Travel is an essential part of every singer’s life. Whether you travel by car, train, or plane, you might want to know more about the travel laws regarding the Real ID Act. The Real ID Act will begin to effect how you travel starting in fall of 2018. Here is what you will need to know to prepare yourself for the Real ID Act changes.

What is the Real ID Act?

The Real ID Act is a law passed in 2005 by Congress to ensure that all IDs, specifically drivers licenses, used for travel meet certain standards to combat fraudulent IDs. Since the law has been passed, many states have already become compliant, and others have filed for an extension to complete the necessary processes. All IDs from every state and territory must comply with the Real ID Act by October of 2020. Click here to see where your state stands in compliance with the Real ID Act.

What do I need to do now?

The first thing you need to check is if your state has already complied with the Real ID Act or if they have filed for an extension. At this time, the only territory or state that is not either compliant nor on extension is American Samoa. Depending on what category your state falls into, you will need to do a little research about what your next steps are. If you are in a compliant state, you must check to see if your current drivers license is the new, Real ID approved card. If your state is on extension, you will need to research what you need to do at this time to be able to travel.​

In order to know what you need to do, you first need to check to see if your state is already in compliance with the Real ID Act. If your state is compliant and you have recently received a new Drivers license, you are all set and continue on with your travels. If you have an old drivers license you will need to go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles and apply for a new one. Before going, please check your local DMV to see what the process is and if you can get a valid, Real ID license.

If you live in a state that is on extension, you may need to use your passport until your state is ready. If your passport is still valid you can keep using yours until you have a new, Real ID. If your passport is about to expire, you may want to consider having it renewed so you know that you are safe to travel. You can renew your passport at your local post office, town office, and many other locations in your area. 

Over the next few months and years, the Real ID Act will continue to change how we as singers can travel. It will be important to stay up to date on what you need to do to make sure you don’t have any issues on your next flight to an audition. Keep watching for more news to come on this process!