- Soon, travelers within the US will need to show a Real ID document when they want to board an airplane.
- The Department of Homeland Security will begin enforcing Real ID requirements starting from May 7.
- Individuals lacking Real IDs might encounter holdups or be prohibited from accessing security screening areas.
Visitors within the United States might find their holiday plans disrupted this summer unless they ensure they have all necessary documents.
Real ID
.
The May 7 deadline established by Homeland Security is quickly nearing, which means that starting from then, adults taking domestic flights won’t be allowed to use their previous driver’s licenses for identification purposes anymore.
However, what occurs when you reach a TSA security checkpoint without possessing a Real ID? Below is all the information you require.
What does Real ID stand for?
The Real ID was suggested by the 9/11 Commission, established in 2002 during President George W. Bush’s tenure, with the aim for the federal government to establish criteria for issuing identity documents like drivers’ licenses and ID cards.
Besides being necessary for boarding U.S. domestic commercial flights, Real ID cards will also be needed to enter specific federal buildings and nuclear power stations.
In 2005, the US Congress officially enacted the Real ID Act. Nevertheless, the federal government has
delayed enforcing Real IDs
multiple occasions throughout the past twenty years. Despite the fact that Real IDs serve as an identification method, the Department of Homeland Security stated that they do not qualify as evidence of citizenship.
How can you tell if your ID meets the requirements for a Real ID?
In contrast to earlier IDs, a Real ID will feature a star symbol in the top portion of the card.
“Should the card lack a star symbol, it is not REAL ID-compliant and will not be accepted for proving your identity to boarding commercial airplanes,” according to Homeland Security.
Nevertheless, there are differences. Based on the state, Real IDs may display a golden star, a black star, a golden circle with a white star-shaped cutout inside, or a black circle featuring a white star-cut out.
In California, Real IDs feature an emblem showing a golden grizzly bear accompanied by a white star cutout. The Department of Homeland Security revealed on April 24 that New York’s RealIDs, upgraded licenses, and ID cards will include either a star or the American flag symbol.
What steps are involved in obtaining a Real ID?
Obtaining a Real ID differs from one state to another.
For instance, getting a Real ID in Alaska involves submitting an application directly at an Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles location and furnishing a principal document that displays certain details, such as your original name and U.S. citizenship status.
In Texas, individuals have the option to obtain a Real ID-compatible card by visiting a local Texas Department of Public Safety office in person. Others might qualify to renew their driver’s license or state ID through an online process.
Homeland Security stated that at minimum, individuals applying for a Real ID must present documentation including their complete legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two forms of proof regarding their primary residential address, and evidence of lawful status.
As Business has reported, certain individuals who have altered their names through marriage or divorce are encountering
difficulty collecting the required documents
To request a Real ID.
The Department of Homeland Security’s site offers a
Real ID map
,enabling users to click on their state for additional details.
Is it possible to submit an application for a Real ID after the May 7 deadline?
Even though Homeland Security plans to start implementing Real IDs on May 7, individuals can apply for them at their convenience. People without a Real ID by this date might encounter difficulties when flying within the U.S. and may also be denied entry to specific federal facilities.
Will you be able to board an airplane without a genuine ID after May 7th?
People over the age of 18 who are traveling within the U.S. have the option to present another acceptable ID according to the Transportation Security Administration guidelines. Children younger than 18 do not need to bring any form of identification for domestic flights inside the country.
The organization’s webpage posted a catalog of
accepted identification options
, including US passports, US passport cards, state-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL), and more. However, in April, the TSA said that the temporary paper card given to applicants by the DMV would not be accepted.
Should travelers lack an accepted identification document, a TSA agent might request them to undergo an identity verification procedure. This entails providing details like your full name and present residence to verify who you are. Once your identity has been verified, you’ll be permitted to proceed through the security check area, where further screenings could occur.
“You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed,” the TSA’s website says.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that travelers who try to board flights without valid ID can anticipate experiencing delays, undergoing extra screenings, and potentially being denied entry to the security checkpoints.
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