REAL ID is now required for air travel in America. Here’s what to expect at airports across the US
Context:
Starting Wednesday, travelers in the United States must use a state-issued ID or license that is REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access secure federal facilities. Although this change stems from the 2005 REAL ID Act aimed at enhancing identification security, passengers without a REAL ID can still fly but may encounter additional screening. The transition has led to confusion and a rush to obtain REAL IDs, with states adjusting service hours to accommodate the increased demand. The TSA ensures no one will be turned away initially, offering alternatives like passports and identity verification processes. Travelers are advised to allow extra time for processing at airports and to check their REAL ID status using TSA's tools and resources.
Dive Deeper:
From Wednesday, passengers in the US must present a REAL ID-compliant state-issued ID for air travel and access to federal facilities, a requirement resulting from the 2005 REAL ID Act recommended by the 9/11 Commission.
REAL IDs are identifiable by a star in the upper right-hand corner, and non-compliant state IDs will no longer be accepted as valid identification at airport checkpoints for domestic flights.
Despite the new enforcement, passengers without a REAL ID will still be allowed to fly, though they might face additional screening procedures, and TSA has ensured staffing will accommodate this change.
A significant portion of the population, approximately 19% of travelers, have yet to acquire a REAL ID, leading to a surge in DMV visits and prompting states like California to extend service hours to manage the increased demand.
The TSA has prepared for this transition by advising travelers to plan ahead and arrive early, and offers tools to check REAL ID readiness, while also accepting alternative forms of identification such as passports and permanent resident cards.
Airports may implement separate lines for those without REAL IDs to streamline the process, and the TSA emphasizes that while they are enforcing the rule, no passenger will be denied boarding initially if they lack the appropriate ID.
State DMVs are actively working to facilitate the issuance of REAL IDs, with varying documentation and costs, and are linked through the TSA's resources to help residents understand the process.