Navigating airport security can often feel like a maze of regulations and requirements. As 2024 progresses, you might be wondering, “Can I still use my driver’s license to fly domestically?” The answer is yes, for now. However, it’s crucial to understand the upcoming changes regarding REAL ID enforcement to ensure your travel plans remain smooth and hassle-free.
What is REAL ID and Why Does It Matter for Flying?
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Its purpose is to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. These standards are designed to prevent fraudulent identification and enhance security at federal facilities and airports.
Starting May 7, 2025, the rules change significantly. From this date onwards, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of federal identification to board domestic flights. Without a REAL ID or acceptable alternative, you will not be permitted to fly within the United States.
Is My Current Driver’s License REAL ID Compliant?
The easiest way to check if your current driver’s license or state-issued ID is REAL ID compliant is to look for a star symbol in the upper right-hand corner of the card. This star indicates that your ID meets the federal REAL ID standards. If you see the star, you are already set and no further action is needed at this time for domestic air travel until May 7, 2025.
What Happens If My License is Not REAL ID Compliant?
If your driver’s license does not have the star, it is not REAL ID compliant. While you can still use it to fly domestically throughout 2024 and until May 6, 2025, you should plan to upgrade to a REAL ID before the deadline to avoid any travel disruptions in the future.
After May 7, 2025, a non-REAL ID compliant driver’s license will no longer be accepted for domestic air travel. However, even after this date, you can still use it for other purposes like driving, banking, or voting (depending on state laws). It simply won’t meet federal identification requirements for activities like boarding airplanes or accessing federal buildings.
If you do not obtain a REAL ID, you will need to use an alternative acceptable form of identification for air travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides a list of acceptable forms of identification, which includes:
- паспорта
- Паспортные карты США
- Карты доверенных путешественников DHS (Global Entry, TSA Pre✓®, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- Постоянные карты жителя (Green Card)
- Карты удостоверения личности военнослужащих США
- Водительские права штата или удостоверения личности, соответствующие требованиям REAL ID
- И многое другое
How to Get a REAL ID
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, you will need to visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website. Each state has its own specific requirements, but generally, you will need to provide documentation proving your:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Principal residence address
- Lawful status in the United States
It’s advisable to gather these documents and visit your state’s DMV well in advance of the May 7, 2025 deadline to avoid potential rush and delays.
Plan Ahead for Smooth Travel
While you can still fly using your current driver’s license in 2024, the upcoming REAL ID enforcement date is a critical change to be aware of. Take the time now to check your ID for the REAL ID star. If you don’t have it, start the process of obtaining a REAL ID to ensure you can continue to fly domestically without any issues come May 2025 and beyond. Planning ahead will save you potential stress and ensure your future travels are as seamless as possible.
