Flight ID Requirement Changes

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In 2005 Congress passed the Real ID Act that imposed strict guidelines for states driver’s licenses or IDs that were to be used for boarding flights.  The act gave states until January 22, 2018, to bring their state driver’s licenses and IDs into compliance with the new standards.  If your driver’s license was not in compliance with the new standards, you would need to provide an alternative form of ID when trying to board an airplane; in most cases a passport.  Homeland Security was confident that the states would have plenty of time to bring their IDs into compliance with the act.

 

January 22, 2018, is just around the corner.  Do you know if your driver’s license is in compliance?  Don’t know?  This blog is here to answer that question for you.  If you live in the state of Idaho, then your driver’s license is more than likely not in compliance.  Unless you have had the license renewed recently, it more than likely does not meet the new standards.  So what does this mean to you?  Not much, actually.  Idaho is one of many states that have applied for and received an extension.

 

Only a handful of states have actually brought their driver’s licenses into compliance with the new regulations.  Idaho, along with many other states is still working on the process.  The good news is Idaho was proactive and received an extension on their deadline to bring their IDs into compliance.  There are a surprising number of states that have not brought their IDs into compliance nor have they applied for or received an extension.

 

So, the next time you go to renew your driver’s license, expect some changes.  Though Idaho has been granted an extension, it won’t last forever.  Have more questions about what documents you need to travel?  Ask your travel agent or better yet, contact us!  We can help!

Update July 5, 2019:  The extension for Idaho to become compliant is this October 2019. When renewing your driver's license, be sure to get your "Star" card so that you don't have to take your passport along with you when traveling by air in the United States.  Having the star added to your driver's license will allow you to use your driver's license as a valid photo ID when traveling by air.