SAN FRANCISCO (AP) —
REAL ID
Requirements for those traveling by air inside the United States start Wednesday after approximately two decades of postponements.
On the day before the deadline, crowds gathered at governmental facilities nationwide to obtain their compliant identification cards. In Chicago, authorities set up a Real ID Supercenter for drop-in visits, whereas those in California and other locations prepared to maintain longer operational hours due to the high volume of bookings.
“I’m here today to ensure I won’t miss the deadline, which is tomorrow,” stated Marion Henderson, who submitted her application for a REAL ID on Tuesday in Jackson, Mississippi.
Homeland Security Secretary
Kristi Noem
On Tuesday, officials reassured individuals without a REAL ID who still require taking a domestic flight as of Wednesday that they would be permitted to board after completing extra identity verification processes.
A few people grumbled about having to obtain the ID post queuing up for multiple hours.
Michael Aceto stood in queue at a DMV location in King of Prussia, Philadelphia, for roughly two and a half hours on Tuesday prior to obtaining his REAL ID.
It’s quite inconvenient. It truly takes up a significant amount of time. Everyone has to take leave from their job just to attend,” he stated. “In my opinion, it’s a huge waste of time.
The Transportation Security Administration warned people who don’t have identification that complies with REAL ID requirements to arrive early at the airport and be prepared for advanced screening to avoid causing delays.
In recent weeks, the updated regulations have sparked extensive conversations across various platforms like Reddit threads and Facebook groups. Many individuals have voiced their confusion regarding travel possibilities without a REAL ID, exchanged information on processing durations, and sought guidance on fulfilling these criteria.
Noem informed a congressional committee that 81% of travelers currently possess REAL IDs. She mentioned that security check points will continue to accept passports and tribal identifications as they have been doing so far.
Individuals without an identification that meets the REAL ID requirements “might be redirected to another queue or go through an additional process,” according to Noem.
But individuals will have permission to travel by air,” she stated. “We aim to ensure that the process is as smooth as possible.
The REAL ID is a federal-compliant driver’s license or ID card issued by states as per Department of Homeland Security guidelines. This document serves as a heightened security measure for identification purposes. The concept originated from recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission and became official through legislation enacted in 2005. Initially planned for deployment in 2008, the rollout has faced delays during execution.
repeatedly delayed
.
“The primary objective here is to enhance verification for people passing through checkpoints, ensuring they are indeed who they claim to be,” stated Thomas Carter, the TSA’s Federal Security Director in New Jersey.
Carter said those without a REAL ID should give themselves extra time to clear security.
“If they proceed with that, I don’t believe it will result in passengers missing their flights even with the extra time required,” he stated.
In addition to being a legitimate means for flying within the country, individuals will require a REAL ID to gain entry into various federal buildings and facilities.
Government agencies responsible for issuing driver’s licenses and state identification cards have experienced a substantial rise in requests for REAL ID. To accommodate this surge, many of these offices have lengthened their operating hours. Certain authorities suggest that individuals postpone obtaining REAL ID-compliant licenses and cards unless they anticipate needing them within the coming several months.
“We are encouraging people who have passports or other REAL ID-compliant documents and people who don’t have travel plans in the next few months to wait until after the current rush to apply for a REAL ID,” said Erin Johnson, a spokesperson with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Johnson mentioned that the department has witnessed a considerable rise in the demand for REAL IDs recently. In February, they received over 48,000 requests for a REAL ID, which surged to almost double at more than 99,000 in April, as she pointed out.
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Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Rebecca Santana from Washington, D.C., Janie Har from San Francisco, Joseph Frederick from Newark, New Jersey, and Tassanee Vejpongsa from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
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