Image Credit: Alessandra Taryn

If you’re like most U.S. travelers going through airport security, you show what you think is a government-issued ID—your driver’s license.

But starting early next year, you may be in for a surprise.

Travelers from 22 states might be denied entry at security checkpoints if they show their driver’s licenses.

Those licenses are considered not in compliance with something called The REAL ID Act.

It’s a federal law that’s been on the books since 2005 but is now being enforced.

Those states have apparently not brought their driver’s licenses up to speed with the law.

That includes states ranging from California to Kentucky, from Alaska to South Carolina, and from Maine to Michigan.

So to protect yourself, check to see if your state is actually in compliance with the law.

Just in case, always bring along your passport.

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