A Driver's License May Not Be Enough to Board Domestic Flights in Certain States Anymore
Those from "non-compliant" states won't be able to fly domestic with a license.
— -- Your driver's license may soon not fly as proper identification on a domestic flight.
The Real Id Act -- a plan set forth by the Department of Homeland Security in 2013 -- has one crucial element that could roll out as early as next year. People who live in the following states (New York, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire) and U.S. territory American Samoa may not be able to board a domestic flight with their driver’s license as early as 2016. That’s because standard licenses issued from these places are considered “non compliant” with the enforcement of Real ID.
A driver’s license or identification card from a non-compliant state, according to the Department of Homeland Security's website, "may only be used in conjunction with an acceptable second form of ID for boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft."
However, it's probable an extension will be granted to those from non-compliant states and territories. "DHS will ensure the public has ample advanced notice before identification requirements for boarding aircraft change," the site says. "That notice will include information on the process for individuals with a non-compliant driver’s license or identification card to be able to travel by aircraft."
A passport, passport card or permanent resident card would all be acceptable forms of identification if your state driver's license remains in non-compliance when this portion of the act takes effect.
