Maybe now we can see why some domestic passengers are still using passports for Hawaii travel.
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17 thoughts on “Bringing a US Passport To Hawaii? This May Surprise You.”
Maybe now we can see why some domestic passengers are still using passports for Hawaii travel.
Using a Passport makes sense. Commercial Aviation is regulated by the Federal Government not the States. The REAL ID plan using State Driving Licenses was presumably inspired to increase efficiency and cost saving but from an enforcement perspective a Federal Government issued ID such as a passport is more logical. The problems of course are a) Passports are expensive and b) the current demand is causing problems and adding the extra demand would extend delays to years. IT would also present issues to non legal status aliens who are able to get a Driving License but would fail the passport checks.
How do you keep from laughing when people ask if they need a passport for Hawaii?
Do they ever ask you about get Hawaiian money before they go? 😉
As a person who worked for the Oregon DMV for 37 years, I can confirm that a valid US passport is top dog in the realm of identification documents in the US. Of course, to rent and operate a motor vehicle you need to possess a valid state driver’s license.
A little history regarding Real ID: Originally the Feds wanted the states to tie into a bunch of data bases such as Social Security, the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), each states’ Vital Statistics and more. Additionally, each states’ DMV would be required to scan any and all documents the applicant proffered as well as a digital photo to be held in perpetuity. So, in May 2025 it’ll only be 24 years since 9/11. Don’t you feel so much safer?!