Travel Tips from The Women’s Travel Group. Years ago, my Mother and I flew to Albany. From Florida to Albany, there was no checkin issue. From Albany to Florida, she was asked for her driver’s license. My mother was the generation who never drove a car. She informed checkin staff that she had a police card identification. The police id card was something older non driving Floridians secured. Checkin refused her. She was crying. We were shocked.
I related the following to the supervisor: You allowed my elderly mother to fly Miami to Albany. Now you will not let her fly home. She does not have a driver’s license, only a Miami Beach Police id. Your airline broke its regulations and possibly an FAA law when she flew to Albany. I regret to say that if you do not permit my 90 year old mother to board, I will report the airline to the FAA. They allowed her to board.
Beginning May 7 2025, you need a new type of driver’s license as identification to fly domestically. The new license called the Real ID. Currently each state has its own security standards. Beginning May 7 2025, there will a federal uniform standard for security purposes in all states and US Territories. There will be a version for flyers without driver’s licenses.
A check list to get a Real ID is here: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
Visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website for documentation required. At a minimum, you must provide documentation showing: 1) Full Legal Name; 2) Date of Birth; 3) Social Security Number; 4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and 5) Lawful Status. Some states have additional document needs. For the social security number you can show a pay check, W-2, a 1099 form.
The real id has a gold or black star or a bear with a star (California) in the upper right corner. Or an American Flag.
Without the new license, you can use a passport, or one of the items listed here https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
The other new license is the Enhanced Driver’s License with a flag in the upper right corner. This is available to NY residents. Calling Delta to question the new licenses resulted in confused operator. It is still early for staff to be informed.
Finally yes you can get a Real ID if you do not have a driver’s license. That avoids future Moms crying at the airport. PS Keep your passport up to date; you’ll still need it for international travel. Travel Tips from The Women’s Travel Group. We still have space on Summer tours: Scotland and Ireland, Rhine solo cruise, Mexico City and more.
