Residents of four US states and American Samoa may need a passport even for domestic travel from next year under new laws intended to strengthen security in the country.
Flying domestic within the US could get more difficult for residents of four states -- New York, New Hampshire, Louisiana and Minnesota -- and American Samoa following increased security measures, according to the REAL ID Act.
Residents of New York, New Hampshire, Louisiana, Minnesota and American Samoa -- which account for over 31 million Americans -- are affected by the REAL ID Act.
In the four states and the unincorporated territory of the US, residents do not have to show proof of citizenship or residency in order to obtain a license, which is what makes their identification non-compliant with the new laws.
The list does not specify why the states fail to comply with the ID requirements.
The Homeland Security department says on its website that it would implement the new restrictions following a review of their practicality that would take place "no sooner than 2016."
The act, which intends to strengthen security in the country, was enacted by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2005, but the new rules will go in effect by next year.
Other forms of identification that are viable include military or governmental IDs, a passport, a passport card, an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or a DHS trusted traveler cards such as NEXUS or Global Entry.
Unless one is a member of the military or a government employee, the best option from a cost perspective for an alternative ID is the EDL as it is USD 30.
The process is fairly simple and only requires going to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
An additional bonus, EDL holders can travel by land or by sea to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda without a passport.
However, only New York and Minnesota offer the EDL, leaving over 3 million Americans in the dust.
The next cheapest option is a passport card. It is USD 55 and can be used instead of a passport if traveling by land or by sea to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.
Applicants do not have to have a passport to receive a passport card, making it a lower-cost alternative to a passport.
