Jack Fazzino

The Transportation Security Administration issued an important message recently that will affect anyone who travels on domestic commercial flights.

Beginning on May 7, anyone who wishes to travel on a domestic commercial flight must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of documentation.
 
What is a REAL ID?
 
A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.
When will I need a REAL ID?  

• Starting May 7, you will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as nuclear power plants, military bases and other federal buildings).

How do I get a REAL ID?  

• You can visit your local DMV to learn more and apply for a REAL ID, or at the CT information portal here.
• In Connecticut, you'll need:
  
  • a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate;
  • a Social Security card; and
  • two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut.
  • For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID.

How do I know if I already have a REAL ID?  

• Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the accompanying graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.

What other forms of ID are acceptable? 

• A U.S. passport.
• State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses and identification cards are also acceptable, though Connecticut does not issue them.

For more information, visit the following:
Department of Homeland Security website
CT Department of Motor Vehicles website
CT Information Portal website