Tag: real id act

The REAL ID Act and Extension States

Posted on by Lloyd C

So you live in one of the nearly 30 U.S. states/territories that are not in compliance with the “Extension State/Territory” list in regards to the REAL ID Act, but what does this mean for us? Does this mean I should apply for a passport today? Will I be able to travel by domestic commercial flights across the US? What is my states ‘expiration date’ in regards to how long I can use only a drivers license to travel? We have all your questions answered for the REAL ID Act and Extension States and Territories.

U.S. Passport and Real I.D. Act

Advice to the citizens of these member states is to consider applying for a passport. Seeing that a passport is the most reliable second form of identification and is the easiest to obtain. The term “Extension State/Territory” means that the states were given extensions by the federal government. However, those extensions are only temporary. The federal government has decided to continue to accept licenses from those states. Only so because they provided adequate justification for noncompliance with external factors such as resources, contract cycles, etc. Thus, for the duration of the extension, the ID’s will be accepted without a second form of identification.

Extension Time

So, the current extension time period expires October 10, 2017. While that leaves some time for the state’s government to decide, it absolutely leaves Washington, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and American Samoa out of compliance and does not grant any more extensions. Therefore, residents of these states must start applying for a passport book or card.

Hence, eliminate the stress and foreseeable problems by simply obtaining a passport. Thus, the chances of some states requiring a compliant ID is looking promising. In addition, passports are a one time cost that is good for 10 years with no worry. Furthermore, a passport is the most reliable second form of identification. As well as being the easiest to obtain. Consider getting the Passport Card as it is a valid form of ID. However, you can not use the passport card for international travel by plane. If you think you’ll fly overseas, you should get a passport book.

What States Have REAL ID Act Extensions?

So, be sure of your state’s status. Here is a list of the following states/territories that have an extension through October 10, 2017. This allows them to travel only with an accepted driver’s license and/or identification card.

Do You Need a Passport to Fly Domestically?

Posted on by Lloyd C

Are you getting ready to book a domestic flight and wondering if you need a passport? Good news: It’s rarely necessary for Americans to carry their passports when flying domestically within the United States.

However, there have been some travel document changes due to heightened security in recent years, making it more important than ever that travelers know what is required of them before arriving at their departure airport. We will try to answer the question: Do you need a passport to fly Domestically?

Highlights

  • When traveling within the US, you don’t need a passport to fly, but make sure you have a valid driver’s license or state ID. Check if your ID is REAL-ID compliant before May 2025 to avoid any issues.
  • When traveling domestically within the US, a passport is not required by airlines or TSA. However, it is advisable to have it as a secondary form of identification.

What is the REAL ID Act?

The REAL ID Act of 2005 is a federal law that requires all states to standardize their driver’s licenses and identification cards. This means that, except in certain circumstances, travelers will need valid documentation such as a passport or enhanced driver’s license when flying domestically within the United States.

Make sure your state-issued ID meets the security standards set by the Real ID Act, or it won’t be accepted for federal purposes, such as domestic flights. Verify if your ID is compliant before traveling or you could take your passport or passport card.

Both Passport Book and Passport Card are Accepted I.D. for Domestic Flights

A passport card is not for air travel but a good ID to carry.

However, if you have a passport book or passport card, you can use either of them as an acceptable form of I.D. for air travel within the United States. The passport book and card are official documents issued by the U.S. Department of State that provide proof of your citizenship and identity when traveling abroad. When used domestically, they prove both your identity and your U.S. citizenship, which is required for air travel in the United States.

Make sure your passport book or card meets the standards set by the REAL ID Act, so it will be accepted at airports and other federal buildings and facilities. If you don’t have a passport book or card, you can apply for one through an authorized passport agency or office.

Can I Still Fly in the US Without a REAL ID?

Starting from May 7, 2025, REAL ID will be implemented without any additional delays. Therefore, individuals aged 18 and above in the United States will be required to possess a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license (EDL), or an alternative acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel. Learn more below about each state ID requirement.

Conclusion

The U.S. passport book and card are official documents issued by the Department of State that help prove both your identity and U.S. citizenship when traveling abroad or domestically. Before you travel, make sure your passport meets the REAL ID Act standards to avoid any problems at airports and other federal buildings or facilities.

If you don’t already have a passport book or card, you can apply for one through an authorized passport agency or office. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time before your trip to make sure your application is processed in time.

Good luck! Bon voyage!