Real ID Compliance- Are you ready?
If you’re like me and you are ready to see new places, do new things, and meet new people, getting out there is 3/4 of the battle. 1/4 is preparation. I recommend that everyone looking to travel, ensure that they have the proper identification needed to travel. Even if you only plan on traveling within the United States, without stepping foot outside the country. If you are from the U.S., there are two forms of identification are may be needed:
The Real ID for all U.S. citizens looking to travel domestically; and
A passport for anyone that travels internationally by land, sea or air.
Real ID– A standard passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and ID cards that do not meet this standard. The deadline for states to comply is January 22, 2018. After this date, those with a driver’s license or ID that is not Real ID compliant will have to provide additional acceptable forms of alternative ID, which include:
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
U.S. military ID
For other forms of acceptable IDs visit the TSA website.
Important Tips:
When do you need it? – By October 1, 2020
Where do you get it? – From your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (when they are compliant with the Act)
How to get it? – Renew your driver’s license or identification card and present documents that further prove
your identity (e.g. birth certificate or SS card)
Though there is currently no rush to switch to the Real ID compliant driver’s license or ID, I highly encourage you to take the necessary actions to obtain one.
Passports and Passport Cards– If planning to venture out the U.S. to travel, you will need a passport.
How to get one?
- Fill out an application (Can be filled out online or in paper format) Do not sign until advised to do so.
- Gather necessary documents:
Proof of Citizenship: Certified U.S. Birth Certificate (most common)
Photo Identification: Must present photo identification and a photo copy
Valid Driver’s License
Valid state non-driver ID
Valid Military ID - Provide Passport Photo
Head over to your local Walgreen, CVS, or UPS store
Printed on matte or glossy paper
2×2 inches in size
Taken in the last 6 months
Starting November 1, 2016, glasses are not to be worn in the photo
What are the costs? (There is a $25 execution fee for each)
$110 for a passport book
$30 for a passport card
$140 for both a book and card
*A fee applies if you want to expedite the process and receive it by overnight delivery.
When should I expect my passport?
The processing times vary and depend on whether you want to expedited or not. Processing times are:
Normal Processing: 4-6 weeks
Expedited Processing: 2-3 weeks
Expedited at Agency: Times vary. Contact processing agency for more information.
Where to submit my application?
If you are needing your passport within two weeks, you have to apply in person at any Department of State
Passport Agency.
For those who can wait a little longer, you can apply in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility (post office,
clerk of court, public library, etc.)
For more information of applying or renewing a passport, visit the TSA website.