You Need A Real-ID Or Passport For Domestic Flights Starting Oct. 1, 2020

[babylonsister]

https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2020/02/14/real-id-domestic-flights?fbclid=IwAR3Jb88ngvpbVt40EmXK3WO7zj9GC6GpTw2W8MTHe2XnbQQiCXJIegijY3U

You Need A Real-ID Or Passport For Domestic Flights Starting Oct.
February 14, 2020
Jeremy Hobson

A sign provides information about the requirements of Real ID. (Ted S. Warren/AP)


On Oct. 1, 2020, regular driver's licenses will no longer be accepted to get through airport security for domestic flights or to get access to federal buildings.

Travelers will have to get a Real ID-compliant driver's license or use a passport. Host Jeremy Hobson talks to Jim Gregory, from the Transportation Security Administration, about how — and why — to get a Real ID.

Is everyone over 18 required to get a Real ID?

No. But if you don’t have a passport and you want to fly domestically, you should get a Real ID. Or if you need to access federal buildings, like federal courthouses or nuclear power plants, you’ll also need a Real ID or passport.

Where do you get a Real ID?

Real IDs are issued by state departments of motor vehicles. In some states, AAA issues Real ID to AAA members. You should check your state’s DMV website for more information.

What documents do I need to bring to get a Real ID?

Check your state’s DMV website for a complete list of required documents, but minimum requirements include proof of citizenship or lawful status, two proofs of address, documentation showing your full name, date of birth and social security number.

When do I need to get a Real ID?

On Oct. 1, 2020, the TSA will no longer accept regular driver’s licenses for domestic flights, so if you don’t have or want to use a passport, you should get a Real ID before Oct. 1.

Do all states issue Real IDs?

Not yet. Oregon and Oklahoma don’t currently issue Real IDs, but are expected to by the summer. Check your state DMV website for more information.

What other documents will work to get through airport security for domestic flights, or to access federal buildings or nuclear power plants if I don’t get a Real ID?

A passport or passport card will work. Other options include aDepartment of Homeland Security issued card like Global Entry, a U.S. Department of Defense ID or a U.S. Merchant Mariner ID. You can find a full list of Real ID-compliant identification here.

Julia Corcoran produced and edited this interview for broadcast with Kathleen McKenna.

This segment aired on February 14, 2020.

[brokephibroke]

1. Should not be a big deal

As most people prolly already have them. They have been transitioning for years...

[babylonsister]

2. I had no idea until I read this. nt

[brokephibroke]

6. It's been posted at airport check points for years

Don’t forget your passport...

[babylonsister]

19. Haven't traveled much in a few

years, but my passport is still valid.

[FarPoint]

47. If your last name on your birth certificate is different now...

Like, if you are married...you need your marriage license! I'm sick of this..." Show me your papers"..crap!

I do not have my copy..so, I live in Ohio for..25 years now....I was married in Florida in 78...as a Hippie...and now they want my copy of my marriage certificate????...

[babylonsister]

55. I was married but

my ex gave me (a copy of?) the marriage certificate for SS purposes.

I do have a star on my license, renewed in FL 5 years ago, so maybe I'm ok. Agree about the papers; we really need another level of bureaucracy?

[AllaN01Bear]

4. not all.

[mr_lebowski]

8. In AZ you need an original/certified copy of your Birth Certificate and original SS card ...

No unofficial copies accepted.

And here's what I paid:
RealID from a third party MVD: $55 (it's $25 if you go to the regular MVD).
Certified Copy of Birth Cert: $32
Notary Fee for application for birth certificate: $10

So, $97 for me, the way I did it. And some driving around.

I had my SS card but I imagine if I didn't there'd be some kind of fee involved in getting one as well.

So if you don't have everything you need on hand, I would start getting it together now, and find out how much it'll cost if you're on a tight budget.

