Real IDs: Do I need one to get on an airplane?
 

I never thought about it until now, two days before I'm supposed to fly to England ... do I need a "Real ID" to fly? That legislation bounced around a lot and honestly I can't figure out where it stands. I live in a "Real ID" state but as far as I know we are not mandated to get the new license until our license expires, which mine has not. I read one thing saying the changeover is 2014 when everyone must have a Real ID to get on a plane, but I've also read other things.
Please, can someone clear up the law? I have a passport (duh) which was issued this year, and a regular driver's license.

That's all you need, never heard of anything called a "real id".

It's a proposed national ID system. Originally it was supposed to be implemented in 2008, then 2009, I've read a million things. I think now it will be implemented in 2014. Most states have not complied yet, but Delaware has. I think you don't have to get one unless your license expires, and everyone has to get one by 2014. But honestly I'm totally confused about it and it's irritating me. There's no information on the state DMV website and a lot of info I find on Google is outdated.

Interesting, I don't care either way because I will never use it. Our fascist government can go F themselves if they want us to carry one more card. Having a SS number is bad enough, can't get out of it.

As long as you have a state issued ID (driver's license, or an ID card) or a passport you'll get on.

I've never had issues with my driver's license. Just give it to the clerk or DHS drone and I get on. My dad would go so far as to always pack his passport even on a domestic flight :confused:

OK, I finally found this on our DMV site: "Important Note: These requirements go into effect on July 1, 2010. However, your existing Delaware driver license or identification card will be valid for official federal purposes until December 1, 2014. There is no need to visit a DMV office before your normal renewal date to get a compliant card." Wayyyyyy down at the bottom.
And from what I gather, it will only be relevant on national flights, since for international flights you need a passport anyway. Though I guess in 2014 you will need this Real ID to get a passport ... :rolleyes:

Whew. I'm nervous enough about this trip as it is.:o

Liam Neeson did a documentary on visiting Europe. :P You should watch it.

Give them time & they will tattoo a bar code on every ones neck at birth.

Nah.......they'd just implant a chip.........;)

Just a passport is all you need. what will you be doing in England and where are you going?

Yup, a passport is usually "better" than a DL for ID anyway. I used to carry my kids' passports on domestic flights before the had their own IDs.

You should be fine. England is a pretty easy place to get along in, although expensive, and as long as you don't want to go some restricted place involving the royal family, you can pretty much go anywhere.

One caveat: Places don't stay open as late as in the US, so keep a stash of crackers and bottled water! And take lots of money.

It's easy to spend money in the UK if you live somewhere where walking everywhere is not easy, like Cambridgeshire. I didn't rent a car and instead used my feet and the bus, which was fine in most cases, but you do have to plan for that

As far as REAL-ID goes, I worked on that project for DHS. All it does is tighten the requirements to get a DL or other form of ID to ensure that only citizens and LPRs (Legal Permanent Residents) get these IDs. In other words now you need to bring two forms or ID to the DMV that state your citizenship ie; passport, birth certificate, etc as well as a valid picture ID. Some states have complied fully Va, WV, etc some have two systems like NY where the REAL-ID is $70 more than the regular DL and some states refused to do it Maine is one.
Other things REAL-ID has is that they make the actual licenses much harder to counterfeit and sometimes they can put biometric identification into the card so if it gets stolen it cannot be used by somebody else.WV uses a fingerprint, some states will go with facial recognition systems, etc

For international travel all you need is your passport and the proper visa if you are not going to a visa waiver country.

I carry my passport on domestic flights (I have since 911) It is always the best form of ID available

:) Going to London to see my favorite band Muse play Wembley Stadium twice. I'll have some free exploration time after that, but the concerts are the time-sensitive part, which makes me really, really nervous about getting everything right to get there. I'm not sure how much luck I'd have getting another flight if something goes wrong.

Passport is the only form of ID you need for this trip. Someone have mentioned above that the places don't stay open late???? In London you have access to everything around the clock, from 24 hours grocery stores to places to eat and drink. The best way to move around London is the "Tube" metro system that will take you any place around town. Map HERE Watch your pockets on the tube and never carry a bag on your back. Plenty of pocket pickers around.

Prices compared to the US will look very high but just think as 1 to 1 and you will not get depressed :D $1.00 as £1.00. I hope you don't smoke because if you do it cost A LOT. However if you do, buy your cigarettes from here and take them with you. Marlboro is £6.20 for pack of 20, this is almost twice the price from here.

Money exchange...You can use your Debit/ Credit card in every place, check with your bank about charges, the best and most secured place to exchange currency is the banks branches, NEVER EVER change money at your hotel or in one of the hundreds street exchange offices. The rates are horrible. If you using debit card most US banks will NOT charge you any additional fees, so this is THE best way, not to mention that you don't have to carry coins around your pockets.
Use the provided safe box at your hotel room for your passport, return ticket etc. If you don't have one at your room you should use the one at the reception.

If you going to eat out ask at your hotel for local small restaurants, usually excellent food and the prices are 50% less than any fancy place.
Shopping...well if you going to end up in Harrods or Selfridges you need a good bank balance, I am sure you know that :D In Harrods you will discover THE best quality food bistro in the world but be ready to pay for it if you decide to have lunch or even just a snack.

This is all I can think off for the moment. Any questions just ask :D

I am sure you will enjoy your stay in London, have a safe trip and keep us posted ;)