The Department of Homeland Security has started implementing Real ID regulations for trips aboard domestic flights.
The project has encountered multiple postponements in recent years.
Nevertheless, federal authorities aimed to calm those not yet in compliance, letting them know they could still go on trips.
This is also positive news for residents of New Jersey, where some of the lowest adherence levels in the country have been observed.
A lot of individuals whom Eyewitness News contacted the day prior to the deadline were either unaware of what a REAL ID entails or simply weren’t concerned about obtaining one.
“I always use my passport whenever I go on a trip,” stated one traveler.
At the Motor Vehicle Commission office in North Bergen, despite a lengthy queue, nobody was there for obtaining a REAL ID.
“Yes, I don’t have the time. I recently updated my passport, so that’s everything I require,” stated another traveler.
At Newark Liberty Airport, TSA Director Thomas Carter mentions that they have implemented a strategy beginning at midnight aimed at enhancing the security procedures within the facility.
“I believe that many postponements throughout this process over the years have made people feel secure, thinking that it might be delayed once more,” Carter stated.
Among all states, New Jersey reports one of the least percentages of adherence to REAL ID standards at just 19%.
Although it has one of the highest rates of passport holders at 80%, which counts as a form of a REAL ID.
In New York, there’s a 45% compliance rate for REAL IDs, and many residents rushed to a DMV in Lower Manhattan to get theirs before closing time Tuesday night. Some of them spoke to Eyewitness News, and expressed frustration over the process.
“It felt like the energy was kind of… tense,” said Sadiqa, who was trying to get a REAL ID.
It was crowded, with people who will need a Real ID by Wednesday finally getting them.
“I didn’t want to do it, but it had to get done,” said Julie Depena, who just got her REAL ID.
In New York City, you’re required to schedule an appointment at the DMV, yet you might still end up waiting for quite some time—often several hours.
Jared Schepis mentioned, “It would be fantastic if there were an invention where, while waiting for a restaurant reservation, they could text us when our turn is next. However, this isn’t available here.”
In the meantime, Connecticut shows a 73% adherence rate.
TSA officials warn that without a valid REAL ID, it could take an additional 30 minutes for you to clear security during your travel.
People who aren’t Real ID compliant can relax; they’ll still make it through the TSA checkpoint,” Carter stated. “However, they should allow additional time for their trip and expect to go through more thorough security screenings.
“We acknowledge this as a security concern. Congress has had numerous years to reassess and determine whether they wished to amend the legislation or abolish it altogether, but the Biden administration decided it should take effect on May 7. We plan to adhere to the law,” stated Kristi Noem.
One of the reasons many people in New Jersey still don’t have a REAL ID is due to the difficulty in getting appointments with the MVC.
According to TSA officials, phase 1 of enforcement begins at midnight and will be the most lenient stage.
As time progresses, this trend will escalate, ultimately leading to a critical necessity for individuals to possess a genuine ID in order to travel by air.
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