A Real ID Won’t Be Required in These 5 States — What Travelers Will Need Instead

A Real ID Won’t Be Required in These 5 States

The Real ID Act of 2005 set standards for state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards. U.S. adults have until Wednesday, May 7, to comply with the REAL ID requirements for national travel. However, five states – Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington – are exempt from this rule.

The Department of Homeland Security mandates the use of REAL ID or other accepted forms of identification when accessing federal facilities, boarding commercial aircraft, and entering nuclear power plants. Originally set for implementation in 2020, the REAL ID deadline was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Residents of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington have options like standard licenses/IDs or Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) and Enhanced IDs (EIDs) when applying for identification. These EDLs and EIDs can also serve as proof of identification and citizenship for travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by air or sea.

To obtain a REAL ID, applicants must provide documentation for their full name, date of birth, social security number, and proof of address. The REAL ID cards are easily identifiable by a star on the top corner, which may vary in colour and design depending on the state. In contrast, EDLs and EIDs feature the U.S. flag and the word “enhanced.”

Besides REAL ID, travellers can use alternative IDs like U.S. passports, permanent resident cards, Enhanced Tribal Cards, foreign-government-issued passports, and other TSA-approved identification methods. Children under 18 do not need to meet REAL ID requirements for travel, providing convenience for families on the move.

As the REAL ID deadline looms, the extension of 19 months underscores the importance of compliance with national security standards. The implementation of the REAL ID Act aims to enhance security measures for all travellers while streamlining identification procedures across states.

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Through the REAL ID requirements, travellers can navigate national security protocols efficiently and securely. Whether opting for REAL ID, EDL, or other acceptable forms of identification, ensuring compliance with federal regulations is key to seamless travel experiences. The exemption of five states provides added flexibility for residents seeking alternative identification methods while travelling domestically and abroad.