Heads up, seniors! There are new regulations coming for travel. PULL OUT YOUR WALLET and make certain you are ready.
No, the new regulations won’t make money fly out of your wallet, but your wallet does contain the key to travel beginning in 2020. Look at your drivers’ license. Does it have a yellow star on it? If you don’t have a yellow star on your license, you need to obtain it by 2020!
You MUST have a yellow star in the upper right hand corner of the card or you DON’T HAVE A “REAL ID.” YOU MUST SHOW A REAL ID TO TAKE ANY DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL FLIGHT AFTER OCTOBER 1, 2020.
THE LEGISLATION
Congress passed the REAL ID ACT in 2005 to set improved and higher security standards for travel following 9/11 in the U.S. The Act applies to all airports, federally regulated facilities and nuclear power plants.
STATE ACTIONS
Not all states were thrilled at the new legislation. Confusion caused delays in enforcement but the delays are now over. October 1, 2020 is the firm enforcement date for airline travel.
If you need to check to see if your state is in compliance with the “REAL ID” requirements, the Department of Homeland Security website has a map to find out.
NO YELLOW STAR YET?
If your current license is from a state that has received an extension from the government for implementation, your license is good until the date the extension expires. After that, if the state isn’t given another extension, TSA will require additional identification like a passport to board any domestic flight.
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HOT TIP
SOME STATES, INCLUDING: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington State ARE ISSUING “ENHANCED” REAL IDS. THESE WILL ADDITIONALLY ALLOW LAND AND SEA BORDER CROSSINGS TO CANADA, MEXICO AND THE CARIBBEAN. |
HOW DO I GET A REAL ID IN MY STATE?
To apply for a “Real ID” in your state, you must visit the DMV office and show federally required identification documents. These can include:
- A U.S. Passport
- A Passport Card
- An Original or certified copy of a birth certificate
- Proof of Social Security Card on a W-2 or Paystub.
TSA will not require minors under the age 18 to provide identification WHEN flying with a companion within the United States. That companion must show acceptable identification, however.
There are special circumstances that you may be concerned about. Please check the FAQ section at the Department of Homeland Security website.
COMING BACK TO THE U.S. FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY (INCLUDING CANADA AND MEXICO)
If you are a U.S. citizen traveling abroad, you need to acquaint yourself with the requirements to return to the United States. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website to find out what you will need to show officials in order to re-enter the U.S.
GET READY NOW FOR TRAVEL IN 2020 AND GET YOUR REAL ID!!