Millions of Americans May Need Passports to Fly Domestic

Millions of Americans May Need Passports to Fly Domestic

State issued identification cards from four states will no longer be accepted for domestic flights by airport security as soon as January of 2016.

In order to create a more reliable form of identity, the REAL ID Act of 2005 urged there to be more proof of identity when issuing state IDs, such as a verified original copy of a person’s birth certificate. This decade old law, put in place to make it harder for criminals to obtain a fake ID, has been applied in all states except Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire and New York.

The deadline for upgrading in accordance to the bill is in 2016 and the states that do not conform will force TSA to demand passports instead of driver’s licenses in order to fly within the United States. According to government records, about 9.5 million driver’s licenses have been issued within those states.

At the time of the Act’s passing, states feared that the federal government would use the new identification cards to make a national database of citizens. They believed this would give the “power hungry” government the ability to spy on them. Some states even worried that there may be cards that have special chips in them, opening up important information to hackers.

The fears ended up being unsubstantiated, but lawmakers in New Hampshire and Minnesota passed laws forbidding the state from complying with the Act. New York and Louisiana were slow to obey, but have made efforts to move toward the new program at the last minute. New York has offered an “Enhanced Driver’s License” for $30 extra since 2008, but the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles never warned drivers that the new option would eventually become necessary to board domestic flights or enter government buildings.

What should I do if I live in one of these states?

Minnesotans should obtain a $55 or $135 passport if they want to fly domestically starting in January.

New York was granted a waiver, so for the time being any person from the state with any kind of identification will be allowed to fly.

Louisiana was granted a waiver that will last until October 10, 2016. Residents can continue to fly with driver’s licenses at least until then.

New Hampshire has received a waiver that will allow residents to fly until June 1, 2016.

Featured

  • Just as Expected

    GSX produced a wonderful tradeshow earlier this week. Monday was surprisingly strong in the morning, and the afternoon wasn’t bad at all. That’s Monday’s results and asking attendees to travel on Sunday. Just a quick hint, no one wants to give up their weekend to travel and set up an exhibit booth. I’m just saying. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • NOLA: The Crescent City

    Twenty years later we finds ourselves in New Orleans. Twenty years ago the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced exhibitors and attendees to look elsewhere for tradeshow floor space. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • Nothing Artificial About this Intelligence

    I have been looking forward to this year’s GSX show in New Orleans, the Cresent City, or if you prefer The Big Easy. It seems like quite a while since we’ve been here. Twenty years ago, ASIS, as it was known then was literally washed out of the city by someone known as Katrina. It is a good thing to come back to NOLA. Read Now

  • From Monitors to Mission Control

    Security Operations Centers (SOC) were once defined by rows of static monitors, each displaying a single feed with operators quietly watching for issues. That model has become obsolete. Incidents evolve too quickly, data comes from multiple locations, and decisions must be made in seconds—not minutes. Read Now

  • New Gas Monkey Garage Venue Uses AI-Enhanced Video Technology

    Gas Monkey Garage, the automotive custom shop and entertainment brand founded by Richard Rawlings of Fast N’ Loud TV fame, has opened a vibrant new restaurant and bar in South Dakota, equipped with advanced, AI-enhanced video tech from IDIS Americas. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.