REAL ID Is Back On Track – Are You Ready?

REAL ID Is Back On Track – Are You Ready? Let’s rewind to just about a year or go – give or take. I am talking before those nasty C words – Coronavirus and COVID-19 – completely took over travel industry news. There was another topic that was trending in travel – anyone, anyone? That would be the dreaded REAL ID. Which, once the pandemic took hold was pushed to the back burner – as it should have been. However – with numbers of new cases declining three vaccines approved and more and more peopled getting vaccinated every day – I think now is as good a time as any to remind you that this is still a “thing.”

What Is A REAL ID?

If perhaps you are not familiar with the whole concept of REAL ID, the short story is that it was an act passed by congress back in 2005 that came from the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses” – which basically established a set of minimum-security standards that needed to be met in order to get your driver’s license or state ID. And the end result of that is that by making the guidelines more consistent country wide, it ensures more security.

What Is The Deadline And What Does The Deadline Mean?

The original deadline of October 2020 was of course pushed back once the pandemic took hold and now the new deadline is October 1, 2021. Which means – if you are a US citizen that is planning on flying domestically anytime from October 1st on – you must have a REAL ID to board your domestic flight. Now I know for a fact that many of you have plans or are making plans to travel from October onward which is why I have brought up the topic this week. No need to worry – you have about six months to obtain it which is more than enough time. And you have your Travel Gurus here at Book Here, Give Here to answer any questions you may have.

How Do I Obtain My REAL ID?

The good news – depending on how you feel about visiting your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles – or DMV – is that you can get one there. And of course – this includes state ID cards if you are not a licensed driver. The basics for obtaining one include documentation showing your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of the address of the residence where you live and lawful status. Since each individual state may have other requirements be certain to visit your states DMV’s website for EXACTLY what will be needed before you head there to wait in the dreaded line that has been the butt of jokes for decades.

So – as I said earlier – no need to stress – your regular non-expired state drivers license, or state ID is still good through the end of September to get you on that domestic flight to your next adventure. (And as always, your passport, passport card or global entry card are valid alternatives should you have any one of those – even after the REAL ID goes into effect.) It’s just now that I have gently reminded you – you can get the ball rolling and hopefully beat the crowds! Because let’s face it – you have waited long enough to start traveling again – don’t let any obstacle stand in the way of your next trip – especially if its preventable! And of course, don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions!

Namaste!

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