SENIORS REQUIRED TO FLY WITH A REAL ID IN 2020
Senior Alert! The post-9/11 Federal Real ID Act mandates the security standards that driver’s licenses and identification cards must meet in order for travelers to board domestic airline flights. Starting October 1, 2020, every air traveler over 18 years of age will need a "REAL ID" -compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly. If you do not drive or do not have one of these other options and hope to hop a plane to visit your children or grandchildren, read the article below. It may be difficult to obtain a proper Real ID if you do not have much of your original identifying documentation, such as a birth certificate. Find out what to do and how to check for the "star" here: https://www.tsa.gov/real-id.
Important info to know:
- You may have trouble getting a Real ID because the name on your identifying documents does not match exactly. One document may have the middle initial while another had the full middle name, or only a first and last name.
- Proving identity may be difficult because of name changes, particularly for older married or divorced women and for those with out-of-state marriages and no certificate.
- The cost of Real ID-compliant cards for Seniors may be an issue. The cost of an original ID card, renewal, or replacement Florida ID is $25. If your Florida ID card has expired before you renew it, you will have to pay a delinquent fee of $15 on top of the original $25 renewal fee.
Florida began issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials January 1, 2010. You may already have one! Keep in mind that a United States passport may also be used in place of a REAL ID-compliant card for official identification. Helpful links for Florida Seniors: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/real-id/ and https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/what-to-bring/
Social Security offices don’t require Real ID-compliant cards.
CONTACT US: Planning to travel anytime soon? Don't wait till the last minute to be sure you have your REAL ID. Need assistance with preparations, packing, medications, even transportation to the airport? Our Angels have wings and can assist you so you make your flight to visit family without difficulty or delay. Call 561-328-7611 to see how Visiting Angels can help.
Till Next Time!
Irv Seldin, JD, President and Owner, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches
This article is not intended as medical, legal, or financial advice.