Coming Soon: A Valid Travel ID Driver’s License or a Federally Issued Passport Will be Required to Fly Domestically

We have discussed this issue quite a bit over the past few years.  But now that most states are compliant or have waivers from the federal government toward compliance, it seems that a final deadline just might be in the offing.

Here the latest from the Homeland Security on this issue:

“Starting October 1, 2020, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, for accessing Federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial aircraft.  This is what we call “card-based” enforcement.  The card, itself, must be REAL ID compliant unless the resident is using an alternative acceptable document such as a passport. The Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not currently required to access a Federal facility (such as to enter the public areas of the Smithsonian) nor does it prohibit an agency from accepting other forms of identity documents other than documents from non-compliant states (such as a U.S. passport or passport card).”

Bottom Line: On October 1, 2020, you will not be able to board a commercial aircraft for domestic flights unless you have one of these compliant Travel ID Driver’s Licenses or a federally issued passport.

With regard to children, TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification.

What to do: Unless you want to carry your passport to fly domestically, you should reach out to your state’s motor vehicle division about applying for one of these Travel ID Driver’s Licenses.  Here in Arizona, it costs $25 to get one.

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