allow travelers to use their driver’s license or ID card for travel, even if it doesn’t meet the REAL ID requirements. These extensions and waivers are granted to territories and states that have been deemed to have already enacted measures to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
It’s important for travelers to check the REAL ID requirements for their state or territory in order to plan their next trip. Although there are alternative forms of identification that can be accepted in some cases, it’s ultimately up to the traveler to make sure they are in possession of a REAL ID-compliant card if they wish to board a plane or enter certain federal buildings.
The REAL ID Act has gone a long way in helping to make Air Travel and federal buildings safer, but it’s also important for travelers to be aware of their state’s compliance with the act. By familiarizing yourself with the REAL ID requirements, you can make sure you’re not risking your safety and security while traveling.
