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The Impact of Digital Identity Credentials on Air Travel

The air travel industry is at the cusp of a major transformation. This transformation is fueled by the inclusion of digital identity credentials. A seamless tech integration. This technical transformation promises to automate and simplify the complete passenger journey, from purchasing tickets to entering the airplane. Digital identities provide a safer, streamlined, and simpler passenger experience and process to move people while improving security and fraud prevention for governments and airlines.

Introduction to Digital Identity in Aviation

Digital identity in aviation encompasses the application of digital technology to prove and manage a traveler’s identity. Instead of relying solely on physical documents like passports and boarding passes, passengers can use their smartphones or other devices to prove who they are. We typically do this in increasingly invasive ways, through biometric identification measures such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. We promise this information is safely stored and transmitted. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and its partners have been actively working to demonstrate a fully digital air travel experience. As we approach October 2024, they have proven time and again that they can leverage these emerging solutions—biometrics, digital identity—to turn this vision into a reality.

The One ID initiative is an important part of this transformation. This innovation employs digital identity and biometric technology to uphold contactless travel standards. The intent is to eliminate the need for in-person checks of physical identity documents at check-in and boarding. Imagine this – you walk through an airport and at each touchpoint your identity is continuously and effortlessly verified. It’s a seamless journey that takes the hassle out of flying! Air Canada, for instance, has recently rolled out the ability for passengers to build a digital ID into their app. Powered by facial biometrics, this profile provides a touchless and streamlined travel experience by using facial biometrics to verify passengers at airport identification touchpoints. The digital ID process goes beyond just a secure protocol for transmitting personal information. Your biometric data, such as faceprints, is stored in an encrypted format to help protect your privacy. Usually, this data gets thrown away after 36 hours once your flight leaves the gate.

Benefits of Digital Identity Credentials

The implementation of digital ID and biometric technology offers numerous benefits:

  • For Passengers: Digital IDs simplify and speed up the check-in process. Passengers spend less time booking and moving through the airport, reducing stress and improving their overall travel experience. Studies have shown high satisfaction rates, with 46% of users reporting an 85% satisfaction rate with biometric identification.
  • For Airlines: Airlines benefit from increased efficiency and reduced operational costs. Digital IDs can automate many of the manual processes involved in identity verification, freeing up staff to focus on other tasks. It also helps improve security and reduce the risk of fraud.
  • For Governments: Digital identity systems enhance border security and streamline immigration processes. By using biometric data and secure digital channels, governments can more effectively identify and track travelers, improving security and facilitating legitimate travel.

As digital identity becomes ubiquitous in air travel, questions regarding data privacy and security are more important than ever. Setting hard lines and firm rules is of the utmost importance. They should protect passenger data and safeguard against the weaponization and/or irresponsible use of digital identity systems. International standards and cooperation among governments are key to ensuring a global landscape of interoperability and avoiding a highly fragmented digital identity landscape.

Understanding Real ID Requirements

In 2005, members of U.S. Congress passed REAL ID Act. This legislation established minimum security standards for state issued driver's licenses and identification cards. These standards are tied to a myriad of federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights and entering federally owned buildings. The REAL ID Act would like to improve security to prevent threats like the one above. It helps to prevent terrorists and criminals from obtaining fraudulent identification documents.

Can you fly without a Real ID?

Beginning May 7, 2025, all air travelers 18 years and older will need a REAL ID-compliant status driver’s license. Or, they can present a different, allowable form of identification to travel domestically. If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, you need to present an acceptable alternative. Acceptable identification includes a U.S. passport, military identification, or permanent resident card. It's important to note that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for verifying passenger identification at airport security checkpoints. States have the final word on what types of ID they will or won’t accept.

What to bring to the airport if you don't have a Real ID

If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, fear not! Simply come equipped with a valid, alternative form of ID that TSA accepts. Some of the acceptable forms of identification include:

  • U.S. Passport
  • U.S. Passport Card
  • DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents)
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Border Crossing Card
  • State-issued 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 (TWIC)
  • Immigration and Naturalization Service Employment Authorization Document (I-766)
  • Refugee Travel Document
  • Merchant Mariner Credential

Scan your identification all-inclusive Before you leave, visit the TSA website to view their most up-to-date list of acceptable identification. That’s always a great idea!

