In only a few days, the United States will implement the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) latest REAL ID mandate. This new requirement will touch hundreds of millions of travelers around the country. This federally mandated ID will be required to take any domestic flight and into any secure federal building or facility. Currently, all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories are currently issuing REAL IDs. Residents only have a few days left to obtain their compliant ID!
The birth of REAL ID came about as a direct reaction to rising security concerns after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Additionally, it seeks to create uniform identification standards throughout the country. In the past, the DHS has underscored the importance of REAL ID. They wrote that it “establishes minimum standards for the issuance of items like identifiers, including drivers’ licenses.”
What is REAL ID?
REAL ID is a form of identification that complies with federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). U.S. citizens or residents traveling domestically should familiarize themselves with the requirements for secure federal facilities. This extends to our military bases and all federal courthouses. Residents must show up to their local DMV to get a REAL ID-compliant card.
A handful of other states—Washington, Michigan, Minnesota and New York, alongside Vermont—issue enhanced driver’s licenses, too. These licenses provide a more accessible alternative to REAL ID-compliant cards. A valid, unexpired U.S. passport is the best choice for travelers. It lets you fly within the U.S. and enter federally regulated security areas without additional documentation.
Differences Across States
Although all states currently issue REAL ID compliant IDs, each state has a unique design and additional features. For instance, California’s REAL ID includes a small golden bear on the top right corner with a white star on the animal’s left side. New York and North Carolina feature very distinctive REAL ID designs. These designs are all federal standard compliant, and thus perfect precedents to adopt.
Residents need to know what’s required in their individual state’s unique law. This understanding will better position them to address these changes in the future. The DHS has provided an extensive FAQ section on its website to further help you find answers to any questions you have about becoming REAL ID compliant.
The Urgency to Comply
As the October deadline approaches, U.S. residents must move fast. If you don’t already have a REAL ID-compliant card or another form of acceptable identification, now is the time to get one! Failure to obtain the necessary identification will leave individuals unable to board flights or access federal buildings once enforcement begins.
As REAL ID enforcement becomes reality in the very near future, people need to make sure they get their new ID before it’s too late. Inability to do so would result in serious disruptions in trip planning, and access to safe locations across the country.
