Starting soon in 2016, TSA will no longer accept drivers licenses from nine US states as a form of identification for air travel. The Real ID Act states that acceptable forms of identification must be equipped with machine-readable chip technology, which these states’ drivers licenses do not comply with:
- Alaska
- California
- Illinois
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- South Carolina
- Washington state
- Puerto Rico
- Guam
- the U.S. Virgin Islands
Residents of these states must get another form of identification to fly with, usually a passport or Enhanced Drivers License (see below for more info). It appears that residents will have about four months notice before changes officially go into effect, but if you’re from one of the states listed above we highly recommend you start making moves to acquiring another form of TSA-approved identification. Read more details with CN Traveler.
Minnesota in particular has found a way around the issue with their “Enhanced Drivers License” which complies with TSA laws and also enables travelers to re-enter the US when returning from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean.
Minnesota residents can apply for an Enhanced Drivers License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Car (EID) at any time:
- At the time your current driver license or ID is due for renewal
- First time application for your driver’s license (and learner’s permit) or non-driver photo ID card
- Replace your current driver’s license prior to the date you are due for renewal, with no change in the expiration date of your license
The EDL or EID will cost $15 in addition to existing drivers license or identification card fees and will require:
- PROOF OF DATE OF BIRTH
- PROOF OF FULL LEGAL NAME
- PROOF OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
- PROOF OF PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTITY
- PROOF OF UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP
- PROOF OF MINNESOTA RESIDENCY
See the list of acceptable proofs of identification.
