Real ID Act: Here's What You Need To Know To Fly Domestically

Connecticut is ahead of many other states when it comes to implementing federal requirements for REAL IDs. This is good news for those traveling domestically as the Department of Homeland Security instituted new requirements for states that aren't compliant with the REAL ID act.

As of Tuesday those flying domestically with a driver's license or other state identification from a state that isn't in compliance with the act or wasn't granted an extension will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification.

Starting on Oct. 1, 2020 every air traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant license or other form of acceptable identification for domestic flights.

The Transportation Security Administration provides a list of alternative documents that may be used for those from states that aren't in compliance with the act.

Connecticut residents have had the option of getting a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card for years. Residents must provide additional documentation when renewing a license in order to get the REAL ID gold star.

The Connecticut DMV provides a full list of supporting documentation that can be used to obtain the federally-approved ID. Two forms of identity confirmation such as a U.S. Passport and a U.S. birth certificate are needed. Additionally a person must prove their Social Security number with a Social Security card or other official documentation.

Residents must also prove their residency and name change documents if applicable.

The REAL ID confirmation was one of the reasons AAA Northeast decided to stop providing license renewal services. Processing them takes longer due to the need to scan in additional documentation.

Visitors seeking access to military bases and almost all federal facilities must also present state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards that are REAL ID compliant or have been granted an extension.
According to DHS, the following states are already REAL ID compliant:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• DC
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• Ohio
• S. Dakota
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Vermont
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

The DHS has granted the following states an extension until Oct. 2018 to meet federal standards and make their state-issued IDs compliant:

• American Samoa
• California
• Guam
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• N. Marianas
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• N. Carolina
• N. Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• S. Carolina
• Texas
• Virgin Islands
• Virginia
• Washington
• New York
• Michigan
• Louisiana

The REAL ID Act adopted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the federal government "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses."

Image of REAL ID-compliant CT driver's license via CT DMV