[thinkingagain]

27. In Washington it's

Certified copies of birth certificate, marriage certificate if you changed your maiden name to married name, proof of SS card # 2 proof of residency such as utility bills and drivers license can't be two of the same.
For me I was lucky I had everything except I only had the notarized wedding certificate so I called the county court house and for less then $5.00 I got certified copy the state was like $20.00.
For my husband it was more complicated because they said the name on the birth certificate has to match the drivers license.
Well for over 45 years since at least when he got his first license and according to him, his whole life.
He knew his middle name to be spelled one way, it was only one letter different so it could have been a typo, possibly Mom remembered wrong not sure.
Anyhow it wasn't until after his mom passed away that he found out about the ”typo” on his birth certificate.
So finally we found a way to get the B C corrected to the way he has been using it all his life, the way it already is on his drivers license, all of our accounts everything but the B C and apparently SS we never knew that because his card only had the middle initial. Once he picked up the corrected certified copy of the B C he went to the SS office got that corrected. They will send him a new card this time with the middle name spelled out not just the initial.
So when it's time for him to renew in a couple of months he should be good to go. All this under the remote possibility we might fly somewhere someday.

[mr_lebowski]

33. I didn't meant these two things are all you need, those are just a couple things

that not everyone may have on hand. Everyone has a couple bills with their address, so that's really not a big deal ... and you do also need those here in AZ.

And if you've changed names through marriage I'm sure that becomes a hassle here as well ... pretty sure the reqs are standardized between all states at this point.

[thinkingagain]

40. I understand Sorry I came off wrong. It's kinda crazy everything they need

All I thought of when I had to come up with all the stuff was gosh I feel sorry for someone who's been married multiple times because you had to prove each name change.
Plus when I went back the second time I had forgotten the utility bills because I took them out to file in my paid bills not knowing how long it would take to get the certified copy of the wedding certificate. The guy was not friendly like the lady was the first time I was like ” oh crsp I have to do this again and then I saw my voter reg card that I had originally slipped in the stack of ”proof” file. Do it all worked out.
But yes any one who has to buy all the proof it could end up costing a lot. Plus it takes time so I was like start now.

[Skittles]

30. very easy to get SS card

create an account with SS, they have a link you click, fill out some info - does not cost anything and they deliver quickly if you're who you say you are

[Alliepoo]

57. I had the card that my SS card detached from-

Had my name, SS#, perforations lol! They wouldn’t take it. Waited for 1 1/2 hours and they wouldn’t accept it. Can’t find my SS card anywhere but had that other half of it. She asked if I filed taxes and I told her yes of course-she said to come back with the required papers that I had and to bring my tax return from last year coz it had my SS# and that was acceptable. So- certified birth certificate, marriage license, proof of address, and SS# on tax return. Waited a long time the next day,too, but I got that sucker! Hope this license renews like the old ones did and we don’t have to cart all of that stuff to the bmv every time!

[nuxvomica]

11. A lot of people don't

As of October 2019, an estimated 99 million Americans do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or an acceptable alternative identification (e.g. passport), and a majority of Americans (57%) are unaware of the October 1, 2020 deadline for enforcement. This could mean tens of millions of passengers are turned away on October 1, 2020 for not having the necessary documents to fly.
https://www.ustravel.org/issues/real-id

[Ms. Toad]

20. It was a royal pain for me -

and it will be impossible for the same people who are being barred from voting because they cannot prove they were born in the US.

I'm surprised at how many progressives are unaware of how discriminatory voter ID laws and Real ID laws are (against older blacks - many of whose births took place outside of the hospital, some of whom were refused formal registration when the midwives went to register them - and some of whose secondary proof of US birth were destroyed in arson attacks on their churches in the civil rights era, women - who must be able to trace their last name throgh every name change to the present; native americans living on the reservation -who often do not have street address; people who are homeless and/or impoverished - and who don't have the money to acquire the underlying documentation needed to obtain the ID.)

[mr_lebowski]

36. Are there any states that currently require a RealID to vote?

I'm sure it'll be coming esp. in wingnut-controlled states, but AFAIK it's not required for this November anywhere for voting purposes. ID's in general are a different story.

