Driver’s License International Travel Compliant
Is your driver’s license a valid ID for international travel?
Are you planning on traveling Internationally?
Here is what you need to know…
The 2005 REAL ID Act makes it required for all states must have their driver’s license meet federal Homeland Security requirements. The Secretary of Homeland Security has defined “official purposes” as boarding commercially operated airline flights, and entering federal buildings and nuclear power plants, although the law gives the Secretary the unlimited authority to require a “federal identification” for any other purpose. States were given until the year 2020 to comply with this new law and ensure all their residents have a new license.
In Arizona, the state has made a change to provide its residents to comply with the new law by applying for a Voluntary Travel ID. The Voluntary Travel ID will be necessary to pass through TSA checkpoints at all airports. To obtain this federally approved travel ID, all residents will need to make an appointment or apply online. There is a list of additional paperwork needed to complete this application. The Arizona state motor vehicle department has a list of items you will need to bring and the fee is $25. This new Voluntary Travel ID card will be valid for 8 years.
You can see from the picture that an additional gold star will be embedded into your drivers in the top right corner. This star allows TSA know you have provided all the necessary documentation to be approved for travel. It is located under the USA on drivers license.
Check your state for any additional paperwork or application might be needed before you travel. Most states have become compliant but it is always important to be prepared for any surprises during your travel. Call your local Motor Vehicle department and inquire about your state.
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