What is the REAL ID Act? How does it affect your travelers? What are your resources? We ve put together a brief overview to help you understand the REAL ID Act.
An INTRODUCTION Following the 9/11 Commission Report, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established the REAL ID Act. Its purpose was to support security by establishing standard requirements for state-issued driver s licenses and identification cards. For the average business traveler, the primary impact of the REAL ID Act will be using a state-issued ID to board federally-regulated commercial aircraft. In other words: if you don t have a REAL IDcompliant ID, you won t get past TSA. Because issuing ID falls to each individual state, it is up to each individual state to determine if and how it will comply with the REAL ID Act identification requirements, and enact the changes needed to make sure that all IDs issued are compliant. THAT S WHERE THINGS GET COMPLICATED. There are states that have enacted these changes already, and states that have not. They are commonly referred to as Compliant and Noncompliant. 1. Do not assume that because you have a license issued by a compliant state, your license is compliant. It may not be. Keep reading. 2. Do not panic if you live in a noncompliant state. Keep reading. Page 2
Compliant & Noncompliant States REAL ID Act Click the map to see the DHS s most recent compliant/noncompliant designations, or go to: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-enforcement-brief Page 3
Real ID Act COMPLIANT STATES Some states have updated their ID production process to meet the REAL ID requirements. Those travelers with licenses or IDs produced using these new measures will therefore have no issue. However, it is important to note that because of the Tiered State Licensing Systems, some states are producing BOTH compliant AND noncompliant IDs. Why? A compliant ID takes longer to create. You also need to apply for it in person, and allow your photo and Social Security number to be put into DMV records. Noncompliant IDs can sometimes be printed immediately and have fewer requirements. Therefore, some people opt to get the noncompliant ID, even though their state issues compliant IDs. Even if a traveler has a recently-issued ID from a Compliant State, by 2020, they will need to confirm the ID is compliant, as well. Look for the star inside a circle on the ID card Page 4
Real ID Act NONCOMPLIANT STATES The remaining states and territories are noncompliant, but may fall into one of two categories: 1. Noncompliant State with Extension Some noncompliant states have been granted an extension. This usually means the state has proven they are working toward being able to produce REAL IDcompliant IDs by enacting legislation that allows for it. Again, this varies by state. NOTE: Noncompliant States with Extension could lose their extensions if they do not successfully meet the deadlines or milestones that show they are actively working towards compliance. If an extension is lost, that state then becomes a Noncompliant State without Extension. 2. Noncompliant States without Extensions: Noncompliant states that have not approved or enacted legislation that allows for updating the ID-issuing process do not have extensions. Some of these states legislatures may address the REAL ID Act issue during early 2017. If they do approve legislation, they could become a Noncompliant State with Extension. Page 5
Still with us? Good. Here s where things get complicated. Timeline for Implementation The DHS has clearly delineated their timeline for implementation of the REAL ID Act. PHASE 4A INITIAL ENFORCEMENT Starting January 22, 2018 a) The TSA will accept all licenses from Compliant States and from Noncompliant States with Extensions, as well as other forms of identification described at www.tsa.gov. b) If your ID is from a Noncompliant State without Extension and you do not have a different acceptable form of identification, you will not be able to fly. PHASE 4B FULL ENFORCEMENT Starting October 1, 2020 a) The TSA will only accept compliant licenses issued by Compliant States, as well as other forms of identification described at www.tsa.gov. b) If your ID is from any Noncompliant State and you do not have a different acceptable form of identification, you will not be able to fly. Page 6
Will I be able to fly on January 22, 2018? IT DEPENDS ON: 1 2 Your state Travelers with licenses from Compliant States and Noncompliant States with Extensions can fly, regardless of if your license is actually compliant or not. Travelers with licenses from Noncompliant States without Extensions cannot fly without a different form of ID. Your state s legislation in the coming months If you live in ANY Noncompliant State (with extension or without extension) keep an eye on your legislature. They could default on their promises and lose their extension, or they could enact legislation that earns an extension. Will I be able to fly on January 22, 2018? I LIVE IN A COMPLIANT STATE I LIVE IN A NONCOMPLIANT* STATE My license has a star-in-circle emblem. My license does not have a starin-circle emblem. With extension Yes Without extension I m using my license. Yes Yes No. Bring a different approved form of ID, like a valid passport. *Remember: Compliance status is subject to change Page 7
Will I be able to fly on October 1, 2020? IT DEPENDS ON: 1 Your license Even if you live in a Compliant State, your license will need to be compliant in order to let you fly. Look for the star in the circle. If your license doesn t have the star-in-a-circle emblem, you ll need a different form of ID.* Will I be able to fly on October 1, 2020? I LIVE IN A COMPLIANT STATE I LIVE IN A NONCOMPLIANT* STATE My license has a star-in-circle emblem. My license does not have a starin-circle emblem. No. Bring a different approved form of ID, like a valid passport. Yes No. Bring a different approved form of ID, like a valid passport. *Noncompliant license? Have a Passport ready. After a driver s license, the most commonly held ID that will be accepted by TSA is your valid passport. Keep in mind that a high percentage of U.S. passports are up for renewal in 2017, so you should renew sooner rather than later. Read our blog on passport updates for more. Page 8
TSA Acceptable Forms of Identification Adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. 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. military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DoD civilians) Permanent resident card Border crossing card DHS-designated enhanced driver's license Airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan) Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID HSPD-12 PIV card 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 A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. Resources TSA REAL ID Fact Sheet Department of Homeland Security (DHS): www.dhs.gov REAL ID FAQ for Air Travel Currently Acceptable IDs Page 9