[NoHo Arts District, CA] – This month’s Active World Journeys travel blog by Jack Witt talks about the REAL ID.
Starting May 7, 2025 all travelers flying domestically in the USA will need a REAL ID. Here’s the FAQ page about it on the Department of Homeland Security’s website: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs
Basically, the United States Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 in response to the terrorist attacks on 9/11. The REAL ID Act requires states to adopt and implement uniform standards for the issuance and production of state-issued driver licenses and identification cards if they are to be accepted as identity documents by the federal government. This Act strengthens the integrity and security of state-issued cards in an effort to reduce identity fraud and terrorism.
What if you’re not even sure your driver’s license is a REAL ID?
REAL ID-compliant cards will have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have a star marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft. Enhanced Driver’s Licenses and Enhanced Identification cards (EDL/EID) are also acceptable forms of identification and can be used to board commercial aircraft. EDL/EIDs can be identified by having an image of the U.S. flag and the word Enhanced at the top of the card.
If you are going to be flying soon but don’t have your REAL ID yet you can bring your passport as identification for your flight. (You might want to get your passport out now and put it somewhere where you can see it so you won’t forget.)
Cheers,
Jack Witt, MS, CPT
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