And you're right about the rest ... frustrating ...

[Ms. Toad]

45. That is essentially what the law Republicans have been trying to pass require.

They don't specifically require the real ID, but they require proof of US birth/citizenship - which is the core of the knot that has to be untangled. (Once you have that, the rest of it flows relatively smoothly - at a cost).

Fortunately, most of these (e.g. the one in PA) have been struck down. I was making a general observation, since every time questions of ID come up - whether for purposes of voting or any other right/privilege tied to proving identity - it seems everyone has forgotten that not everyone can obtain a birth certificate - and the class of those who can't are weighted heaviiy toward women, minorities, and elderly.

[Blues Heron]

41. Yes, well said

Totally agree re. discrimination. The US needs to acknowledge all the issues/barriers you laid out and find remedies. Everybody may need to fly at some point, we can't have second class citizens in this country.

[rzemanfl]

24. I renewed my Florida driver's license twice while Real ID was in effect, but it still

doesn't have a star. I am pissed as hell. I'm 72 years old and have flown many times since 9/11. This stupid law really is hard for women.

[brokephibroke]

28. At least there is time.

Better to get now than at the last minute....

Passport is good too.

[rzemanfl]

31. My certified copy of my birth certificate is 61 years old and looks it.

I spent hours looking for our marriage certificate for my wife's use.

It has taken forever to implement this stupid law. The first time we renewed our licenses we had all the stuff but they said we didn't need it because of our ages. The second time we renewed on line and were not warned about the gold star.

[jberryhill]

56. Your old certified birth certificate might no longer be acceptable.

There are a lot of people who think the hospital birth certificate should work, but there have been a lot of changes in the ways that states verify records since the 1970’s. Part of that was due to publication of relative simple ways to steal identities. But the upshot is that if you don’t have one printed from the database onto security paper, then in some states they are not going to accept a sixty year old document with a raised seal on it as valid evidence of anything.

[rzemanfl]

59. Well, fuck. If mine ever had a raised seal, it doesn't anymore. n/t

[jberryhill]

61. Yeah, after 61 years things don't always stick up like they used to

[rzemanfl]

62. Places to put them are harder to find as well. n/t

[jberryhill]

63. And that started happening a while after getting that marriage certificate!

[rzemanfl]

60. Also, thank you. n/t

[AllaN01Bear]

3. so, if i want to see my ssi counsler i need a passport? i hope someone challenges this

[brokephibroke]

5. You may already have the right id

I know in CO they have been issuing real IDs for years.

[mr_lebowski]

12. If your license has a gold star on it you're good (yeah, kinda funny really) nt

[True Blue American]

9. I had to provide

6 items to get my new one last year.

Notarized Birth Certificate, no copy Marriage license,, 2 utility bills, SS card.You can not even get into a Government building without one.

Call your BMV, they will tell you.

[mr_lebowski]

14. Secured Federal Gov't building to be specific ...

I don't think Federal Court buildings count on that list, pretty sure it means 'secured' at a fairly high level.

I very much doubt your local Social Security offices would require it. Nor will the Post Office.

[Zeus69]

7. Just got mine this week

Took about 30 minutes at the DMV.
Needed my passport, license, social security card, two documents proving home address (I used a cable bill and a printout of recent bank statement).

[mr_lebowski]

10. Valid US passport and two documents should've been enough ... (nt)

[Zeus69]

15. Would've thought

But IL wanted a SS card as well

[mr_lebowski]

16. Really? WOW ... I guess probably all states do then ... that's silly ...

Given that a Passport gives you ALL the rights of a RealID, and more.

[brokephibroke]

17. I haven't had a ss card in decades

Prolly have to order on one line. But I have a real ID, passport and a global entry card.

[mr_lebowski]

22. Maybe req to show an SSN was added after you got yours ... they've been available in many states

for quite awhile, but the regs have been being tweaked since the bill first passed in I believe 2005.