Obtaining a Real ID in Illinois

For residents of Illinois, obtaining a REAL ID involves a trip to a Secretary of State facility and presenting specific documents to prove identity, social security number, and residency. The process is intended to verify that only those who are eligible receive a REAL ID-compliant card.

Steps to Apply for a Real ID

The steps to apply for a REAL ID in Illinois are as follows:

  1. Gather Required Documents: Collect the necessary documents to prove your identity, social security number, and residency.
  2. Visit a Secretary of State Facility: Find a Secretary of State Driver Services facility that offers REAL ID services. You can find a list of locations on the Illinois Secretary of State website.
  3. Complete the Application: Fill out the REAL ID application form, which you can obtain at the facility.
  4. Present Your Documents: Present your required documents to the facility staff for verification.
  5. Pass the Vision and Written Tests (if applicable): If you are applying for a driver's license, you may need to pass vision and written tests.
  6. Pay the Fee: Pay the required fee for the REAL ID.
  7. Receive Your Temporary ID: You will receive a temporary paper ID, which you can use until your REAL ID card arrives in the mail.
  8. Receive Your REAL ID Card: Your REAL ID card will be mailed to you within 15 business days.

What do you need to bring to get a Real ID? Here's a checklist

To obtain a REAL ID in Illinois, you will need to bring the following documents:

  • Proof of Identity:
    • U.S. Birth Certificate (original or certified copy)
    • U.S. Passport (valid or expired)
    • Permanent Resident Card
    • Employment Authorization Document
    • Foreign Passport with an I-94 form
  • Proof of Social Security Number:
    • Social Security Card (original)
    • W-2 Form
    • Pay Stub with Social Security Number
  • Two Proofs of Illinois Residency:
    • Utility Bill (with your name and address)
    • Bank Statement (with your name and address)
    • Credit Card Statement (with your name and address)
    • Lease Agreement (with your name and address)
    • Mortgage Statement (with your name and address)

If you’re bringing an SID, ensure that the documents you bring are valid and unexpired. If your name on your ID, birth certificate, etc. is not your current name, here’s what you need to do. Carry in original supporting documentation, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

Costs Associated with Real ID

To get a REAL ID, you’ll have to fork over some cash. These fees depend on the type of card you are applying for and your age. Knowing these costs is key to budgeting and planning your visit to your local Secretary of State facility.

How much does a Real ID cost?

In Illinois, the fee for a REAL ID is different depending on whether you are applying for one. You will be charged various amounts based on if you’re renewing, renewing for a driver’s license and applying for a new identification card. As of 2024, the fees are as follows:

  • Driver's License:
    • Ages 21-68: $30
    • Ages 18-20: $5
    • Ages 69-74: $5
    • Ages 75-80: $2
    • Ages 81-86: $2
    • Age 87 and over: Free
  • Identification Card:
    • Ages 17-64: $20
    • Ages 65 and over: $10

Notably, these fees are subject to change at a moment’s notice. For the latest information, always consult the Department of Motor Vehicles section of the Illinois Secretary of State website.

Additional Fees and Considerations

Beyond just the REAL ID fee, though, there are additional costs to keep in mind. As it stands, if you’d like to obtain an authorized copy of your birth certificate, we’ll charge you for the pleasure. This fee is intended to cover the costs of the state vital records office in the state you were born in. The price of an official birth certificate depends on the state. If you need to change your name on your documents, you may need to pay fees for legal name change proceedings. If you misplace your REAL ID card, you will need to obtain a new card by paying the REAL ID fee again. Don’t miss your chance – or let that happen! The replacement fee is the current full card fee.

The future of air travel is indeed tied to the advancement and adoption of digital identity credentials. Data privacy concerns continue to be a challenge, as well as the need for global standardization. The passenger, airline, and government savings can be enormous. Technology is changing quickly, and the regulatory environment is just beginning to coalesce. It’s no surprise digital IDs are going to revolutionize air travel, creating a seamless, secure, efficient experience for all travelers.