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If you’re planning a trip with United Airlines, you may be wondering whether you need a Real ID to board your flight. In the United States, the Real ID Act was passed in 2005 to establish new security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
While a Real ID is not always required for domestic flights, it will soon be mandatory for air travel within the United States. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Real ID requirements for air travel with United Airlines and what you need to know to make sure you’re prepared for your next trip.
Do I Need a Real ID to Fly United Airlines?
What is a Real ID?
A Real ID is a government-issued identification card that meets federal requirements for identification purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, and accessing certain federal facilities. The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, and the implementation was delayed until October 1, 2021.
Why do I need a Real ID?
Starting from October 1, 2021, every traveler who wants to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building must have a Real ID or an alternative form of acceptable identification. The Real ID Act was passed by Congress to enhance national security and prevent identity fraud. It sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, including proof of identity, residency, and legal status.
What happens if I don’t have a Real ID?
If you don’t have a Real ID or an acceptable alternative form of identification, you will be denied boarding a domestic flight and entry to federal facilities. The TSA will accept other forms of federally approved identification, such as a passport, passport card, military ID, or DHS trusted traveler card.
Can I use my driver’s license to fly United Airlines?
Yes, you can use your driver’s license to fly United Airlines, as long as it is a Real ID or an alternative form of acceptable identification. United Airlines accepts the following forms of identification for domestic flights:
- Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses or identification cards issued by a state
- U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. military ID
- Permanent resident card
How do I get a Real ID?
To get a Real ID, you need to visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and provide certain documents that prove your identity, residency, and legal status. These documents may include a birth certificate, Social Security card, passport, and utility bills. You will also need to pay a fee for the Real ID, which varies by state.
What are the benefits of a Real ID?
The benefits of a Real ID include enhanced security and convenience when traveling domestically and accessing federal facilities. With a Real ID, you can avoid the hassle of carrying multiple forms of identification and provide confidence that you are who you say you are.
Real ID vs. Passport: What’s the difference?
A Real ID and a passport are both forms of government-issued identification, but they serve different purposes. A Real ID is required for domestic travel and accessing federal facilities, while a passport is required for international travel. A passport is also a more secure form of identification, as it contains a microchip that stores your biometric data and a unique identifier number.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you want to fly United Airlines or access federal facilities starting from October 1, 2021, you will need a Real ID or an alternative form of acceptable identification. Getting a Real ID requires providing certain documents to your state’s DMV and paying a fee. The benefits of having a Real ID include enhanced security and convenience when traveling domestically and accessing federal facilities. If you don’t have a Real ID, you can still use other forms of federally approved identification, such as a passport or military ID.
Contents
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Real ID?
- What type of identification can I use to fly?
- What happens if I don’t have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card?
- Can I still fly if I don’t have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card?
- What if I am traveling internationally?
- Do you currently need a ‘Real ID’ to fly in the U.S.?
- How Many Bags American Airlines?
- How To Fly Standby On American Airlines?
- Why Does My American Airlines Ticket Say Pending?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Real ID?
Real ID is a federal law that was passed by Congress in 2005, which sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The law was enacted in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and is intended to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification.
Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards have a star in the upper right-hand corner to indicate that it meets federal standards. Starting October 1, 2021, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
What type of identification can I use to fly?
Aside from a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, you can also use a passport or other TSA-approved forms of identification. TSA-approved forms of identification include a U.S. Department of Defense ID, a permanent resident card, a border crossing card, a DHS Trusted Traveler ID, and more. For a full list of TSA-approved forms of identification, visit TSA’s website.
If you do not have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, you should bring an alternate form of acceptable identification, such as a passport, to ensure you can board your flight.
What happens if I don’t have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card?
If you do not have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, you will need to bring an alternate form of acceptable identification, such as a passport, to ensure you can board your flight. If you arrive at the airport without an acceptable form of identification, you may not be able to fly.
It’s important to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to ensure you have the correct documentation to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card.
Can I still fly if I don’t have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card?
Yes, you can still fly if you don’t have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card. You can use an alternate form of acceptable identification, such as a passport, to ensure you can board your flight. However, starting October 1, 2021, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
It’s important to plan ahead and ensure you have the correct documentation to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card if you plan to travel domestically after October 1, 2021.
What if I am traveling internationally?
If you are traveling internationally, you will need a passport to board your flight. Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards are not required for international travel, but a passport is always required for international travel.
It’s important to check the entry requirements of your destination country and ensure your passport is up-to-date and valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
Do you currently need a ‘Real ID’ to fly in the U.S.?
In conclusion, if you plan to travel within the United States after October 1, 2021, you will need a Real ID or another TSA-approved identification to board a domestic flight. United Airlines is one of the major airlines that will require a Real ID or an approved alternative for all domestic flights.
Obtaining a Real ID may take some time, so it’s important to plan ahead if you don’t have one yet. You’ll need to provide specific documentation to your local DMV, which may vary by state. You can also use other forms of identification, such as a passport or military ID, if you prefer.
While the process of getting a Real ID may seem daunting, it’s an important step to ensure the safety and security of air travel. By obtaining a Real ID or another approved form of identification, you can have peace of mind knowing you’ll be able to board your United Airlines flight without any issues.