One thing I've never heard mentioned is that this may very well prevent the majority of undocumented people from being able to fly out of any airport in the USA. I'm assuming a foreign passport still works, but I have to think a lot of undocumented folks in the USA have no passport.

[Ms. Toad]

23. Passport does not prove social security number.

The three items that proves social security number aren't acceptable for any of the other things ou need to prove

[brokephibroke]

25. I just ordered a new ss card on line

Should get in the mail in 10 days...

[Ms. Toad]

34. I still have the first one I got 50 years ago.

I've had one in between, with a different name, but since my original one includes the name I use now - that's the one I use.

Periodically I think I've lost it - but so far, it always turns up.

[brokephibroke]

37. I will lose anything

Not on my cell phone. I often lose a pen in 5 minutes lol.

[mr_lebowski]

26. You can do everything with the passport that you can with the RealID ... and more ...

And showing SS card is not needed when applying for passport (though giving them an SSN is required, and the feds likely check that pretty closely when processing the application).

Therefore, it's a silly regulation in this light.

If you have a Passport you've already been through a more rigorous check than what they do at the MVD.

[Ms. Toad]

32. I'll let you argue with the state of Ohio, then.

It is one of six things that must be proven:

Full legal name
Date of Birth
Proof of US Legal Presence
Social Security Number
Proof of Address
Legal Name Change (if applicable)

I have both a passport and a motor vehicle ID. The amount of documentation reqiured for the RealID in Ohio is significantly more than that required for the passport.

Whether you think it is a silly regulation or not, it is what is required.

[mr_lebowski]

39. I'm not saying you're wrong about what's required, I'm saying it's ridiculous ...

A passport gives you ALL the privileges of a RealID ... so if you have one, the MVD should give you RealID once you show a couple of bills that prove you live in that state.

To get a Passport, you undergo significant scrutiny by the Federal Government, part of which is telling them your SSN, and they WILL check. You will NOT get a Passport if they're not 100% happy that you're a citizen. It's pretty much the 'gold standard', that's why they let you use a Passport to fly into the US from another country but they WON'T let you ... with only a RealID (other than from Canada, Mexico and some Island states).

Ergo, it's SILLY *IMHO* that you must show an SS card AND a passport to get an ID that gives you LESS privileges than a passport alone ... already does.

Do we understand each other now, even if we don't agree?

[Blues Heron]

46. I had to show an actual ss card to get my passport last time

I had to go to the SS office to get it. Can't remember what the issue was, but I definitely had to go get the card in person.

[mr_lebowski]

48. You definitely don't have to anymore I just ordered mine a little bit ago ...

But in any case, if it were, that would only go to further my point.

A Passport is BETTER proof of your citizenship than a SS card + State Drivers License + Birth Cert.

I mean, when you apply for a passport, they TAKE your Birth Certificate and keep it until they're done deciding whether you get a Passport. They don't rely on a federal employee at the post office ... to determine if it's legit.

It is SERIOUS documentation that you are who you say you are, and that you are a US Citizen. It's the gold standard.

[Blues Heron]

50. Cool, mine was a while back maybe nine years

but we all know the real gold standard these days is... the utility bill! lol

[Ms. Toad]

49. If they did issue a real ID based on passport,

they would be violating the law. So it may be silly - but it is what the law requires (not just in Ohio).

One difference you are missing is that for the passport, you tell them your social security number. for the Real ID you have to prove it with documentation.

Here's the excerpt of the law:

The State shall require, at a minimum, presentation and verification of (1) A photo identity document (except that a non-photo identity document is acceptable if it includes both the applicant's full legal name and date of birth); (2) documentation showing the applicant's date of birth; (3) proof of the person's Social Security Number (SSN) or verification that the applicant is not eligible for a SSN; and (4) documentation showing the applicant's name and address of principal residence. Sec. 202(c).

[mr_lebowski]

52. When you apply for a passport, much more rigorous checks of your citizenship are applied ...

Versus those that are required when you order yourself a Social Security card.

