A Follow Up To Monday’s Post . . .

The TSA has been talking about it all week . . . all this year . . . and really for the last several years: Today is the day when you will need a “Real ID” to fly. That’s a special driver’s license with a star in the top corner. If you don’t have one yet, you may be screwed if you plan on flying in the next couple of weeks. The TSA says if you’re over 18 and don’t have a Real ID, you should get to the airport at least three hours early, because you will be subject to delays and additional screening. You should also bring as many forms of ID as possible, with your picture, because just a driver’s license on its own isn’t good enough anymore. There ARE a few acceptable alternatives to Real IDs. Steve posted this story earlier this week, but here’s a rundown of all the compliant identification . . .

• A state-issued “Enhanced Driver’s License.”  Several states issue these.  They’ll have either a star or a U.S. flag at the top, with the word “enhanced.”
• A U.S. passport, or a U.S. passport card.
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST).
• A U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.  Or a HSPD-12 PIV card, which some federal employees and contractors have.
• A permanent resident card.  Or a border crossing card.
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation or Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
• A foreign government-issued passport.
• A Canadian driver’s license.
• A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
• A U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.
• A Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).