DHS issues REAL ID compliance reminder

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reminding U.S. citizens that, beginning Oct. 1, 2020, all air travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to fly within the United States.

Travelers must present a REAL ID driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license or other acceptable forms of identification, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID.

REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked by a star on the top of the card, officials said, noting Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York states issue both REAL ID and state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses while Washington state issues enhanced driver’s licenses only.

Travelers unable to verify their identity will not be permitted to enter the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint and will not be allowed to fly.

“This is an important step in enhancing commercial aviation security and we urge travelers to ensure they have compliant documents,” Kevin K. McAleenan,
acting DHS Secretary, said. “DHS is committed to working with states as they continue their efforts to issue REAL IDs to Americans.”

DHS said 47 of 50 states are currently REAL ID compliant, but acknowledged only 27 percent of Americans have been issued a REAL ID.

The REAL ID Act implements the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation federal government set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses, establishing minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet the standards for official purposes.