TSA and using driver licenses for ID?

[psimon]

Whenever we have flown we always use passports to get through TSA. We figured that was a document no one would argue with.

I am told valid driver's licenses can also be used. True or not? I keep seeing conflicting responses, even when asking TSA.

I also understand different states have different issues. We are from NJ, so we have NJ licenses. Any problem there?

Thanks...

---Paul in Southern NJ

 

[Kelly Anne]

I have always used my Massachusetts drivers license when traveling within the us and have never had a problem.... As you can use your passport because it has a valid picture I just find it much easier to pull out my license. And have never been told other wise.

 

[henry72]

We have always used our Texas Drivers license as an ID and never had a problem.

 

[goofy4tink]

I've never had an issue using my Mass license. I use my passport as well, but the photo really doesn't look like me anymore! So, until I get a new one, I may just go with my license.

 

[OKW Lover]

Check the official ID requirements at www.tsa.gov. But in answer to your question, yes a drivers license is good at the TSA checkpoint.

 

[verleniahall]

make sure that yoru state is still a "go" for using a liscense - some states aren't incompliance - not sure if NJ is one or not

I use my military ID so I have no worries

 

[ice cube]

We fly often and when flying in the US we always use and only bring our NY drivers license with us.

 

[bastraker]

We fly often also and when flying in the US we always use our NJ drivers license.

 

[shafke]

I found this on another site. I think the info is found somewhere on the TSA site...
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.

I think the original deadline for the RealID system was supposed to be July 2016 but is was pushed back.

 

[smiths02]

I've never had an issue using my Mass license. I use my passport as well, but the photo really doesn't look like me anymore! So, until I get a new one, I may just go with my license.

I flew from ATL to MCO with just a driver's license in February. I don't have a passport. My license picture is 15 years old (they let you renew online in GA) and I've gained a significant amount of weight since then. They didn't say anything to me at TSA.

 

[bumbershoot]

make sure that yoru state is still a "go" for using a liscense - some states aren't incompliance - not sure if NJ is one or not

I use my military ID so I have no worries

All states are a "go".

Heck, for a domestic flight one can still travel without any ID. My dad does. There's a section on the tsa site about traveling without ID.

 

[verleniahall]

All states are a "go".

Heck, for a domestic flight one can still travel without any ID. My dad does. There's a section on the tsa site about traveling without ID.

http://money.cnn.com/2015/12/28/technology/passport-drivers-license-airplane/

 

[sam_gordon]

http://money.cnn.com/2015/12/28/technology/passport-drivers-license-airplane/

Your information is outdated. From https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs:

On January 8, 2016, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced the following timetable for the implementation of the REAL ID Act for air travel:

• Effective immediately, the Department of Homeland Security will conduct outreach to educate the traveling public about the timeline below, and continue engagements with states to encourage compliance with REAL ID standards.
• Starting July 15, 2016, TSA, in coordination with airlines and airport stakeholders, will begin to issue web-based advisories and notifications to the traveling public.
• Starting December 15, 2016, TSA will expand outreach at its airport checkpoints through signage, handouts, and other methods.
• Starting January 22, 2018, passengers with a driver’s license issued by a state that is still not compliant with the REAL ID Act (and has not been granted an extension) will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel to board their flight. To check whether your state is compliant or has an extension, click here. Passengers with driver’s licenses issued by a state that is compliant with REAL ID (or a state that has been issued an extension) will still be able to use their driver’s licenses or identification cards.
• Starting October 1, 2020, every air traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant license, or another acceptable form of identification, for domestic air travel.

So all DL's are fine until 1/22/18.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Other posters are correct. The only thing with the states that are non-REAL ID compliant currently is the inability to get onto military bases, or federal buildings that require ID (however if you have another form of ID that is acceptable then you can if you show that).

I live in KS, which has been compliant for a while now..but I live near the border of KS and MO and MO is not compliant. There was a big local news story because a woman on memorial day tried to use her MO DL to go to Ft. Leavenworth (which is in KS) and was denied. I was like uh..this was like front page news all over the place in our metro when it came time for MO's deadline to be up a near the beginning of the year that you can't go to military or federal places with a non-compliant DLs unless you have another form of acceptable ID.

 

[Huff]

Other posters are correct. The only thing with the states that are non-REAL ID compliant currently is the inability to get onto military bases, or federal buildings that require ID (however if you have another form of ID that is acceptable then you can if you show that).

Found that out recently! Was visiting NASA Langley for business. Showed my AZ DL and was told I could not enter with it. Didn't bring my passport as I had not thought I would need it as my DL had always worked before. Was able to enter by having the person I was visiting come to the gate and go in with them. I could not drive my own vehicle.

 

[Fire14]

I think my Ohio license is cool to get me into anywhere in USA. I fly all the time with just my DL. I didn't know that about Federal/Military bases so I am pretty sure I either live under a rock or am safe.

 

[Best Aunt]

Before they extended the deadline - New York was going to be non-compliant, but if you got an enhanced New York driver's license that would be compliant.

 

[lpereira]

make sure that yoru state is still a "go" for using a liscense - some states aren't incompliance - not sure if NJ is one or not

I use my military ID so I have no worries

All states are still being accepted. The federal government put it off enforcement again. At this point I'm willing to bet eventually they'll just give up.

 

[lylone]

Am glad they pushed out the deadline. I still have a non-Real ID GA drivers licence that doesn't expire until 02/18. Not looking forward to renewing and having to prove I am a citizen and I live in my house. I would think a passport would be enough but have to bring bills proving I live at an address too.

 

[Unas]

All states are still being accepted. The federal government put it off enforcement again. At this point I'm willing to bet eventually they'll just give up.

REAL ID is a joke. It passed in '05, to be effective in '08. States refused to comply and congresses have all backed down. Time to repeal it, particularly for air travel. ID at a checkpoint does nothing for safety.