Maybe. It depends on your state and whether the driver’s license you’re issued is in compliance with the REAL ID Act, which since 2005 has been a federal standard for photo identification.
KEY DATES:
Updated 08/10/2020 to reflect the current (extended) dates
Updated again 05/24/21to reflect the current (extended) dates
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending the REAL ID full enforcement date by 19 months, from October 1, 2021 to May 3, 2023, due to circumstances resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Beginning on January 22, 2018, domestic air travelers from states that are not compliant and have NOT been granted an extension will need to show an ‘alternate form of acceptable identification“, of which one is a Passport (book or card).
Beginning on May 3, 2023, ALL domestic air travelers will need a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or one of the aforementioned acceptable methods of identification.
Remember that if you leave the U.S., you’ll still need a Passport to return – that won’t be effected by the REAL ID Act.
Additional Resources:
- LATEST UPDATE:
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/news/2021/04/27/dhs-announces-extension-real-id-full-enforcement-deadline - Here’s a great explanation of the REAL ID Act:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/REAL_ID_Act - And from Homeland Security, some FAQs about REAL ID and travel:
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-frequently-asked-questions - Here’s where you can check to see if your state issued driver’s license is compliant with REAL ID:
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
(Scroll down and click on your state on the map for specific information)
