Better get those passports renewed or sign up for Global Entry! In surprising news, in 2018, 9 U.S. states that will require passports (or another acceptable form of ID) for their residents to board an airplane, even if they are flying domestic!
Say What?! These 9 States To Require A Passport For Domestic Travel
WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin posting signs at airports this week notifying travelers that beginning January 2018 it will start enforcing REAL ID requirements at airport security checkpoints, meaning that travelers seeking to use their state-issued driver’s license or identification card for boarding commercial aircraft may only use such documents if they are issued by a REAL ID compliant state or a non-compliant state with an extension.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes the minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards for certain official purposes, including boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft, from states that do not meet these minimum standards and have not received an extension for compliance from DHS.
Which States?
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Washington
This flyer titled “ID Requirements are changing”, from U.S. Dept Homeland Security, is pretty clear. “Starting January 22, 2018, you will need an alternate ID to fly if you have a driver’s license or ID issued by any of the following states” (listed above.)
Acceptable Forms Of ID according to TSA.gov:
- 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. military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DoD civilians)
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
- Airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
- 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
Bottom Line
Regardless of whether you think that this will “happen or not,” you should be aware of the potential for issues while traveling with a Driver’s License from one of these states (after January 22, 2018.) If nothing else, confusion tends to cause conflict and added unnecessary stress while traveling. Best to be prepared!
Did you know that you can receive one Global Entry (valued at $100) statement credit or one TSA Pre✓® (valued at $85) statement credit every 4 years for an application fee charged to an eligible Platinum Card® from American Express.
Related
A New Reason To Get TSA Pre-Check
How To Save $100 On CLEAR Membership
Major Deal For Travelers – CLEAR Experience
HT: U.S. Dept Homeland Security
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The Weekly Flyer writes about travel from a business traveler perspective. He travels the world every week accumulating points and miles along the way.
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This list of states is out of dates. Minnesota, and other states, I believe, have since changed their IDs and secured an extension from the federal government that will allow driver’s license to suffice.
“Things that won’t actually happen for $200, Alex “
O.k. I’m from MN.
This isn’t such a big damn deal. Homeland Security says they won’t accept our old licenses.
You don’t have to show your passport. Just go to the DMV and get the stupid new license. We’ve known about this for years. But sure as it’s cold in the winter, somebody has to make a fuss about it. And somebody will be screaming at the airport.
The reason that Oregon is not on your list today is because our DMV just received their final extension from DHS. I think this covers OR through January. The word is that our DMV is working on an enhanced DL for an upgraded price. So stay tuned. . .
Won’t happen.
Same with Pennsylvania, we finally approved Real ID a few months ago and we’ll be eligible for extensions.
“PennDOT estimates REAL ID-compliant driver licenses and identification cards will be available at the customer’s option in 2019. This will allow ample time for customers who want a REAL ID product to obtain one before the final DHS effective date of October 1, 2020.”
Just in the state of S.C. and Florida, in which I will be flying to and from in Feb.,2019..Will my passport be sufficient to show at the checkpoint at the airport or do I have to get a Real ID. ?
Do I need to apply for a Real ID in the State of SC or should my passport be sufficient to fly domestic in Feb. 2019?