Is SoCal Ready for Real ID? Are You Prepared?

How will things change at airports starting from Wednesday, May 7, once the Transportation Security Administration begins requiring adults to show government-approved ID for boarding domestic flights?

That’s unclear.

“It’s difficult to predict exactly how this will unfold,” stated Steve Lambert, a representative from Ontario International Airport, who recommended that travelers approach the near-term future as they would during the holidays, advising them to arrive at the airport several hours ahead of their scheduled departures to allow for any possible delays.

We do not expect considerable effects on waiting periods,” stated AnnaSophia Servin, a representative from John Wayne Airport. “Nevertheless, we advise all passengers to verify their identification documents ahead of time. … It would be best if travelers arrived at the airport sooner than they normally would.

For many years, state and federal authorities have been advocating for adults to obtain Real IDs, which seem to be the preferred solution. This advocacy has notably intensified over the past few months. The deadline for requiring these special IDs had been postponed several times but ultimately has arrived.

Over 18.6 million Californians have prepared themselves as they’ve upgraded their driver’s licenses or state-issued IDs to meet Real ID standards, featuring the distinctive golden bear-and-star emblem.

It remains uncertain what precisely will occur with individuals who arrive at airports lacking the appropriate identification.

Lorie Dankers, who speaks for the TSA, mentioned that passengers with these hopes might undergo extra security checks or be denied boarding, which could lead to possible holdups for others traveling.

I won’t specify how much extra time you should allow to arrive earlier, but the duration of your wait will depend on … individuals who are similarly unprepared for Real ID compliance,” Dankers stated. “Keep this in consideration.

Everything you need to understand about Real ID plus additional information

Even though it might be overshadowed by the noise, amidst all the focus on the Real ID, there are several other identification documents that federalInspectors will also honor equivalently, such as:

— A U.S. passport or passport card is required.

— A U.S. Department of Defense Identification Card

— An eternal residence permit

— A document for border crossings

— An identification document provided by a federally acknowledged tribal nation or American Indian tribe

— A passport provided by another country’s administration

The complete list of accepted identification documents is available at
TSA’s website
.

Apart from domestic flights in the United States (where international trips typically necessitate a passport), certain federal structures and nuclear facilities also mandate having an approved government-issued ID.

The initiative to enhance the identification requirements for boarding domestic flights and accessing certain buildings originated in the U.S. Congress in 2005 with the aim of boosting security following the September 11th attacks.

On Friday, May 2, passengers retrieving their luggage at John Wayne Airport heard a pre-recorded announcement from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. She urged them to obtain Real ID-compliant identification cards with the statement, “Please help safeguard our nation.” Additional screens placed throughout the terminal supported her message by displaying images and clips promoting the switch to enhanced driver’s licenses.

I believe this makes the U.S. more secure,” stated Chuck Howell, an Orange County resident who was at the baggage claim area. “If someone opposes it, there might be an issue with them.

I personally don’t see the necessity, but I’m not strongly opposed,” stated Milo Hawthorne, a 27-year-old social worker from Illinois visiting JWA. “I believe this will create additional obstacles for those who already have enough.

On Friday, Robert Davis, a 35-year-old network technician from Northern California, was traveling along the coast to Los Angeles International Airport. He mentioned that transitioning to federal identification standards would aid in minimizing the circulation of duplicated or fake IDs, thereby enhancing the efficiency of airport security measures overall.

Instead of braving the congestion at the Department of Motor Vehicles, he chose to obtain a passport card in 2019.

“The initial month might see people getting rejected,” Davis stated.

Theo Strehlo, a systems engineer from Kern County who works with the Navy, was also transiting through LAX. While he endorses the recent focus on enhancing security measures, he believes this initiative will entail certain expenses.

There might be additional traffic due to those who couldn’t attend,” he stated. “In my opinion, within half a year, things will be back to normal.

Recently, the California Department of Motor Vehicles extended operating hours at certain offices so individuals could obtain a Real ID. However, the agency has decided to slow down this process for those with alternative choices. This decision was announced on Friday.
its website trumpeted
USE YOUR PASSPORT IMMEDIATELY — OBTAIN A REAL ID SOONER OR LATER… once your driver’s license needs to be renewed.

One key benefit of obtaining a Real ID is the enhanced ease it provides for travelers.

Obtaining a Real ID in California involves initiating the process online but necessitates a personal visit along with providing necessary documentation.

— Evidence of identification, like a passport or a birth certificate

— Two documents demonstrating address verification, like a bank statement or a utility bill

— Evidence of a Social Security number, typically

Dankers, the TSA officer, advised against hurrying to visit a DMV office unless you urgently require a federally approved ID, as securing an appointment could prove difficult.

They will likely reopen once enforcement resumes,” she stated. “Therefore, check your travel dates and attempt to obtain a Real ID-compliant document before then.

Many American adults are ready to travel by air—and to access secure federal facilities and even nuclear power plants.

Dankers mentioned that so far, over 80% of adults nationwide possess a Real ID.

Minors do not require an ID for domestic flights, but they must travel with someone who possesses a Real ID or another accepted form of identification.

Trump’s directive to provide free legal aid for police conveys a strong message but might not significantly affect outcomes in court.
A Valley Village man has been accused of engaging in drug-fueled sexual activities with minors.
Person dies after being hit by vehicle in Canoga Park, driver escapes
2 were injured when a suspected honey oil laboratory exploded in a garage in Moreno Valley
The accuser of Weinstein collapses into tears during questioning about the alleged sexual assault.