Many citizens are wondering what REAL ID is. According to the United States Department of Homeland Security, it was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005. Therefore, this is not something new but it does have an approaching deadline to become effective.
Apparently, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government establish standards for the issuance of sources of identification. Take for example driver’s licenses.
What has the REAL ID Act set?
Basically, what this Act set is minimum security standards for state-issued identification cards as well as driver’s licenses. What is more, it does not allow certain United States Federal Agencies to accept for official purposes those identification and license cards that do not meet these minimum security standards.
Therefore, if you have an identification card or a driver’s license card from a state that does not follow these requirements, your card will not be accepted in certain Federal Agencies. But what are these official purposes REAL ID affects?
- Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
- Entering nuclear power plants
- Accessing certain federal facilities
When will REAL ID be enforced in the United States?
The United States Department of Homeland Security states that it will be enforced on May 7, 2025. Hence, if you do not have a card with the required minimum security standards you will not be able to board federally regulated commercial aircraft.
DHS highlights that this includes TSA (Transportation Security Administration) airport security checkpoints. Thus, it is of vital importance that you ensure that the card or license you have includes the REAL ID-compliant star marking.
Currently, the Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) issued by Vermont, New York, Minnesota, Michigan and Washington are regarded as acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards. So, they will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes.
Do not worry because all States are issuing these cards with the minimum security standards. It is also possible to get them in the District of Columbia and the 5 territories.
