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The Real ID Act was formulated in the wake of September 11 and was passed by Congress in May 2005. It was an Act of Congress that modified the U.S. federal law that is in charge of security, authentication and the issuing of procedures for state driver’s licenses, identity documents and various immigration issues related to terrorism.
Furthermore, the Real ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation to the federal government. The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. It prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and IDs from states that do not meet the established standards.
During the last months, States have been implementing the necessary changes to meeting the key recommendation made on the 9/11 Commission.
The following is implemented by the Real ID Act:
The goal of the act was to eliminate airline terrorism by increasing requirements to obtain documents that allow a person to take domestic flights.
Due to the Real ID Act, state agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles require more paperwork regarding proof of residency and Social Security Number before they can issue a license or an ID.
The cards themselves are built using new technology and are more difficult to forge. It has taken the federal government almost 15 years to implement the act to its full extent. The process has been gradual as each state has a different status. However, it is expected that all states are in compliance with the act by May 3rd, 2023. U.S. residents will need to meet the REAL ID requirements in order to get theirs.
In April 2021 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the deadline that citizens must swap their older ID for a form of REAL ID had been extended to May 3, 2023. Originally the cut off date had been set for October 1, 2021.
This change has been made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has limited the ability for DMVs across the country to respond to the usual volumes of applications. At present, most state DMVs can only attend to residents via appointment-only scheduling.
You won't yet need a REAL ID to fly In 2022. If you’re a U.S. resident taking a domestic flight, you’ll be able to show one of TSA’s approved identification documents. For any international flights, you’ll need to show a passport.
However, beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler aged 18 years or older will require a REAL ID-compliant identification to pass through TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic flights.
This will cover all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and five U.S.territories. A passport will still be required to fly internationally, and a REAL ID will not be accepted as a substitute for your passport.
You can check if an identification document is REAL ID-compliant by looking if there’s a star at the top of the document. If you’re unsure, contact your state driver’s license office on how to get a REAL ID card.
The REAL ID ACT was established to prevent identity theft and increase national security. However, what does the REAL ID Act mean for travelers? As of May 3rd, 2023, anyone who is a resident in the United States will need to have a Real ID identification to pass through TSA security at airport checkpoints.
The easiest way to know if you really need a REAL ID is if you are planning to travel by airplane or visit federal facilities. It should be noted, however, that if you have one of the following documents, you do not need a REAL ID card:
If you plan on taking domestic flights, you will always need to carry a federally approved document.
Residents in the United States should note that a Federal Non-Compliant card:
The table below sums up the differences between a standard ID or driver's license and a real ID or driver's license.
Differences between standard ID and Real ID | ||
Purpose | Standard ID / Driver's License | Real ID / Driver's License |
---|---|---|
General identification | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Driving | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Boarding a domestic flight (after May 3, 2023) | ❌ | ✔️ |
Entering a federal facility or military base | ❌ | ✔️ |
Source: PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
In order to get a REAL ID card you will need to visit a DMV office with the required documents. You can complete your driver’s license application online. A gold or black star in the top right corner will identify your document as a federal compliant REAL ID driver's license and identification card. If your ID does not have a star verify with your state to make sure you have a federal compliant ID.
It is possible that you may already have a REAL ID, as some states have been issuing them for a few years now.
No, you cannot get a REAL ID replacement birth certificate. This campaign aims to replace government photo ID with harder to forge copies and a birth certificate doesn’t fit that criteria.
However, you can use your birth certificate as an official form of ID when replacing your current driver's license or photo ID with a REAL ID compliant replacement. This will need to be presented during the application process.
If you don’t already have a REAL ID, there are a few steps you can take to get it. Be sure to read about the Real ID requirements and how to proceed.
At this time, all states are either in compliance with the Real ID Act or have an extension. The alternative to a REAL ID are a U.S. passport or U.S. passport card.
If you apply for a REAL ID, note that you will still need to obtain a U.S. passport in order to travel abroad.
Read more: Real ID compliant states