On Wednesday, May 7, the Real ID Act will take effect in Texas. From this day forward, all individuals arriving at airports must possess an ID card with Real ID validation to boarding their flights. In Texas, this requirement can be identified by a symbol located at the upper-right corner of the identification document: a gold-outlined depiction of the state featuring a central golden star within a circular pattern.
Under Real ID, individuals must confirm their identities both when obtaining the documents and upon presenting boarding passes,” explained TSA media representative Patricia Mancha during her visit to Midland International Air and Space Port earlier this week. “This significantly enhances security measures at all airports and for all flights.
The legislation was initially approved by the government in 2005 as an optional additional security measure, prompted by recommendations from the 9/11 Commission report. However, its implementation has faced significant delays totaling over twenty years due to various factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, substantial opposition from multiple state governments concerned about possible complications, and the extensive duration needed for every American citizen to obtain the necessary certification.
We needed to confirm that every one of the 50 states along with all U.S. territories were distributing this document and ensure individuals have sufficient time to obtain their compliant IDs,” stated Mancha. “Therefore, no more excuses. The moment has come for compliance.
Individuals without a Real ID-compliant ID must show alternative documents like a passport, employment authorization document, permanent resident card, military identity proof, or transportation industry badge to the Transportation Security Administration officer. Subsequently, they will face an extensive line of questioning about their travel plans, which may take considerable time.
Currently, we request that passengers arrive at the airport two hours prior to their domestic flights and three hours ahead of their international flights,” Mancha stated. “However, starting from May 7th, individuals without a Real ID should plan to add another two hours to this timeline—so essentially, four hours for domestic and seven hours for international flights—if they aren’t Real ID compliant.
It strongly advised to obtain a Real ID at your earliest convenience, particularly before any planned summer trips. To acquire one, bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, and evidence of residence to a DMV office for application processing.
Exceptions can be granted to those who have misplaced their IDs, but they will still need to go through TSA’s questioning and be at the airport earlier as a result. People under the age of 18 are not required to receive the certification, although TSA heavily warns adolescents against using fake IDs with Real ID on them.
Alongside numerous delays, the legislation has sparked considerable debate. Upon initial enactment, several states denounced it for infringing upon states’ rights; notably, Texas introduced two bills aimed at prohibiting the enforcement of this law within its borders. The bill has further faced criticism from activist organizations over concerns about personal privacy, such as one’s chosen gender identity and immigration background, along with provisions that could lead to stricter criteria for deportation or denial of asylum.
Although TSA couldn’t provide details on what persuaded Texas to alter its stance or how the state plans to uphold the federal right to privacy, they stated that they won’t store individuals’ personal data beyond the verification process.
Mancha stated, “We don’t maintain a repository or database; our sole objective is to confirm your identity. It’s the Transportation Security Administration’s duty to guarantee the safety of each individual reaching the checkpoint. Traveling is a choice granted to everyone, and upon arriving at the airport, individuals enjoy the privilege of feeling secure, which is precisely what we aim to provide.”
As a result of previous initiatives aimed at ensuring most residents obtain a Real ID, Texas will be among the first states to completely enforce this legislation.
The state of Texas has achieved nearly full compliance with only one issue remaining, standing at about 98%,” stated Mancha. “Nevertheless, nationwide, we’re looking at an 81% adherence rate, indicating that millions of individuals and travelers still lack a Real ID.
The intention of the U.S. government is for the entire nation to be
in full compliance by May 5, 2027
.
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