We are interrupting our travel series for our regular travel updates and to bring you the very best information we can as you make your travel plans. The first item is an important change in both domestic and international flights. Information below is taken, with permission, from websites and the authors are credited, where applicable.

Real ID

Flying with a REAL ID

Save the date

Beginning October 1, 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

Check for the star

REAL ID-compliant cards are generally marked with a star located in the upper portion of the card. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.

It’s the law

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act and implementing regulations establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibit federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as getting through the airport security checkpoint to board.

Check back next week for part 2 where we cover frequently asked questions on this important topic.