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The drama associated with the REAL ID Act (Wikipedia) continues and Gary Leff hits the nail on the head. It really is a joke and paramount to a bad game of chicken at this point. Rest assured, your current driver's license will work as a form of valid ID through TSA checkpoints domestically until October 2020. Yes, that is right before the next U.S. presidential election; hmm.
Regardless of the color of your state, you're fine.
What To Do If You're Still Concerned
The easy answer is to carry your passport or sign up for a trusted traveler program so you have a complaint form of ID. We'd definitely recommend leveraging a program like Global Entry, which will issue you a compliant ID, and comes as a benefit with many premium travel rewards cards.
Our Take
Grab some popcorn, or don't. At this point, there is nothing to see or do. We've previously written about the REAL ID Act, and are honestly disappointed that our government can't follow through on something that has been in the works for a decade.
Source: View from the Wing
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My state is one of the non-compliant states and keeps getting the extension. I do wish they would just take care of this one way or the other because I’m constantly reminded at the airport by signs and workers that I need to start carrying other ID like passport “starting next year.”
Wow, it is amazing that some states cannot do what most have done and that the federal government has backed down on a very imoortant(they said) security issue.
Already don’t have to worry since Texas is on top of this. Though since we are always trying to be a new country, I don’t know why. lol! I’m glad they are…but my old state of Oregon needs an extension?! Come on, Oregon! Usually we’re better than this. Oh well. We’ll see when this finally becomes an actual issue.
Maybe oneday Oklahoma will finally do something to get on board with this.
Thanks for the update.
Thanks for the update. I’m curious though. The TSA in my state now doesn’t even ask for boarding pass, just I’d. Anyone else have that happen?
I’ve never heard of that, ever.
Totally not surprised
If I recall correctly, you can fly without an ID if you legitimately forgot it. Until a few years ago, you could even just refuse to show it, but they closed that option.
Correct, you can indeed still fly domestically without ID. Expect extra scrutiny and potentially being denied, however.
Discovered firsthand that this was indeed the case this past fall when I lost my driver’s license while on vacation. Thankfully, didn’t have to test it as ID was actually turned into lost and found at event.
I think everyone should have a passport… you never know when you might get invited to a trip away! best to be prepared. I think its fine if flying to need a passport, why not have additional ID? its not that expensive really. I would never fly without one, just in case.
I tried using the Global Entry ID card as a form of ID in the bank but they refused as their system didn’t have an option to choose that.
I can’t say that surprises me — I bet a passport card might work though.
Looks like I can fly.
That is great news! It always scare me to carry passport for domestic flights because of the risk of losing it.
It was so nice going to an airport for a local flight in New Zealand and not even being asked for ID. Kind of like the good old days here.
this whole issue is beyond stupid
Thanks for the good news. Don’t have to worry about this one for a long while.
This is good to know but not vital. I don’t mind carrying my passport with me. I’m usually flying international anyway. It’s one last chance to check that I have it with me!
Exactly! It happens once with my dad!!
Those pre-ID days were fun – you could nest super cheap return tickets, then sell your unwanted flight coupons to others. Invariably you’d still earn the miles for somebody else’s butt in seat.
Shows how old I am! 🙂
Yaay Hawaii.
This too shall come to pass, eventually……
Talk about waiting until the last minute! Thanks for the update.
Agreed, this circus has gone on long enough. Thanks for the clarification.
I thought as of December 31 this wasn’t the case. I live in a state that’s in compliance so I’m not as worried, but I’d hate to carry extra things with me.
Thanks for the update. There is a lot of fear-based (and conflicting) info out there.
I’m glad that a state license is still valid for domestic travel. I don’t care for carrying around my passport for US travel.
Well said Howie, the whole Real ID requirement is exactly that: a joke. Between reviews & extensions, this will likely never really go anywhere.
I applied for and received Global Entry, ever since I have always received TSA pre check.
TSA Pre is a published benefit of Global Entry. So happy for that myself!
Currently, TSA allows some one to go to airside without an ID. They just need to do a bit more work to establish identity.
According to reports, Costco card, library card would all help in establishing ID.
Cannot this approach work after Oct 2020? None-REAL-ID driver license can still help establishing who I say I am?
Currently, yes. As for what’ll happen in the future, your guess is as good as ours. We’ll believe it, only when we see it.
I mean, that’s good, but jeez they really need to wrap this thing up.