Are You Prepared for Domestic Travel in 2021?
UPDATED: Due to the pandemic of COVID-19, they have pushed out the date to October 2021
There was a recent study done by the U.S. Travel Association last month that determined that an estimated 99 million Americans are NOT PREPARED for the upcoming enforcement of the READ ID act on Oct 1, 2021. This act requires all travelers to have a REAL ID compliant identification. We touched on this topic last year with our post “Your REAL ID Questions Answered” so this is our follow up to that post.
Beginning October 1, 2021, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
TSA’s official statement from their website
What Does This Mean For Me?
In Washington state, it means you will need either an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EIC). There are other acceptable IDs like a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), U.S. Military ID, U.S. Passport Book/Card, etc. For a full list, visit the TSA’s website.
As your Travel Advisor, we recommend that you upgrade your driver’s licence/ID to the EDL/EIC unless you already have one of the acceptable forms of identification. The Enhanced card is an easy and convenient READ ID compliant identification to carry around with you. Or, you can just get in the habit of bringing your passport book with you anytime you head to the airport but that might be more inconvenient than just upgrading your WA Driver’s License/ID to an Enhanced one.
Some people think a passport card is the way to go, but it is NOT what we recommend. Check out this passport book vs card chart from the U.S. Department of State’s website. The card is very limited and is not valid for international air travel. The cost of a passport card is $65 and to the cost to get a WA Enhanced card/license is only $24 more than a regular one. If you just renewed your WA ID card/license, you can upgrade it to an EDL/EIC for only $4 per year left on your card. It is a much more reasonable option than getting some of the other REAL ID compliant options.
So, the bottom line. If you want to travel domestically after Oct 1, 2021, then you need to upgrade your WA State ID to an Enhanced ID.
Just think about this… If you want to visit your mom in California on Oct 1, 2021, then your regular driver’s license will no longer be a valid form of identification at the airport and you will be turned away. You will lose all money paid for your airline ticket! There is no insurance that will cover this as it is the traveler’s responsibility to have valid identification.
Is My Identification REAL ID Compliant?
This is one of the most confusing aspects of this act. In general, most IDs have some sort of star at the top corner of the ID (see above image). However, for a Washington state ID or driver’s licence, they will have a U.S. flag somewhere near your photo (see below image).
What Do I Need?
We can only give you some rough guidance but you should familiarize yourself with the Washington State Department of Licencing website for all the details.
First of all, give yourself plenty of time to gather all the required documents needed to apply for an EID/EDL. There are several documents you will need to bring with you and many require originals and not copies. You will need to determine proof of citizenship, identity, and residence. Some of these categories need 2 documents of proof so read carefully what is required! You will also need proof of your social security number and of course, the money to pay for the fee.
Give yourself at least 1 hour at the DMV to apply for the Enhanced ID and in 2-3 weeks you will have your new REAL ID compliant identification!
