The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established new standards for driver’s licenses and identification cards in an effort to improve security following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The act requires that licenses and IDs issued by states must meet certain requirements in order to be accepted by the federal government for “official purposes,” which includes air travel.
The deadline for compliance was originally set for May 11, 2008, but was later extended to January 22, 2010. As of October 2020, only 24 states and territories are in full compliance with the Real ID Act. The remaining 26 states and territories have been granted extensions by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which currently expire on October 1, 2021.
The following states and territories have been granted extensions by DHS and their licenses and IDs will continue to be accepted for air travel until October 1, 2021:
Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Guam, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The following states and territories are not in compliance with the Real ID Act and their licenses and IDs will not be accepted for air travel after October 1, 2021:
California, Connecticut, Delaware, Washington D.C., Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Washington.
If you live in one of the states or territories that is not in compliance with the Real ID Act, you will need to use an alternative form of identification for air travel after October 1, 2021. Acceptable forms of identification include a passport, passport card, military ID, or DHS-approved enhanced driver’s license.
Other related questions:
Q: What ID do I need to fly in the US 2022?
A: Beginning January 22,2022, all passengers flying within the United States will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, or another acceptable form of identification, at airport security checkpoints.
Q: What do you need to fly on a plane in 2022?
A: Starting in 2022, all passengers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
Q: Can you still fly in the US with a driver’s license?
A: Yes, you can fly in the United States with a driver’s license.
Q: Can you still fly with a Minnesota driver’s license?
A: Yes, you can fly with a Minnesota driver’s license.
Bibliography
- Driver’s license, state IDs work for domestic flights until 2023
- The Real ID Deadline Is in May 2023—Here’s How to Get …
- New York residents will soon need a REAL ID to board … – TSA
- REAL ID Act: Requirements, State Deadlines & Updates [2022]
- The States Where a Driver’s License Won’t Work for Air Travel …