Real ID

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April 8, 2020

   Due to the Covid -19 pandemic, most Departments of Motor Vehicles are closed, hence the governing body, The Department of Homeland Security, has issued an extension to enforce REAL ID usage, by 12 months, to October 1, 2021.

What does this mean? The REAL ID act was passed in 2005, by Congress,  per recommendations post 9/11, in an attempt to unify state requirements for Drivers Licenses used for domestic flights, among other uses. Most states (all but 2 as of this writing) are compliant in terms of having the process and availability in place for their residents to apply for a REAL ID compliant drivers license.   These enhanced documents will continue to act as a permit to drive, as well as the only type of drivers license that can be used to board a domestic flight.

If a passenger does not, after October 1, 2021, have a REAL ID compiant drivers license, then they will need to show a VALID passport in order to fly domestically (or other FEDERALLY approved ID--for a list, please refer to the Department of Homeland security site: https://www.dhs.gov ) .  An expired passport is NEVER a valid form, even if accompanied by additional  non-compliant documents.

Remember, a valid passport is already required to fly internationally -including Canada, Mexico and all Caribbean countries that are not US territories. The US Territories in the Caribbean are the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. For other US Territories and their required documentation to travel, please refer to the Department of Homeland Security site : https://www.dhs.gov/

For information about your state's rules to apply for a REAL ID driver's license, refer to your state's Motor Vehicles authority.

For all information regarding REAL ID, refer to the Department of Homeland Security site: https://www.dhs.gov/