REAL ID - Now Is The Time

It's time to take a look at your driver's license and see if it is compliant for travel within the United States. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on December 20, 2013 a phased enforcement plan for the REAL ID Act (the Act), as passed by Congress back in 2005. This means, if you are a US citizen over the age of 18 and are flying domestically (within the US) then you will need to present a compliant, valid ID. If that is your driver's license, then it must comply. You'll know because it, generally speaking, will have a star at the top of the license. 

You can read the official release from the Department of Homeland Security here. 

The deadline to comply is October 1, 2020 so check with your state's DMV to acquire a new ID.  You will not be able to pass through security checkpoints at airports without this enhanced driver's license or other acceptable forms of ID.

​The TSA has a little helpful "Real ID" information which can be found here.   

You can use a valid US passport for domestic travel but why risk losing it for quick trip to Chicago? I say, do a little home-state sleuthing and get yourself down to the DMV. 

Happy Travels!
Erik