Although federal law requires U.S. residents to start using a REAL ID by May 7, authorities stated on Tuesday that individuals without one can still board planes but will have to follow some additional procedures—for now.
“Individuals will have the opportunity to travel by air,” Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated during a meeting with a congressional committee on Tuesday. “We aim to ensure this process is as smooth as possible.”
Residents of the U.S. have been informed that they will require an updated REAL ID to travel domestically within the country and to enter specific federal buildings and facilities starting from this Wednesday.
But Noem said Tuesday that for now, those without a REAL ID at the airport “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step.”
“But what we’re communicating to everyone is that this law will indeed be implemented, enabling us to identify individuals within our borders — to ascertain their identities and confirm that they have permission to move about freely,” Noem stated on Tuesday.
REAL IDs are federal-compliant identification documents issued by states, suggested by the 9/11 Commission and required through legislation enacted in 2005. Initially set for implementation in 2008, the introduction of these IDs has faced multiple postponements.
Most states’ newly issued REAL IDs feature a star in the upper corner; however, others may use different designs such as a star enclosed within another emblem or an image of the American flag.
Noem stated that 81% of travelers across the country have already met the REAL ID requirements. Additionally, security will accept passports and tribal identifications following the Wednesday deadline.
A MassDOT representative stated on Tuesday that in Massachusetts, 58% of all active registration credentials, licenses, and ID cards comply with the REAL ID standards.
For the past few weeks, Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) offices have provided dedicated in-person, drop-in services exclusively forREAL ID applications, and they plan to keep this up for now, as stated by MassDOT.
Mark Schieldrop, a representative from AAA, stated that those without imminent travel plans or a current passport can obtain a REAL ID “at your convenience.”
We’re noticing many people feeling quite urgent about obtaining a Real ID—and it’s wonderful that they want one—but there seems to be some misunderstanding regarding the specific requirements,” Schieldrop stated. “Your standard driver’s license remains a valid form of identification in Massachusetts, and Real IDs will continue to be an option.
“Ultimately, having a Real ID will ensure your passage through TSA security checkpoints goes as smoothly as possible, but in the short term, we don’t expect folks finding themselves unable to fly next week,” Schieldrop added.
Related Articles
-
What measures can cruise ship passengers take to protect themselves against the most recent strain of norovirus?
-
The Secretary of Homeland Security states that individuals without a REAL ID can still travel by air for the moment, though they might face additional procedures.
-
Don’t possess a REAL ID yet? It might lead to travel complications after May 7.
-
What to know about flight delays and cancellations at Newark airport
-
A giant sculpture of Gandalf riding an eagle departs New Zealand airport for good
More information about federal requirements and how to get a REAL ID, including required documents and RMV locations, can be found at
mass.gov/real-id
.
Additional details regarding valid forms of ID for TSA clearance at airports can be accessed here.
tsa.gov/identification
.
Leave a Reply