Hi Friends! If you recall, earlier this month I reported that big changes were on their way for domestic air travel in the very near future. This has created such a stir (and panic!) that the Department of Homeland Security has released additional information regarding the upcoming changes.
The easiest way to figure out what is going to happen is depicted in this easy to read graphic below:
The bottom line is as of January 2016, everyone can still use their driver’s licenses to fly. Starting in 2018, certain states (unless changes are made!) will be required to provide alternative identification, like a passport. So right now, there’s no need to panic!
Some helpful facts to help debunk any rumors out there, direct from Homeland Security:
- Until January 2018, if traveling by air domestically, residents from ANY state are still able to use a driver’s license, or any of the various other forms of identification accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (Passport or Passport Card, Global Entry cards, U.S. military IDs, airline or airport-issued IDs, federally recognized, and tribal-issued photo IDs.)
- TSA will continue to accept driver’s licenses issued by all states through January 2018 and, then, will continue to accept licenses from all compliant states or noncompliant states with an extension.
- You have until October 2020 to replace your current license with a REAL ID compliant license, as long as your state is compliant or is noncompliant with an extension.
- REAL ID does not build a national database nor does it grant the Federal Government or another state access to a state’s driver’s license data. REAL ID is not a national identification card. States and territories will continue to issue its own unique license, maintain its own records, and determine who may access those records and under what circumstances.
To stay most up to date, you can visit the DHS’s Real ID webpage. And, now that we have that settled, let’s start planning your next vacation! Email me at tricia@worldofmagictravel.com so I can help you create the most magical adventure for you!
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