Have you heard about Real ID? Are you ready? And FYI, owning a US passport may not be the answer. If you, like me, use your driver’s license for ID when going through airport security, you may be in for a rude awakening. This is boring, but important.
Without getting into all the legalese, the requirement for uniform security procedures for ID acceptable to Homeland Security were updated by Congress in 2005. This impacts access to federal buildings, properties, and AIRPORTS. States were given several years to implement and now we’re getting close to D-day.
Beginning 2020, you will need a federally compliant ID to board aircraft in the US.
You can always use a passport to get through security. But, who wants to use their passport for domestic travel? Not only is it one more thing to remember, it’s one more thing to lose. I don’t know about you, but I use my driver’s license for security for all domestic flights. It’s in my wallet, so I automatically have it with me (there are a couple of amusing exceptions that I’ll share some other time), which means one less thing to remember.
Additionally, I guard my passport (as should you). When at home, it has a special location, so I can always find it. If I’ve used it, I’m careful about returning it to its rightful place when I get home. Too bad I can’t utilize this strategy for some other aspects of my life. Sigh.
What to do? Actually, it’s rather painless. Here is what you’ll probably need (check your state’s guidelines to be certain).
First, if you have a passport, you don’t NEED a new state ID. But, you’ll always have to travel with your passport – even domestically.
Second, if you don’t have a passport (what?), you’ll need to check your own state to see if your ID is compliant.
Third, if you want a Real ID compliant driver’s license, you can wait until your current license expires and then apply for a compliant one. If your current driver’s license expires after 2020, you can go ahead and apply early. Check your state’s DMV for the requirements. But, generally, you’ll need proof of SSN (this can be a paycheck stub), proof of residence (utility bill), and proof of identity (birth certificate or passport – am I the only one seeing a little irony here?)
The main point here – the day is coming that a standard driver’s license might not get you on a flight. Which means you won’t be worrying about what stays in Vegas, you won’t even get to Vegas!
Are you ready to start planning your next vacation? I’d love to help. Call 888-429-1929 or email travel@sevenwondersgrouptravel.com to schedule a complimentary planning session.