What Is Acceptable As Identification At Airport Besides The REAL ID?
After the government announced years ago that the Real ID Act would go into effect, it has finally happened. On May 7, the law went into effect. This act requires this form of identification to travel in and out of airports. A regular driver’s license will no longer work to fulfill the identification requirement.
A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets the minimum security standards set by the federal government in the REAL ID Act, which was enacted by Congress in 2005. This Act was created after the 9/11 attacks, which completely changed air travel.
Many have procrastinated and not made their way to the DMV to get their new ID. If you are one of those people, what other forms of identification can be used at airports?
If someone doesn’t have a REAL ID, they can use other forms of identification recognized by TSA. Below is a list of some of the current acceptable IDs.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID). There are five states right now that issue EDLs instead of the REAL ID. They are Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.
- A United States Passport and Passport Card are also both acceptable forms to identify yourself at an airport.
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
- U.S. Department of Defense IDs are also acceptable. This does include dependents.
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
TSA officials have also said this list can change at any given time, and everyone traveling without a REAL ID should check it before heading to the airport.
Anyone over the age of 18 must have identification that is compliant with federal regulations. Children under 18 do not have to meet his requirement. Right now, travelers can also use one of the above forms of ID that have expired within the past two years.
When applying for the new ID, it’s important to make sure you are getting the correct license. Some states give residents a choice between a regular driver’s licence and a REAL ID.
Without an acceptable form of identification, travelers must complete identity verification paperwork.
Do you have your new identification yet?
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