REAL ID and Air Travel

https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

Update from December 2017

Real ID Act - Extensions Granted for Certain States

Passed in 2005 by Congress, the Real ID Act is intended to make government-issued identifications more secure. Some states have not yet implemented the requirements of Real ID and have received extensions from the Department of Homeland Security. 

On January 22, 2018, because of the REAL ID act, those residing in Illinois, New York, Louisiana & Michigan won't be able to travel with only their state driver's licenses unless a Federal extension is granted. 

If you are unsure if your state's I.D. status, you can use a passport in lieu of a valid state ID. Avoid the stress, and apply for or renew your passport today.  Beginning October 1, 2020, every traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant license or state ID or another acceptable form of identification to fly within the U.S.

Enforcement Dates
Beginning January 22, 2018, driver’s licenses or state IDs issued by states that are not in compliance with the REAL ID Act and have not been granted an extension by DHS may not be used to fly within the U.S.

Beginning October 1, 2020, every traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant license or state ID or another acceptable form of identification to fly within the U.S.

U.S. issued Passports and Passport Cards comply with the Federal regulations. Please update and renew your passport.

REAL ID Fact Sheet download available below.