REAL ID: What it is and how it will affect you

Credit: U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Secure driver's licenses and identification documents are a vital component of a holistic national security strategy. Law enforcement must be able to rely on government-issued identification documents and know that the bearer of such a document is who he or she claims to be.

The REAL ID Act is a coordinated effort by the states and the Federal Government to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents, which should inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.

The 9/11 Commission recommended that the Federal Government work with other layers of government to solidify the security of government-issued documents. Securing state-issued identification documents is a common-sense national security and law enforcement imperative, which also helps to combat identity fraud and illegal immigration.

Not every state is compliant at this time, and each state is implementing the Act in phases. What is the status of your state? View the DHS REAL ID map here.  Ohio is compliant with the REAL ID Act, meaning, Federal agencies can accept driver's licenses and identification cards from Ohio. In addition, for Ohio license holders:

As of October 2016:
You can continue to use your license to fly in the U.S. and access Federal facilities and nuclear power plants.

As of January 22, 2018:
You can continue to use your license to fly in the U.S. and access Federal facilities and nuclear power plants.

As of October 1, 2020:
License must be REAL ID compliant.

For license holders of any state:

Until January 2018
If traveling by air, residents from ANY state are still able to use a driver’s license, or any of the various other forms of identification accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (Passport or Passport Card, Global Entry cards, U.S. military IDs, airline or airport-issued IDs, federally recognized, and tribal-issued photo IDs. (See the full list on the TSA website.)

Effective January 22, 2018
If you have a driver’s license or identification card issued by a state that does not meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act, unless that state has been granted an extension, you must present an alternative form of identification acceptable to TSA in order to board a commercial domestic flight.

Starting October 1, 2020
Every air traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant license, or another acceptable form of identification, for domestic air travel.

The CPAs and business advisors at Zinner & Co. are ready to help you understand matters that can affect your well-being. Whether tax, accounting, or planning for business or personal success, we’re ready to start the conversation. Contact us for a no-cost consultation at info@zinnerco.com or 216.831.0833.