Again, I'm not arguing with you about what the rules ARE, only that they are ridiculous as they stand.

Your passport PROVES both your citizenship and your identity ... better than ANY other thing you could provide. Period.

Again, a RealID grants you LESS privileges than a Passport, they are a wholly contained subset of what a Passport grants you.

If you can get on any plane you want, and enter any government building with a passport ... what is the LOGIC behind requiring a SS card to get a RealID ... when you already have a passport?

Methinks it's not really for 'security' ... but rather for suppressing votes.

[Ms. Toad]

54. I agree as to their motives n/t

[shanti]

13. Got mine last year

Made an appt at the DMV, easy peasy. I had all of the documents that are requested, so make sure you know what to bring beforehand.

[Backseat Driver]

18. It can be expensive and frustrating for those people who haven't

organized their "important papers" at least in my state. Need original or certified birth certificates - proof of ALL SS Name changes, so marriage/divorce certificates/decrees, each one that changed one's name for SS purposes. Frequent travels or those that fly internationally are good to go with their passports; those could be another expensive option as well. Can't decide if I want to get it "early" or wait until my license renewal date - not likely to fly but one never knows....hmmm...

[mr_lebowski]

21. I would also point out that if you don't want one cause you don't fly often, there's a loophole ...

You'll wanna show up real early to airport though.

When you get there, tell them you want to go through their ID verification process instead.

Matter of fact you don't even need ANY ID on you and you can still get on a flight if they can verify who you are through this process.

I probably wouldn't try this if you have a complicated history, like if you weren't actually born in the USA, or have never had a drivers license.

It's not a guarantee it will work is what I'm saying.

But there is such a process in place.

[forgotmylogin]

29. I had all the documentation to get a real id...

when I got my new license last month, but she said she couldn't use my actual original SS card...

...because I had it laminated. It wouldn't go through her scanner.

So I got a normal drivers license. Not that I fly much, but if they want an original SS card which is 48 years old, all browned and darkened from years of wallet wear, this didn't make much sense.

If I fly I'll just have to show this whole envelope of paperwork again...birth cert, DL, LAMINATED SS card...

[dhol82]

38. Easy to get a new card.

You just set up an account with SS and make a request.
Comes in about two weeks.

[forgotmylogin]

64. Thanks for the advice! (n/t)

[mr_lebowski]

43. Get a passport card, it's $30 plus whatever the acceptance facility charges

Which I think is around $35. And the $30 for feds has to be a money order/cashiers check.

U don't have to show an SS card, you just put your number on the application and they do the needed confirmations on their side.

Also, others upthread said it's really easy to get a new SS card, and free even.

[forgotmylogin]

65. Thanks for the advice! (n/t)

[MuseRider]

35. My husband and I went in together.

He got his right away, it has taken me 3 trips in and 2 months. I got my license today and I still need to go in so they can look at my information again. I have also had to pay twice. We had the exact same info plus I had my marriage license. They would not accept my birth certificate even though it was one my parents had from my birth, the lady could not feel the stamp. The second trip the woman did accept it, different woman. I still have to go back because they did not want to just give me the Real ID without being checked one more time.

My husband got his in one week. Mine just came, a little more than 2 months from the first trip and I still have to go back.

It is a stupid mess.

[Igel]

42. If you're over 18.

https://www.tsa.gov/real-id

If you're a minor, you get a pass if an adult with a RealID or passport is with you.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

44. I am genuinely outraged that we have to show a Social Security card

to get the Real ID. My original one says very clearly "For Social Security and Tax Purposes - Not For Identification". I might just photocopy it and black out the SS Number, or maybe just the last four digits when I need to renew my DL later on this year.

The requirements are onerous and stupid. I have plenty of documentation and have a valid passport, so I may just get an ordinary DL when I renew.

Here in New Mexico (and possibly a lot of other places) it's been a nightmare for some because they started using a nickname early on, and now their birth certificate doesn't match anything else. Or women who've been a bit casual about whether they're using their original surname or a husband's surname, and so now have different documentation in different names.

