REAL ID deadline two months away: What travelers need to know
Starting two months from today — May 7 — travelers will need a REAL ID, Enhanced Driver License (EDL) or a REAL ID compliant credential to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings, according to a press release by AAA Northeast.
While a traditional license will remain a valid form of identification for driving purposes, domestic air travelers should ensure they possess a REAL ID or REAL ID compliant credential before finalizing travel plans. Although a valid, unexpired U.S. passport will remain acceptable by the Transportation Security Administration for domestic air travel, AAA recommends frequent domestic travelers upgrade their traditional license to REAL ID.
“The key to making the REAL ID process as smooth as possible is preparation and arriving at appointments with all the right documents,” said Robert Sinclair of AAA Northeast. “Travelers should also know that they do not need a REAL ID simply to purchase airline tickets after the deadline, but will need a REAL ID to board any domestic flight after May 7.”
What are the common challenges to getting a REAL ID?
- REAL ID requires in-person physical and electronic verification of all documents.
- Only original, unlaminated, unaltered and accurate documents are accepted. You will not be successful if you deviate from the STATE’S REAL ID checklist.
- Documents cannot be issued from a church, hospital or nongovernment agency.
- All name changes must be proven with legal documents from birth to current name if a person has had name changes. Therefore, people who have had changes in their name should bring all documents showing the name trail from their lawful presence/birth document to their current name on their driver license/state ID. These documents must be issued by a city or state; church marriage certificates cannot be used.
- All Social Security documentation must show the person’s full name and full Social Security number. If you need a new Social Security card, visit SSA.gov to request a free replacement card.
What else is important to note?
- A REAL ID does not replace a passport for international travel. For international travel, AAA offers its members passport photo services.
- Travelers do not need a REAL ID to purchase airline tickets, even for trips after May 7. Travelers just need to have a REAL ID or REAL ID compliant credential to board a domestic flight after May 7.
- Be wary of fake DMV/MVC websites that emulate official state websites and may contain incorrect information. Always look for websites that end in .gov — phony websites often pay to show up at the top of search results.
AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing more than 6.5 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.
