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TRAVEL NEWS
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Real ID applications may be getting faster in effort to meet October deadline

Curtis Tate
USA TODAY

Federal officials will let states allow Real ID applicants submit the required documents electronically in an effort to help states meet an Oct. 1 deadline for enhanced driver's licenses.

Anyone who plans on flying domestically from then on must have a form of identification that's compliant with a 2005 law aimed at improving transportation security.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, nearly 100 million Americans now have driver's licenses that meet the new standards. However, Chad Wolf, the acting DHS secretary, said two-thirds of Americans still lack a compliant license.

"Ensuring every state is REAL ID compliant by October is one of the department’s top priorities," Wolf said in a statement. "While progress has been made, the real work is still ahead." 

The U.S. Travel Association testified to a Senate subcommittee in October that 78,500 travelers could be turned away from airport security checkpoints when the requirement takes effect, potentially costing the U.S. economy more than $40 million in travel-related spending.

The group's executive vice president of public affairs and policy, Tori Barnes, called the move by DHS a step forward. Still, she said the department still needed to make "significant policy changes."

"The challenge remains that tens of millions of Americans do not yet possess REAL ID-compliant identification, and we won't solve this issue by pushing people to the DMV," Barnes said in a statement.

The department had solicited ideas from the public, the states and the private sector on how to speed up the process. DHS adopted the idea of electronic submission of documents, and it may consider others. 

"Rest assured, our department will continue to examine other viable options to improve upon this process and continues doing everything it can to inform Americans on the requirement to obtain a REAL ID before the full enforcement deadline later this year,” Wolf said.

Previously, Real ID applicants were required to gather their documentation before going to their state motor-vehicle department. Should states choose to allow electronic submission of those documents, it would save time for applicants.

Applicants will still need to bring the required documents in person so they can be compared to the electronic submissions. 

Applicants will need to check with their state motor-vehicle departments to find out what forms of documentation are acceptable. For example, here's what California requires:

A proof of identification that includes their date of birth and full name. Acceptable documents include: 

  • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
  • Original or certified U.S. birth certificate 
  • Valid, unexpired permanent resident card

A Social Security card, a W-2 form or a pay stub that includes their Social Security number.

Proof of address. Acceptable documents include:

  • Utility bill
  • Mortgage bill
  • Deed or title to residential property
  • Insurance documents
  • Rental or lease agreement

Are there travel ID alternatives?

Real ID-compliant forms of identification don't just include driver's licenses. A passport or a passport card meets the requirement, as do Global Entry cards for U.S. travelers returning from overseas.

Compliant driver's licenses usually have a star at the top. Michigan, New York, Vermont, Minnesota and Washington state issue enhanced licenses, marked by a flag, that meet the Real ID requirements.

Enrollment in the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program does not make travelers compliant with Real ID requirements.

What's the difference? TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. Clear

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