Starting this Wednesday, passengers must show a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card when going through TSA security checks at American airports. Nevertheless, according to statements made by both TSA and Department of Homeland Security representatives, those without such compliant IDs will still be allowed to fly; they just might encounter extra scrutiny which can result in delays.
The Real ID Act, enacted by Congress in 2005 as part of measures taken following September 11th, aimed to combat identity theft and terrorism through standardized federal safety protocols for identification documents issued by states. This law came about based on suggestions from the 9/11 Commission when it was discovered that some attackers had utilized counterfeit IDs to get onto flights.
In 2016, Texas started issuing these compliant licenses and IDs, and according to federal data, 98% of Texans currently have one.
“People with a Texas state driver’s license, as far as I understand, more than 95 percent of us include the star,” stated Sean Donohue, the departing CEO of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, IDs that meet the requirements of the Real ID Act have a gold star located in the top-right corner.
However, in neighboring states such as Oklahoma and Louisiana, adherence remains behind. Approximately 44% of Oklahomans possess compliant identification, with only 32% of Louisianans reported to be compliant according to state authorities.
Despite Texas’ high compliance rate, visitors continue to arrive at Department of Public Safety (DPS) locations before the deadline.
“We’re starting with her obtaining an identification card first and then moving up to a driver’s license,” explained Lester Flin as he accompanied his granddaughter to a Grand Prairie DPS location on Tuesday. Although minors below 18 years old do not need to present ID for domestic flights.
Flin mentioned that he is already compliant with Real ID regulations, and knowing that his granddaughter has some form of identification makes him feel more secure from a safety perspective.
“Should there be any issue, she has the ability to demonstrate this and inform others of her legitimacy,” Flin stated.
Even after years of phased implementation and multiple delays, the ultimate enforcement date will be May 7, 2025, as stated by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.
Donohue doesn’t expect significant disturbances at DFW Airport; however, he admitted that travelers coming from areas with less compliance might encounter difficulties when heading back home or proceeding to their subsequent destination. “Still, TSA is putting in considerable effort to assist customers as they navigate this transition,” he stated.
On Tuesday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated during a congressional hearing that travelers lacking a Real ID would not be denied boarding; however, they will undergo “extra security checks.”
If it doesn’t meet compliance standards, passengers might be rerouted to another check-in lane and could face additional steps,” Noem stated. “However, individuals will still be permitted to board their flights.
For those without a Real ID, a valid U.S. passport is still accepted as an alternative form of identification. Those who aren’t compliant are asked to show up early at the airport and to anticipate delays.
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