There were some intriguing questions and comments on my diary last week in which I described my experience at Oakland, California DMV applying for my RealID Drivers License. I had understood that this RealID was the only alternative to using a passport for domestic air travel after October 1, 2020 — but media, travel agents and others who advised me or that provided information earlier in the year didn’t have the full story.
The assumption here is I don’t want to use my passport domestically, as I prefer to keep it in a safe place until I need it for international travel. It has my visas, it’s bulky to carry, and I worry about theft. I’ve researched some alternatives to share with you all, and I appreciate the recommendations on last week’s diary.
Note that RealID-compliant documents will be required for stuff other than domestic flying, such as entry to Federal buildings, military bases and nuclear power plants.
First alternative: Passport Card
This wallet-sized card is “RealID-compliant,” meaning you will be able to use it as your ID to fly domestically. (You can also use it for travel in and out of Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, just not internationally unless you are going on a “closed loop” cruise — in and out of the same US port, then you can use the card.) You can apply by mail.
The main advantage is you don’t have to go the DMV with your folder of documents for an appointment which is best made online months in advance, and which can involve the occasional sullen staff person who would benefit from additional training. And as I indicated in last week’s blog, the application questions for the DMV RealID can be confusing. You just keep your current drivers license, and renew it as required.
If you already have a passport (now called “Passport Book”) use Form DS-82 to get the card by mail, and it costs $30. If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you can get a Passport Book and Passport Card for $210 total, using Form DS-11.
I may apply for the Passport Card simply to have a handy back-up ID.
Second alternative: Global Entry Card
This one I actually already have, and had I known it was RealID-compliant, I would not have bothered to apply for the California DMV RealID Drivers License. I’ve had Global Entry for five years, and use it when returning from overseas to the US, usually once or twice a year. It dramatically speeds up entry and customs review. Another huge advantage is you are qualified for TSA PreCheck, which means significantly less hassle and shorter lines going through security when flying domestically, and luggage comes out first. (Note that TSA PreCheck alone is not RealID-compliant.
Global Entry was complicated to apply for, requiring identity, citizenship and residence documents, a background check, an interview at SFO, renewal every five years, and fees of $100. (However, recently several US airports now permit on-the-spot application when returning to the US from abroad; these are SFO, HOU, AUS, YVR and IAH.) Another downside: it took several months for me to renew online this year; reports are about a third of Global Entry renewal applicants face a delay of up to four months.
Third alternative: State DMV-Issued Photo Identity Cards
Clearly, people who don’t drive but do fly domestically will need some form of ID that’s not a Driver’s License and is RealID-compliant. Best I can tell, all states offer this type of card.
In California, for $35 you can get a regular photo ID at the DMV which renews every six years or a Senior ID card if you’re over 62 and which renews every ten years, and there are some which have reduced or no fees. You’ll need to complete an application and bring to the DMV office your Social Security card or passport plus residence documents, just as if you were applying for a RealID Drivers License.
Bottom line
What does trouble me, of course, is that yet more of our personal information is going into state and federal databases and the Department of Homeland Security (in an effort, according to the original legislation, the Real ID Act, to prevent terrorism.) Of course that horse left the barn long ago with social media, credit agencies and online advertisers keeping our personal information, not to mention NSA tracking. But the legislation really does amount to requiring a national identity document for most of us.