Industry Insights
REAL ID: What’s in Your Wallet?
October 01, 2019
Every day, 2.4 million passengers board U.S. airlines to visit family, see friends, conduct business or enjoy a vacation. Exactly one year from today, each and every one of those 2.4 million travelers will be required to comply with security changes at TSA checkpoints.
Effective on October 1, 2020, travelers must have a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or alternate approved identification to pass through TSA checkpoints at airports. Passengers who are not prepared will not be allowed to pass through the checkpoint – even for domestic flights. What does this mean for you? This time next year, your state-issued driver’s license in your wallet may not satisfy security standards!
These security changes are the result of the REAL ID Act of 2005, which established minimum standards and security enhancements for state-issued driver’s licenses. Although there have been many extensions over the years, TSA is prepared to fully enforce these measures on October 1, 2020.
TSA has rolled out signage and information in U.S. airports about the upcoming changes over the past several months. And, if you have recently flown from a U.S. airport, you’ve likely heard a TSA officer mention the upcoming changes. On future flights, you may see messages in some airline magazines and in-flight videos urging passengers to ensure their identification is compliant with the REAL ID requirements.
Even if you have seen the signage and read the articles, are you prepared? Take a moment to look at your state-issued driver’s license. Do you see a star in the upper-right portion? If so, you are all set to take flight on October 1, 2020. If you don’t see one, check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles for additional details about what your license should look like and how to obtain a REAL ID. You can also find more information on TSA’s REAL ID webpage.
Earlier today, Lauren Beyer, A4A Vice President for Security and Facilitation, joined TSA and other travel industry representatives to voice U.S airlines’ dedication to amplifying TSA’s message and ensuring travelers are prepared for October 1, 2020. We love connecting you with your friends, family and colleagues across the country and around the world. Don’t wait to get your friends and family REAL ID ready!