REAL ID Air Travel Documentation Required Later This Year

Do you travel to Walt Disney World (or anywhere else) via airplane?

Beginning on October 1, 2021, every airline passenger age 18 and older will be required to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license (available in Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York), or another acceptable form of ID (such as a passport) to fly within the United States.

The deadline for enforcement of this law has changed a few times due to the pandemic and other circumstances, but the now final deadline is coming up later this year. Passengers without REAL ID-compliant documents will not be allowed to travel within the US on an airplane.

REAL ID-compliant drivers license or state ID cards for most states are marked with a star at the top of the card. Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York states issue REAL ID cards (marked with the star) as well as state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses (marked with a flag), both of which are acceptable. These documents will be valid at the airport security checkpoint when the REAL ID enforcement goes into effect.

For information by state, including where to obtain a REAL ID, visit the DHS REAL ID website and click your state on the map.