Beginning October 1, 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. – from the TSA website.
What is REAL ID? In 2005 Congress passed the Real ID Act , based on recommendations from the 9/11 Commission that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” It establishes standards that state-issued driver licenses and ID cards must meet to be accepted for certain federal purposes such as entering federal buildings or military bases, or boarding commercial aircraft.
All states except Oregon, Oklahoma, and New Jersey currently issue compliant licenses. You can check your state’s status at the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID page. Unfortunately, my state – Oregon – is one of the 3 states not yet issuing compliant licenses, and people here are getting nervous. Oregon says it will start issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses July 6, 2020. But you’ll have to apply at the DMV in person on or after July 6, and the state expects long lines. You’ll pay the normal $40 fee for a replacement driver license, as well as an additional Real ID fee which is proposed at $30. Your card will keep the same expiration date as your current license. The state suggests waiting to apply for a Real ID license until your next renewal, IF you have another acceptable document, like a passport, to board domestic flights.
But there are many other acceptable IDs that are compliant with the REAL ID Act and will get you on a plane or into a federal facility. Adult passengers 18 and over can show one of the following forms of ID. Children under 18 do not need an ID to board a plane when traveling with a companion with acceptable ID.
- Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (available to U.S. citizens)
- Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
- HSPD-12 PIV card (this is a specific federal government employee ID)
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Oregonians can beat the license rush by applying for a passport book or card. Passport books cost $110 for adults and are valid for air, land and sea travel. Passport cards cost $30 for adults but are only valid for land and sea – not air – travel to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean. The government lists the normal timeframe for processing at 6-8 weeks; for an additional fee you can get it in 1-3 weeks. Go to the Department of State’s passport page to find out how to apply.
Hopefully you’ll be REAL ID-compliant in time for any trip you’re taking. Happy travels!
