What Travel Documents do you need to travel in 2019?
Ready to travel, but not sure what you need? Find out what Travel Documents you need to have before you leave!
Traveling domestically?
With the Real ID in effect there are many changes on domestic travel. Beginning October 1, 2020, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
If you’re unaware of what the REAL ID entails, make sure to check out our article “What to Expect with the Real ID Act.” For question on the REAL ID act, please visit DHS frequently asked questions.
Is this your first time traveling outside the USA? Make sure you have all the travel document you need!
Before we get into this, just remember that every traveler is unique, so make sure you check https://travel.state.gov/ for specific information to your needs.
IDs You’ll Need to Fly
The TSA lists a number of other forms of ID that are accepted to get you in the sky if your license won’t do the trick:
Adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.
- Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). Make sure you are REAL ID compliant
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
- Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Also make sure to check out the New Requirements For Traveling To Europe: What U.S. Citizens Need to Know
Children
There are a lot of regulations around minors to ensure they are safely flying, so make sure you know what your child needs!
For example, minors under the age of 16 must have a parental or legal guardian’s consent in order to get their passport.
When applying for a passport, the application has to be submitted in person at an agency or passport accepted facility and can’t be renewed by mail. If a child is too young to sign, their parent or legal guardian must print the child’s name and sign their own name in the signature space and their relationship with the child.
While adults don’t generally have to renew their passport for a ten-year span, children under the age of 16 must apply for a new passport every five years.
Children must get passports more frequently because their face and appearance can drastically change during that time span as they grow.
ID Requirements for an 18 yr old
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. If you have more questions, contact the airline you are traveling with for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
The “Six Month Rule” for Passports
Did you know Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel. That means if your passport has less than six months remaining until the expiration date, you should renew it right away!
Renewing your passport at least nine months before it expires is generally a good rule of thumb to ensure it is accepted everywhere but be sure to check your destination for their requirements.
Generally, the six-month rule applies to common vacation spots like the Bahamas, Mexico, Jamaica, and other places in Asia and Europe.
This “rule” isn’t a requirement by the U.S. government. This is something that other countries monitor to avoid having guests staying past their passport expiration.
Get your Passport in a Hurry
If you need your passport quickly, you can expedite your application. Please see the most up-to-date processing times. Please note that the expedited service is an additional $60.
TSA PreCheck Tips
For travelers looking to expedite the whole airport process, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has developed the TSA PreCheck to get you through security faster.
Once you apply they will run background checks on you, and if you are approved you will be able to have a more efficient flow through the airport each time after.
Travelers will receive a “Known Traveler Number” two – three weeks after submitting their application and will be able to use that number for all future reservations and flights.
TSA PreCheck includes faster security screenings, quicker lines, the ability to keep your belt, shoes and jackets on and your laptop in the bag.
To learn more about enrolling in this program, check out TSAs Pre Check FAQs.
Even those in the PreCheck program may be subjected to random inspections.
You can check out some items the TSA have caught people trying to bring through the airport here: Must See: The TSA’s Instagram Page
For more information, updates, travel tips and news from Sundance Vacations, be sure to follow us on the following social media outlets: