If you are at your weekly pickleball game and bring up the recent May 7th REAL ID deadline during your conversations, the odds are you will trigger a few personal stories about what friends are going through trying to obtain their REAL ID-compliant driver’s license.
As of May 7, a REAL ID is required to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities! As per “The Points Guy,” REAL ID is defined as an enhanced ID card with stricter security standards that replaces a standard driver’s license!
The irony of this deadline is that many Americans tend to wait to the last minute to comply; however, this mandate originates from the Bush administration, called “The REAL ID Act of 2005,” enacted to enhance the security of state-issued identification documents.
The mandate has created significant angst for many Americans who have upcoming vacations or business trips. It is important to note that there is an exception for children under 18, who are not required to have a REAL ID for domestic air travel; however, the accompanying adult MUST possess compliant identification! Those with “special needs” and who are 18 or older still need to get a REAL ID for domestic travel.
A REAL ID-compliant license features a “STAR Symbol” in the upper right-hand corner of your driver’s license (in most states). Obtaining a REAL ID requires an in-person visit to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), as does an Enhanced ID, which has an American flag!
In response to high demand and long wait lines, some states have implemented “alternative methods” to facilitate the acquisition of REAL IDs.
For example, New York State has set up “mobile DMV units” at events, such as the International Auto Show at the Jacob Javitz Center. New Jersey has launched emergency issuance programs for urgent travel needs. Some states allow Triple AAA (The Automotive Association of America) to handle REAL ID issuance. The reason Real IDs are limited to the DMV or AAA is that the government needs our current picture scanned on file in the national database!
There seems to be lots of confusion with this as many drivers have been turned away by the DMV for unacceptable documentation. Also, the NYS DMV will NOT accept walk-ins without an appointment. This problem has been affecting women disproportionately.
To avoid having to cancel upcoming vacations and reservations, let me set the record straight! To pass FREELY through domestic airport security checkpoints, travelers will need to present:
1. A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or alternative ID such as,
2. A valid U.S. passport
3. A “DHS Trusted Traveler Card” (aka Global Entry)
4. A Department of Defense ID or
5. A state issued “Enhanced Driver’s License” (EDLs are issued by NY, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington)
Even though this law was passed in 2005, the country is woefully unprepared, as there have recently been lines around the block at many DMV offices across the country. Kristi Noem, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, said when interviewed that there would be extra security steps necessary if passengers do not have the proper ID or alternatives. I take this as it could depend on the mood of the ticket agents that day.
If you have a valid passport, you are fine and should not need to immediately obtain your REAL ID. If you don’t have a passport, to fly domestically, you will need to obtain your REAL ID by providing supporting ORIGINAL documents that verify:
1. Your Full Legal Name
2. Date of Birth
3. Social Security Number and
4. 2 Proofs of Residency
The requested documentation may appear easier to provide than it is, especially for those who have changed their name over the years. Married and divorced women are being affected disproportionately.
Heed these TIPS to avoid unnecessary angst and frustration:
1. If you have a valid Passport, Wait until this situation gets resolved
2. If you don’t have a Passport and are traveling in 6 months: Start working on your documentation. Note: If you have a “Global Entry Card,” you will be fine.
3. If you don’t have a Passport and are traveling in 3 months or less: Go online now, click on your local DMV, and get an appointment, then start working on your documents. It can take several weeks to get original marriage and birth certificates and social security hardcopy cards.
4. If you don’t have the REAL ID Card: You might have to go through some extra verification and possibly extra screening (like taking off shoes) even though you might have TSA-Pre check status, as per The Points Guy!
5. MOST IMPORTANTLY: Go online to the government’s website www.dhs.gov/real-ID and check your specific home state’s requirements using their pull-down menu and follow instructions carefully! Click on “Documents Needed!”
In conclusion, for my readers, there’s no reason to be forced to cancel or delay any upcoming domestic flights!
Best of luck and Safe Travels!!