Hey Utah! Want To Travel? Then You Need To Get Real

I haven't been on an airplane in years, and at present have no plans to be getting one. It's not like I would never fly again, but it's just not on the horizon. The whole airport thing is getting to be a hassle. But putting in a plug for our local facilities, leaving from one of the airports in southern Utah is a lot less stressful, and as long as you can stay behind the TSA screening facilities at your connecting airport life would be good.

But, for those of you making plans to travel by air, be aware that starting next year, you'll need to be sure that you have acceptable identification to board even domestic flights in the U.S. You'll need to have Real ID with you.

What Is Real ID?

The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, was introduced as a measure to standardize identification requirements across the U.S. in response to post-9/11 security concerns. Designed to make government-issued IDs more secure, it sets forth federal guidelines for driver’s licenses and ID cards.

To obtain a Real ID, individuals must provide documentation to prove their identity, Social Security number, and residency. This often includes a combination of a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. Real IDs are identifiable by a gold or black star on the upper portion of the card, although this varies by state.

There's a very good chance that you already have a Real ID drivers license here in Utah. The state began issuing them back in 2019, as original plans were going to have the requirement for Real ID in place by 2020. Obviously that date was pushed back. At the time I had a drivers license that was not Real ID compliant, but the Drivers License Division sent me a “complimentary” replacement with the gold star in the right corner. It made me feel like I was back in elementary school.

The Real ID requirement applies to all individuals 18 or older who wish to board a domestic flight or access certain federal facilities. Originally set to take effect in 2008, the enforcement date has been delayed multiple times. Currently, it’s scheduled to be enforced by May 7, 2025. After this date, a Real ID, or an acceptable alternative (such as a passport), will be necessary to fly domestically or enter certain secure federal sites.

Without a Real ID or other acceptable identification, travelers will not be allowed through airport security checkpoints, even for domestic flights.

There may be a little wiggle room

Put an asterisk by that last sentence. According to the Points Guys, full enforcement of the regulations won't take effect until two years after the May 7^th deadline. Local authorities will have that two year period to full implement enforcement of the Real ID rules.

But, I'm not one to suggest that you should risk it. Like I said, you probably already have a Real ID compliant card on you. If not, you can get one fairly easily from the Driver License Division here in Utah. Or you could follow my plan to just stay off airplanes.

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Check out below to see why connecting in Salt Lake City might not be your best bet, especially this time of year.