Following several postponements, the deadline for obtaining a REAL ID goes into effect. Starting tomorrow, travelers flying within the United States will be required to present a REAL ID, Enhanced ID, or passport. This requirement is part of the implementation of the REAL ID Act of 2005, which was introduced to establish higher security standards for state-issued identification based on recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, as stated in an article by FOX 5 New York.
John Essig, TSA's Security Director for airports in the New York City region, communicated the purpose behind this move, saying, "Real ID is a coordinated effort by the federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver’s licenses and identification cards," in a press release from April 3 and reported by FOX 5 New York. To know if your ID complies, look for a star symbol on the top corner of the card or an American flag icon indicating an Enhanced ID in some states.
Individuals who have not obtained a REAL ID may need to visit the DMV with the necessary documentation, as outlined on state DMV websites. According to TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein, after the deadline, travelers without a REAL ID can still board domestic flights if they present a passport or other TSA-approved identification, though they may be subject to additional screening or delays, according to an article by NBC New York.
Despite pleas from some Kentucky state senators for another postponement, due to limited appointment availability and the past rush of applicants, the TSA has signaled this deadline is final. "The agency does not intend to delay the REAL ID deadline again," TSA spokesperson Dan Velez told the AP, as reflected in an article by NBC New York. As of late April, it was reported that 81% of travelers were already equipped with compliant identification.
With the deadline approaching, travelers are advised to check their identification to confirm they have a REAL ID marked with a star or ensure they are carrying an alternative form of acceptable identification for security screening.
