Mar
27

By

The REAL ID Enforcement Deadline Has Been Extended to October 2021

Category: Other Stores Leave a Comment

The links in the post below may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

Does your driver’s license have a star yet? ?

Due to circumstances resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic and the national emergency declaration, you now have another year to get it done. The Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline from October 1, 2020 to October 1, 2021.

Beginning October 1, 2021, every air traveler (ages 18 and older) will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. Without an approved form of identification, you may not be allowed to pass through airport security or board your flight.

To some, this may be old news since Congress passed the REAL ID Act back in 2005 after the 9/11 Commission determined that it was too easy for people to obtain a driver’s license. So to close this security loophole, air travelers are now required to obtain REAL IDs.

In order to obtain your Real ID, you’ll need to present your birth certificate or green card, Social Security card, two documents that show your proof of address, and proof of name change (if applicable).

NOTE: Because states across the country are temporarily closed or restricting access to DMVs due to COVID-19, you’ll only be able to follow the steps below once they have opened back up to the public.

Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Check if your current ID is Real ID-compliant.

If your ID is compliant, it will have one of the following symbols, as shown above, in the upper right-hand corner of the card. If you aren’t 100% sure whether your license is REAL ID-compliant, the TSA urges you to check with your state driver’s license agency.

It’s estimated that 3 out of 4 Americans currently do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license. 

Note that some states vary:

  • Legacy Ohio driver’s licenses have a gold star marking on the card, however, REAL ID-compliant Ohio driver’s licenses have a black cut-out star. If you are not sure whether your card is compliant, contact the Ohio driver’s license issuing agency.

About enhanced driver’s licenses:

  • Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York states issue REAL ID and state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses (EDL’s), both of which are acceptable.
  • Washington state issues enhanced driver’s licenses only.
  • State-issued EDL’s are marked with a flag. These documents will be accepted at the airport security checkpoint when the REAL ID enforcement goes into effect.

2. If you don’t see the star, you’ll need a Real ID. 

You can visit your state driver’s license agency website to learn how to apply for your Real ID.

3. Allow yourself plenty of time.

There is no way to complete the process online so you will need to go in person to present documentation in order to get your REAL ID. DMV’s across the country are expected to see major spikes in wait times due to this new regulation and some locations in select states are even requiring appointments to help streamline this process.

NOTE: Because states across the country are temporarily closed or restricting access to DMVs due to COVID-19, you’ll only be able to follow the steps below once they have opened back up to the public.

4. Don’t assume that your driver’s license is REAL ID-compliant.

If you’re planning to fly on or after October 1st, don’t assume that your driver’s license is REAL ID-compliant, even if you’ve recently renewed it. This could cause major problems in your future travels – hindsight is 20/20 so make sure to get ahead of the game now.

5. Be prepared to pay fees. 

The fees will vary by state.

  1. In my state, if you’re renewing your driver’s license, a REAL ID costs the same as the license, $40. If it is not time to renew your license, the REAL ID costs the same as a duplicate license, $13.

Of course, everyone will be different, but just know that you aren’t losing years that you once paid for when you got your old license.

All fees are typically required to be paid by check or money order, but please check with your local DMV before making a trip to get your Real ID.

Leave a Reply