AST Digital Magazine FINAL (2.5.16) Feb 2016 | Page 15
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say they are and to check whether they are terrorists.”
In accordance with that recommendation, Congress enacted the REAL ID
Act. This law prohibits federal agencies from accepting for official
purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by states that
do not meet the law’s standards for secure issuance and production. The
law charges the Department of Homeland Security with establishing
minimum requirements for these standards. So, for a license or
identification card to be REAL ID compliant, the state issuing it must, for
example, incorporate anti-counterfeit technology into the card, verify the
applicant’s identity, and conduct background checks for employees
involved in issuing driver’s licenses.
The overall goal of the REAL ID Act passed by Congress is to prevent the
fraudulent issuance and use of driver’s licenses and identification cards,
thereby ensuring the safety and security of the American public. Given
today’s threat environment, this requirement is as relevant now as it was
when the 9/11 Commission recommended it.
Since its enactment, the Department of Homeland Security has
implemented the law in careful phases, including most recently at military
bases, most federal facilities, and nuclear power plants. Throughout this
period, we have worked closely with states to support them in coming into
compliance with the REAL ID Act standards. Now it is time to move toward
final implementation of the law.
At present, 23 states are fully compliant with the REAL ID Act, and the
Department has used its authority to grant states extensions when they
demonstrate steps toward compliance. Thus, 27 states and territories
have been granted extensions for a period of time to become compliant.
Six states and territories – Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico,
Washington, and American Samoa – are noncompliant and do not
currently have extensions.
We have now reached the final phase of implementation of the REAL ID
Act, which relates to commercial air travel. These are the timelines for
that final phase:
• Effective immediately, the Department of Homeland Security will
conduct outreach to educate the traveling public about the timeline
below, and continue engagements with states to encourage
compliance with REAL ID standards.
February 2016
• Starting July 15, 2016, TSA, in coordination with airlines and
airport stakeholders, will begin to issue web-based advisories and
notifications to the traveling public.
• Starting December 15, 2016, TSA will expand outreach at its
airport checkpoints through signage, handouts, and other
methods.
• Starting January 22, 2018, passengers with a driver’s license
issued by a state that is still not compliant with the REAL ID Act
(and has not been granted an extension) will need to show an
alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel
to board their flight. To check whether your state is compliant or
has an extension, click here. Passengers with driver’s licenses
issued by a state that is compliant with REAL ID (or a state that
has been issued an extension) will still be able to use their
driver’s licenses or identification cards.
• Starting October 1, 2020, every air traveler will need a REAL IDcompliant license, or another acceptable form of identification, for
domestic air travel.
• Important: Right now, no individual needs to adjust travel plans,
or rush out to get a new driver’s license or a passport for
domestic air travel. Until January 22, 2018, residents of all states
will still be able to use a state-issued driver’s license or
identification card for domestic air travel. Passengers can also
continue to use any of the various other forms of identification
accepted by TSA (such as a Passport or Passport Card