I am honestly surprised that anyone here hasn't already been well aware of the Real ID, because it's been going on for a decade or more. Certain states, such as NM, kept on getting exemptions for years, and about four years ago finally gave in and started doing the Real ID thing.

Plus, it's been brought up here more than once in the past.

[musette_sf]

58. California says a W-2 is okay for SS number

I'm undecided on whether to go through all the gyrations now. I have a valid passport through 2027 and my license expires next year. So I think I'll just wait and do it at renewal.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

66. My point is that a SSN was NEVER intended to be used for ID. Period.

Yes, my state also will take a W-2 for the SSN, but that doesn't alter the fact that they shouldn't be asking for the SSN in the first place.

It's all I can do not to put the last part of the sentence above in all caps, as I really want to be shouting here.

I got my first passport in 1970, and have regularly renewed it ever since. I'm pretty sure I've never had to give my SSN to the State Department.

I also object when a department store wants it to let me open a charge account. The only people who need that number are ones who have some kind of financial dealings with me, such as a bank or an employer. If you need to report to the IRS or to the Social Security people, that's one thing. Otherwise, it's none of your business what that number is.

In the past some states have tried to use the SSN as a driver's license number. Bad idea. Also as your school ID. Is there any wonder there's so much identity theft going on?

At least Medicare has had the good sense to take our SSN off our Medicare cards.

[musette_sf]

67. I think a valid passport should supersede all the other requirements

except for maybe a current bill to prove that you still live where you live. And I do agree with you about SSNs.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

68. Actually, the last time I looked at the Real ID requirements for my state, NM,

the SSN in some form was still there. You'd think a valid passport would supersede anything else, but apparently some people think that non-citizens can get U.S. passports.

[dalton99a]

51. Worst case: They have a process for people who don't have an ID, e.g. lost wallet

After failing to find my wallet, I told the agent I didn’t have an ID. She phoned a supervisor and told me to wait.

I waited for 20 minutes — and was, believe it or not, joined by two other passengers in the same predicament — before a supervisor made his way over to us. He asked me repeatedly for other forms of photo identification. Unfortunately, my work badge didn’t make the cut.

The supervisor took out a binder and told me I would have to complete some paperwork. But because my fortune was so great that day, the checkpoint had run out of copies of the form, and he disappeared again.

My agitation increased as I beat myself up for the dumb mistake. I reasoned I must have left my wallet in the pocket of the coat I had left behind, anticipating the Florida sun. I also surmised that I had made a terrible impression on my travel-savvy colleagues.

As I spiraled, the agent came back and led me to a deserted corner of the terminal.

“Give me your name and address, and then I will call an agency that knows everything about you,” he said.

I found out later that the TSA uses databases of publicly available information to verify your identity. I was instructed to put my phone away for this process.

For what seemed like forever, the agent relayed questions the agency asked over the phone. They asked me to spell my mom’s name and tell them her birthday. That was easy.

Next, they asked me to name a school, church or hospital near my apartment. I named a church nearby, but it didn’t show up in the database. I couldn’t name a school; I don’t have kids.

The agent treated me with increased skepticism, and I became distressed as I realized my flight was boarding.

Finally, I was able to successfully rattle off the last four digits of my phone number. (Too bad they couldn’t start with the easy questions.) The agent’s face and posture relaxed. “Follow me,” he said, leading me through the security line.

I cut the security line and received a very thorough pat-down. My hands were swabbed to check for dangerous substances and, after my bags were run through the X-ray machine, they were passed off to an agent for further inspection.

The agent then pulled one notable item out of my bag: my wallet, which I had all along.

https://thepointsguy.com/news/getting-through-airport-security-without-id/

[Siwsan]

53. I have to renew my license in June and already gathered the required paperwork

In Michigan they are requiring a SS card, your driver's license and proof of residency, as in bills/bank statements.