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Sunday, July 26, 2020

Is Your Driver's License Going to be Enough To Get Through Security Next Year? You Need to Check!

**2020 Update: The Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline for full REAL ID compliance by a year. Adults aged 18 and older now have until Oct. 1, 2021, to ensure their driver’s license is REAL ID-compliant, or acquire another accepted form of identification — like a passport — in order to fly within the United States.


Starting October 1, 2020, U.S. travelers who are age 18 and up and don’t have a Real ID driver’s license or another  piece of compliant identification won’t be permitted to fly.


If you’re unsure whether your identification card is Real ID-compliant, here’s how to know: It generally has a star in the top right corner.  If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.

Is Your Driver's License Going to be Enough To Get Through Security Next Year?  You Need to Check!
Courtesy of NCDOT.gov



Recently, the TSA issued a reminder that to travelers that they will need at Real ID, but American citizens will need the Real IDs for official functions like entering federal buildings and nuclear power plants also. A passport will still be required for travel abroad.

The agency initially imposed a deadline of October 2018 for enforcing the new ID rules, but since many states didn’t adhere to the rules, an extension was granted.

Don't go too early to get a new identification if you live in a state that isn't compliant. Here are the states and territories still non-compliant with Real ID requirements and when their extension ends, according to the Department of Homeland Security:




  • Alaska June 1, 2019
  • American Samoa October 10, 2019
  • California October 1, 2020
  • Kentucky August 1, 2019
  • Maine October 10, 2019
  • Missouri August 1, 2019
  • Montana June 1, 2019
  • New Jersey October 10, 2019
  • North Marianas Islands June 1, 2019
  • Oklahoma October 10, 2019
  • Oregon October 10, 2019
  • Pennsylvania August 1, 2019
  • Rhode Island May 1, 2019

What does Real ID compliant mean?


A compliant identification consists of either a photo ID or an ID with your complete name, birth date, signature, eye color, gender and anti-counterfeiting technology, among other things.

Inspired by recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, the REAL ID Act was signed into law by President Bush in 2005. The law prompted a mass crackdown on fake IDs and mandated that all states and territories enact stricter standards before issuing IDs.

New technology was rolled out that made it harder for criminals to trick the system and mimic ID cards. The new rules also meant that Americans needed more proof of identity — such as original birth certificates — when applying for the cards.  Before you go to the DMV make sure that you have proper documentation  to renew or obtain your new license.

Since then, most states have complied with the new ID rules, but several have dragged their feet for various reasons ranging from privacy concerns to budgeting issues.

Previously, LTD discussed how to travel if you lose your driver's license and it included what other acceptable forms of identification are at the airport.  That still is useful information because what are alternatives to the REAL ID if you don't meet the deadline?  According to the TSA here is the complete list for adults:


  • 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. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
  • Permanent resident card
  • Border crossing card
  • DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
  • 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



So, get to your local DMV to get a new id or go their website or call  if you are not sure whether your newly obtained ID is a REAL ID or not.  We are going today!

We love this Tumi RFID minimalist wallet for carrying your identification while traveling.  It allows you to have your id and whatever cards you need readily available without worrying about
RF theft of your information.  Click the photo below to learn more!  Engaging with our sponsors helps support our mission to give to charity!  Thank you so much!


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