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If you've been through a US airport in the past few years, you may have noticed signs near the security checkpoint reminding passengers about this change to photo ID requirements as part of the Real ID Act. This law was originally supposed to take effect on October 1st, 2020 but has since been delayed to 2021, 2023, and now 2025.
There has been some confusion surrounding the Real ID Act, including who it affects and what you need to do before traveling. To ensure your journey goes smoothly, here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Real ID requirement. Let's get to the point!
Real ID deadline looming… Are you actually ready to fly?
What's the Real ID Act?
Following the 9/11 attacks, the United States Congress passed the Real ID Act to establish clearer standards for government-issued photo identification cards.
The law set uniform security requirements for driver's licenses and other official IDs, and prohibited government agencies from accepting IDs that don't meet these standards. One aim was to add an extra layer of security for commercial aviation by making it more difficult for people to obtain false documents to access airplanes.
The newly introduced Real ID cards require more extensive documentation during the issuing process, and they feature more advanced technological elements, making them more challenging to replicate or forge.
However, the implementation of this law has taken over a decade due to the varying standards and procedures currently employed by different states for the issuance of photo IDs. Some states and civil liberties organizations have voiced concerns, arguing that this law represents an overreach by the federal government.
The Real ID requirement will now officially come into effect on May 7th, 2025, giving individuals less than a year to ensure they have a compliant Real ID or make the necessary arrangements to obtain one.
How to determine if you have a compliant Real ID
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Since this law has been in effect for some time, many states have started issuing Real ID-compliant IDs before they become federally required. This means you may already have a Real ID but there are a few simple ways to verify it. Typically, IDs with a star or star cutout symbol are Real ID-compliant.
On the other hand, if your ID lacks the star symbol or states "federal limits apply" or "not for federal identification," it's not a compliant Real ID.
All 50 US states, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands are currently issuing Real ID-compliant IDs.
However, just because you live in a state that offers Real IDs doesn't mean you'll automatically receive one. You may need to provide additional documentation, wait longer to receive the ID, or even pay a higher processing fee.
Therefore, it's important to double-check your ID to ensure it meets the Real ID requirements. If you're still unsure, the DHS has a brief quiz on their website to help you determine if your ID is compliant.
What Real ID means for air travelers
When the Real ID Act comes into effect, airline passengers won't be permitted to pass through TSA security checkpoints without a compliant Real ID. If you don't wish to upgrade your driver's license to the compliant version, you can still travel using a US passport or any of the other TSA-approved identification documents:
- US passport card
- DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri, FAST)
- Permanent resident card
- US Department of Defense ID
- Border-crossing card
- State-issued enhanced driver's license
- Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services employment authorization card (I-766)
- US Merchant Mariner Credential
It's important to note that travelers under the age of 18 don't need to provide identification when traveling with a companion, and this will remain the case even after the Real ID Act is implemented.
Do I need a Real ID if I'm enrolled in PreCheck or Global Entry?
Your Global Entry card can serve as a valid form of identification but you'll need to bring it with you (or another compliant photo ID) when traveling, even if you're enrolled in one of these programs. However, your TSA PreCheck card doesn't qualify as a valid ID.
Do I require a real ID?
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If you don't frequently fly and have no plans to visit secure government facilities, you don't need to upgrade your ID to a Real ID. You can still perform essential tasks like voting, driving, and accessing healthcare facilities with a non-compliant ID. But if you intend to travel within the US by plane, you'll require a Real ID-compliant ID, unless you always travel with a passport or another accepted form of documentation.
My state complies with Real ID. Does this mean my driver's license is acceptable?
Just because your state issues Real ID-compliant IDs doesn't automatically mean you have one. Look for the star or star cutout on your ID to confirm if it's compliant.
The Real ID regulation requires states to recertify their compliance with the act every 3 years, on a rotating schedule, as determined by the DHS.
Do I need a Real ID to fly if I'm under 18?
Minors traveling with a companion don't need to present a photo ID, though their companion does.
How much does it cost to obtain a Real ID?
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The cost to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver's license can vary significantly depending on the state, from around $10 to as much as $85.
In conclusion…
If your current driver's license is already compliant with the Real ID Act requirements, you don't need to take any action, as these upcoming changes won't affect you. However, if your license doesn't meet the Real ID standards, it's highly recommended that you upgrade it as soon as you can. This will help you avoid the crowds and long wait times that are expected to occur as the implementation deadline next year draws nearer.
Leave the parking drama behind: book your spot today with ParkingNearAirports.io!
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Traveling worldwide shouldn't be something tiring – conversely, that's the time you can enjoy both the amazing landscapes of our Earth and joint activities with your loved ones. Nevertheless, things don't always go as planned, and we're at risk to face some challenges even at such an enjoyable moment. One such problem is actually airport parking, specifically its price. Let's have a look at the situation a bit closer.
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What is off-site parking and why is it worth choosing this option exactly?
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Why choose an off-site parking option? The answer is pretty straightforward – it's cheap and convenient. Using our services, first of all, you'll avoid the following difficulties you might face while getting to the airport you're departing from:
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For better understanding, we'd like to give you a good example.
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