I have had clients ask me, “Do I need a REAL ID to fly this year?”  And I wanted to go over a few facts about the REAL ID and what you will need for your next domestic flight this year.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security is extending the REAL ID enforcement deadline by a year.  The new enforcement date is October 1, 2021.  Beginning on October 1, 2021, every air traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID- compliant driver’s license, state issued enhanced drivers, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

What is REAL ID?

In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act.  This enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.  It allows implementing regulations that establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s license and identification cards.  It prohibits federal agencies, such as the TSA, from accepting licenses and ids from states that don’t meet these stands for official purposes, like getting on an airplane.  If you want to learn more about REAL ID  enforcement, CLICK HERE.

So how do you know if you have a REAL ID to fly?

You need to check for the star.  Generally there’s one of the following; gold star, black star, star cutout in a gold circle, star cutout in a black circle, or star cutout in gold grizzly bear.  If you are not sure, you can contact your State’s Website with information by clicking on the link below that will take you to the DHS REAL ID website.  When there, click on your state.  All of the information on REAL ID will be listed there.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Enhanced Driver’s Licenses

State-issued enhanced driver’s licenses are marked with a flag.  These documents will be accepted at the airport security checkpoint when the REAL ID enforcement goes into effect.  Washington State issues enhanced driver’s licenses only.

Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York starts issue both REAL ID and state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses, both are acceptable.

Of course, you can always fly with your passport.  If you would like to learn more about passports, just click here.