Breaking News: DHS Delays REAL ID Implementation Until 2018

We wanted you to know as soon as we heard – the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today decided to delay full implementation of the REAL ID Act requirements until January 22, 2018. This is likely a reaction to the wide-spread panic and misinformation that has been distributed lately. As we wrote about yesterday, the facts about REAL ID and the implication on travelers has been often misreported causing widespread concern by infrequent travelers.

The Act sets standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards acceptable by federal agencies for official purposes, including boarding a commercial flight. The DHS action comes after several alarmist news reports this week gave the impression that some state’s driver’s licenses would soon be rejected as an appropriate form of identification for domestic air travel. You can assure your customers that this is not the case.

According to the DHS: “Effective January 22, 2018, air travelers with a driver’s license or identification card issued by a state that does not meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act (unless that state has been granted an extension to comply with the Act) must present an alternative form of identification acceptable to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in order to board a commercial domestic flight.”

Important:  Right now, no individual needs to adjust travel plans, or rush out to get a new driver’s license or a passport for domestic air travel.  Until January 22, 2018, residents of all states will still be able to use a state-issued driver’s license or identification card for domestic air travel. Passengers can also continue to use any of the various other forms of identification accepted by TSA (such as a Passport or Passport Card, Global Entry card, U.S. military ID, airline or airport-issued ID, federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID).

The full text of the DHS announcement can be found here.

Notwithstanding the REAL ID Implementation:

• We strongly recommend to our clients that they apply for passports since they’ll not only be able to use them for international travel (including to Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico), but they’ll be accepted universally as a form of identification.
• We also encourage our clients to sign up for the DHS’ Global Entry program, which enables travelers to pass through U.S. Customs/Immigration much more quickly and also allows them to use TSA’s Precheck airport security lines.

(Updated 1/19/2016)