Following the terrorist attacks of 2001, The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States was formed. Also known as the 9/11 Commission, it issued its final report in 2004 after extensive interviews, testimony and document review. The report recommended that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and non-driver identification cards. It also forbids federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states which don’t meet these standards. One such federal agency is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) which is responsible for airport security checks.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently reminded travelers that enforcement of the act will begin on October 1, 2020. On that date, every air traveler aged 18 and above must present a REAL ID compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license or other acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or US military ID, in order to fly within the United States. Those individuals who are unable to verify their identity will not be allowed to enter the TSA checkpoint and will not be allowed to fly. The most recent Acting DHS Secretary Kevin K. McAleenan stated, “This is an important step in enhancing commercial aviation security and we urge travelers to ensure they have compliant documents. DHS is committed to working with states as they continue their efforts to issue REAL IDs to Americans.”
DHS has been working to increase public attention and focus on the looming deadline. Starting in April, they began displaying signs at airports informing the traveling public of the changing requirements. In August, TSA began verbally advising those travelers who appeared at any US airports presenting non-compliant forms of identification about the upcoming REAL ID requirements and enforcement date. In addition, TSA has co-hosted REAL ID events with numerous motor vehicle administration officials in many locations across the nation with more planned in the coming months.
REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses are distinguished by a star in the upper-right corner of the license itself and feature new technology making them more difficult to forge. It has taken the Federal Government nearly 15 years to implement the act fully, but the nation has made significant progress in the last 3 years. In January of 2017, only 26 states were compliant. As a result of voluntary partnerships with state governments, associations, Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) and other stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions, today 47 out of 50 states are currently REAL ID compliant.
The states of Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota and New York issue REAL IDs and state-enhanced driver's licenses, both of which are acceptable. Washington State only issues enhanced driver's licenses. The enhanced licenses are marked with a flag as opposed to a star but these documents will also be acceptable at TSA checkpoints when enforcement goes into effect next year.
There is still work to do however as only about 27% of Americans have been issued a REAL ID. It's not difficult to acquire but may take some time out of your day visiting the dreaded DMV. You'll need to bring your birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or tax form such as a W-2 containing your taxpayer identification number (which is the same as your Social Security number) as well as 2 proofs of address. For non-US citizens, one document bearing your full name proving legal presence/lawful status will also be needed. And if you've changed your name, you'll have to present documentation verifying the name change. I obtained my REAL ID on May 2 of last year which, coincidentally, was the second day they were being made available to North Carolina residents. At the DMV, I showed up with my passport, Social Security card and 2 recent utility bills which confirmed my North Carolina residency. Although I was told it might take up to 20 business days to receive, my REAL ID license arrived within several days of my visit.
Just this week, a computer meltdown occurred in New Jersey when residents attempted to make an appointment after receiving emails advising them to do so. The system was overwhelmed and froze when drivers said they typed in the necessary information and hit enter. Some claimed they went through the process again only to to get the same screen freeze. Jim Hooker, a spokesperson for the state's Motor Vehicle Commission reported, "We have added capacity so the system can handle substantially higher volume going forward."
The New Jersey snafu not withstanding, if you’ve not yet obtained your REAL ID, I would encourage you to do so at your earliest convenience. Human nature dictates that most people will wait until the last minute to do what’s required. This means, as the deadline approaches later next year, the DMV offices will become more and more crowded. North Carolina, like many states, encourages residents to make appointments in advance. Doing so will ensure that your wait time is minimized and you’ll be all set for US commercial flight come October 1, 2020.
Until next time…safe travels.
This time next year you will be getting REALly busy at the airport info desk!!!