Are you a frequent flyer or plan on flying at least once in the next few years? If so, you had better apply for a passport, because as of January 22nd, 2018, travelers from nine different states will no longer be able to travel with only their driver’s licenses.
Residents of Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Washington will need to use alternative ID forms such a passport, military ID card, or permanent resident card to get through airport security checkpoints, even if they are only flying domestically. TSA began putting up signs in December 2016 informing travelers of the impending change.
Under the REAL ID Act of 2005, TSA and other federal organizations are prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses and ID cards from states not meeting the Act’s standards. Travelers from these states may be granted extensions if their issuing states alter their ID processes prior to the implementation of this rule. As it stands, only 24 states currently comply with REAL ID, with the remaining states having been granted extensions through 2017.
Changing a state’s ID practices is often much easier said than done, however, as growing privacy concerns may cause such legislation to have trouble being passed. As such, it is recommended that travelers err on the side of caution and apply for a passport at their earliest convenience.
For more information on this change, click here.
Top-Rated Legal Advocacy in Miami
Having been practicing as a Miami criminal defense lawyer for more than 30 years, I, Attorney Jonathan Blecher, am constantly on the lookout for new changes to the law which may affect my clients and other members of the community. To find out more about this important topic or how my firm can help you with your criminal case, call 786-785-2035 or contact my office online today.