Are You Ready for REAL ID

Denise Lang
Oct 22, 2019
2 min read

On October 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will implement the final phase of REAL ID enforcement, requiring Americans to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of authenticated ID to go through airport security checkpoints.

REAL ID refers to a set of security standards established by Congress in 2005 for card issuance, card design and application processing that individual states must follow when issuing driver's licenses and other forms of identification; most REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses feature star in the upper-right corner. However, some states (MI, MN, NY, VT, and WA) are issuing enhanced driver's licenses either instead of or in addition to REAL IDs, which are generally designated by a U.S. flag. Wisconsin offers driver's licenses that are both REAL ID-compliant and non-compliant. It's up to the motorist to get a Read ID if they want to use their driver's license to pass through airport security as well as visit federal buildings and military installations.

However, an estimated 99 million Americans do not have any form of identification that will be accepted after Oct. 1st, 2020. Furthermore, the majority of Americans are unaware of the Oct. 1st, 2020 deadline for enforcement. Air travel risks being seriously disrupted if millions of passengers are turned away on Oct. 1st, 2020 for not having the necessary documents to fly. DMV Administrator Kristina Boardman said only 36% of Wisconsin drivers have REAL IDs. Wisconsin has offered REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards since January 2013. Wisconsin driver's licenses are good for eight years. Currently, 60% of people renewing or getting their first driver's license in Wisconsin are opting to get REAL IDs, said Boardman. (JSonline)

Reach for the Magic Destinations is working with the larger travel industry and our government partners to educate travelers on REAL ID enforcement. Policy changes that allow alternatives forms of authentication in place of a REAL ID at airport security checkpoints, including bio-metric screening and existing enrollment in Trusted Traveler Programs, can help mitigate the effects of REAL ID enforcement, while also ensuring a secure and efficient screening process.

It is our desire that all air travelers flying within the U.S. secure a REAL ID compliant form of identification well ahead of next year's deadline in order to keep the air travel process moving without disruption.