The much-anticipated REAL ID deadline will arrive on May 7.
Starting then,
Travelers from the U.S. who are 18 years old and above
must show a Real-ID compliant driver’s license or another valid form of identification — like a passport — for boarding domestic flights or entering specific federal buildings. This modification, almost
twenty years in the making
The 2005 REAL ID Act gave rise to this initiative, with the primary objective of boosting national security after the events of September 11, 2001. The rollout has encountered numerous postponements primarily because states struggled to meet the required standards, a situation further complicated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To acquire a REAL ID, applicants need to visit their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office personally and provide documents confirming their complete legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, as well as two forms proving residency and lawful presence. Some states also provide
online preapplication processes
, most necessitate a physical appearance to complete the application process.
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Processing durations may differ, with certain applicants encountering
delays of up to 45 days
, particularly with the surge in demand before the deadline.
For individuals who have not obtained a REAL ID by the specified date, other acceptable forms of identification like a valid U.S. passport, military ID, or Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler card will continue to be honored at TSA checkpoints. Nevertheless, passengers without these compliant documents might face possible holdups, extra scrutiny, or potentially being turned away at security areas.
With the enforcement date drawing near, travelers are advised to check their identity papers and make plans in advance to guarantee hassle-free journeys.
According to
DHS
Real ID-compliant cards will feature a star symbol at the “upper part of the card.”
In places such as California, the emblem features a star superimposed over an outline of a bear, whereas in various other states, a straightforward gold-colored star is included on Real ID cards.
The article initially appeared on USA TODAY:
The REAL ID compliance date is nearly upon us: Here’s what travelers should know before heading off
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