Since we have servicing professionals with their executive ground transportation in NYC and all over the US, we understand the importance of a smooth travel experience. Time is valuable, so we aim to give information to our clients that are helpful and beneficial to their overall travel experience. With the REAL ID Act set to be put in place on January 22, 2018, here is what you need to know about how it will affect the business traveler and why your passport may not be the only ID that will be required for future flights in and out of the U.S.
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. The Act prohibits any Federal agency, for official purposes, from accepting any licenses or ID cards from states that do not meet the REAL ID Act requirements. The Act places strict security standards for state-issued identification such as driver’s licenses. With only 23 states that are compliant with the REAL ID Act, surprisingly not all states in the U.S. are required to change their state-issued ID to meet the Act’s requirements. Anyone who has a non-compliant ID will have to provide additional forms of ID when traveling. Gone may be the days where a passport would simply suffice.
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Renewing your passport now if it is set to expire in less than six months would be in your best interest especially if your state issued ID is not REAL ID Act compliant. There will be nothing short of an inconvenience if you head to the airport if you are held up due to insufficient travel ID. If you have questions about REAL ID Act and the state in which your ID has been issued, you can visit the Homeland Security web page for full details.
Additional facts of the REAL ID Act:
- Title II of the Act sets new federal standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and non-driver ID.
- Visa limits for temporary workers, nurses, and Australian citizen’s visa limits have been updated.
- Funding for reports and pilot projects for border security.
- New rules to include “delivery bonds” (similar to bail, but for aliens who have been released pending hearings).
- Updating and tightening the laws on application for asylum and deportation of aliens for terrorism.
- Waiving laws that interfere with construction of physical barriers at the borders.
To find out if your state is compliant with the REAL ID Act, click here
Avstar Aviation provides executive ground transportation in NYC as well as other major cities like Chicago nationwide, Dallas, Los Angeles and more. Contact us on how we can help you with your corporate ground transportation needs. We are available 24 hours/ seven days per week for your convenience.
