The REAL ID requirement goes into effect next October, just under a year from now.
It’s a new federal requirement as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative in order to enter federal facilities and fly domestically. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is working to get the word out now, a year before the change takes effect on October 1, 2020 to help avoid an unpleasant surprise.
“They won’t be able to fly with a traditional driver’s license or ID that they get or may have had for a number of years,” Benson warns. “So we don’t want anyone to be turned away, or unable to travel, or board their flight because they haven’t upgraded their driver’s license or state ID.”
It’s free to upgrade to a REAL ID compliant license, but if you want an enhanced license, which allows for travel without a passport to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean, there is a fee. If you already have an enhanced license, you’re clear and won’t need to make any changes ahead of next October.
