The Real ID Act is a United States federal law that was passed in 2005. The law sets forth requirements for state driver's licenses and identification cards in order to be accepted for certain federal purposes, such as boarding commercial aircraft and entering federal buildings. The law also prohibits federal agencies from accepting for these purposes driver's licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet the Act's requirements.
The Real ID Act was passed in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, in which it was revealed that the hijackers had used fake driver's licenses to board the planes they subsequently crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The Real ID Act seeks to prevent such incidents from happening again by establishing a more standardized and secure process for issuing driver's licenses and identification cards.
Under the Real ID Act, states must take a number of steps to improve the security of their driver's licenses and identification cards, including verifying the identity of applicants, maintaining accurate records, and protecting the cards from tampering, counterfeiting, and other forms of fraud. In addition, states must share information with other states to ensure that people cannot obtain multiple driver's licenses or identification cards.
The Real ID Act has been controversial, with some people arguing that it is an unnecessary intrusion into states' rights, and that it will impose an undue burden on states and individuals. Others argue that the Act is a necessary step to improve security and prevent terrorism.
Do I need a REAL ID to fly California?
Yes, you will need a REAL ID to fly within the United States as of October 1, 2020.
A REAL ID is a form of identification that meets increased security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. It is designed to make it more difficult for terrorists, criminals, and illegal aliens to obtain fraudulent identification.
California began issuing REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards on January 22, 2018. If you have a California REAL ID-compliant license or ID card, it will have a star in the upper right-hand corner.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card, you will need to show an alternative form of acceptable ID, such as a passport, when flying within the United States.
What is a US REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a form of identification that is compliant with the REAL ID Act of 2005. This act established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver's licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act's standards.
A REAL ID-compliant card is marked with a star in the upper right-hand corner of the card. The following states and territories are compliant:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virgin Islands
- Virginia How long does it take to get a REAL ID in PA? It can take up to six weeks to get a REAL ID in Pennsylvania. However, if you are renewing your license or ID, you may be able to get a REAL ID-compliant license or ID on the same day.
Can I fly with my driver's license 2022?
There is no definitive answer to this question since it can vary depending on the airline and airport security policies. However, in general, most airlines and airports will accept a valid driver's license as a form of identification for flying. So, if your driver's license is valid for the year 2022, it is likely that you will be able to use it as a form of ID for flying.