Did You Know You Won’t Be Able To Fly Without This Anymore?

Starting next year (2016), the TSA will require all airline passengers to present a REAL ID or a passport in order to board a flight. That’s right your drivers license will no longer cut it.

The Department of Homeland Security estimates that around 30% of Americans live in areas that are not compliant, meaning their driver's licenses will no longer be accepted during security checks at the airport and that includes Idaho.

This law was implemented in 2005, but many states such as Idaho decided to not comply, forcing feds to delay its implementation.

Adoption  is supposedly voluntary.  If you use a passport when you’re traveling you don’t have any problems. If you use your driver’s license as identification, you’ll need to either apply for the REAL ID card or get a passport.  Basically those who choose not to get a passport or REAL ID will effectively be barred from airline travel.

Some states, including  Idaho, have passed laws against participating in the REAL ID program, meaning state-issued ID cards from those states probably won’t be compliant in time for 2016 and that is forcing Idaho legislators to scramble to find a solution to this problem before next year.

The REAL ID’s implementation process is designed to come in four stages, two of which are already complete. The first two phases require the use of compliant cards to get into nuclear power plants and restricted federal facilities.  That is why you currently can’t visit the INEL anymore with just an Idaho Drivers license

The third phase of implementation, coming in October, mandates the presentation of REAL ID cards in order to enter semi-restricted federal facilities such as courthouses and military bases that require identification for admittance.

Then of course the last phase of implementation, set to begin in January of 2016, will take place during security checks at airports.

Looks like I better apply for a passport.