REAL ID Deadline Looms: Consequences of Flying Without One

The REAL ID has been fully implemented across the country and now directly affects all individuals flying domestically within the U.S. So, what occurs if you lack the required identification?

Why It Matters

All 50 states

, along with federal government agencies such as the
Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have been urging Americans planning to fly for several months now to ensure they carry valid ID to smoothly navigate airport security and boarding processes, thereby reducing wait times at airports.

lessen security protocol demands.

What To Know

In 2005, Congress enacted the REAL ID Act, implementing the 9/11 Commission’s suggestion that the federal government establish criteria for identity documents like driver’s licenses.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents have been informed that this will apply exclusively to them.
pass through airport security
or access certain federal government facilities if they possess a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, like a passport or
Advanced Driver’s Licenses and ID cards
(EDL/EID) has been released for use in the following states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.

At a congressional oversight hearing on Tuesday, the DHS Secretary was questioned about various issues.
Kristi Noem
indicated that 81 percent of air travel passengers in the U.S. currently meet the requirements.

Noem stated that tomorrow people coming through the line will present their identification. If the ID isn’t compliant, individuals might be directed to another line for additional processing.

We acknowledge that this constitutes a security concern.
Congress
Has gone through numerous revisions over the years as officials have reconsidered whether to amend or abolish it. The Biden administration opted for implementation on May 7th, and we plan to adhere to this legal requirement.”

Noem guaranteed that the shift to the new identification methods “will be as smooth as possible,” ensuring it won’t disrupt travelers’ plans. She also mentioned that because of this legislation, governmental authorities will have clarity on who is permitted to travel.

The DHS released the following guidelines on their website:

Travelers presenting a government-issued ID that does not meet REAL ID standards and lacking an alternate valid option such as a passport might encounter holdups, extra scrutiny, and potentially be denied access to the security checkpoint.

Gad Allon, who teaches at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, stated
He anticipates that the early implementation of REAL ID will lead to confusion for travelers.

Allon mentioned that people will queue up only to discover they lack the proper identification. He also noted that any extra time TSA agents must dedicate to handling each individual will detract from overall efficiency.

If the TSA isn’t planning to substantially boost its workforce for that particular week, dedicating an additional minute per individual without a REAL ID and providing explanations would prolong wait times for all travelers. Whenever possible, try to reschedule your flight during another period.

What People Are Saying

A representative from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety stated
:

An enhanced driver’s license (EDL), which is among the three options provided by Minnesota, offers extra advantages over a regular license or REAL ID. Since EDLs satisfy and often surpass all the federal requirements for a REAL ID, they are classified as a REAL ID-compliant license.

Their identical gold stars signify a REAL ID and confirm federal approval for domestic flights post-May 7th. Regardless of which state an EDL is shown in, these documents meet REAL ID standards.

A representative from TSA formerly informed
:

“We are actively encouraging passengers who do not have either a state-issued REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID to give themselves plenty of time for additional screening at TSA checkpoints.”

What Happens Next

If your current identification is not REAL ID-compliant and you intend to travel by air, you must make an appointment with your local office and bring your current form of ID, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport, birth certificate, or other proof of legal presence document, and a certified legal name-change document if your name is different from what is on your birth certificate.

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