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Don’t Miss the Deadline: Secure Your REAL ID by May 7 for Domestic Flights

The federal enforcement date for this is May 7.
REAL ID
in Pennsylvania.

If your plans include domestic air travel starting from May 7th, you’ll need either a REAL ID or a valid U.S. passport along with an approved state-issued photo ID for identification purposes when boarding a flight, entering federal buildings, or accessing areas within a nuclear facility.

Other forms of identification to clear the security process for boarding a plane include a U.S. passport card, DHS trusted travelers card or military ID.

Derek Martin, who serves as the executive director of the
Erie International Airport
He mentioned that obtaining a REAL ID is a straightforward process and will grant you entry to places that many Americans require access to at various points in their lives.

“You should go get it,” Martin said. “It’s a painless process and people who are having problems are ones that are having to get their names changed because of marriage or have improper identification.”

You can visit
PennDOT’s website
Or visit the driver license center located at 7200 Peach Street to learn about the necessary documents needed for obtaining a REAL ID.
The REAL ID website
indicates that you must have documents showing your complete legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of your primary residence’s address, and your immigration status.

A REAL ID has taken a considerable amount of time to arrive.

A few weeks prior to the actual implementation of the REAL ID requirements, officials from the Erie International Airport together with Pennsylvania’s Transportation Secretary Michael Carroll and representatives from AAA organized a collaborative press event aimed at spreading awareness about this upcoming change.

Martin stated that efforts to promote REAL IDs began in 2019, however, the implementation deadlines have been repeatedly delayed over the years.

The
REAL ID Act
Was enacted by Congress in 2005 to implement the 9/11 Commission’s suggestion that “the federal government establish criteria for identity documents like driver’s licenses and ID cards,” as stated on the Department of Homeland Security site. The legislation introduced “minimal security requirements for issuing and producing these licenses” and barred federal entities from recognizing non-compliant driver’s licenses and IDs for specific official uses.

Martin stated that the REAL ID is not only required for air travel; it is also necessary for accessing federal facilities or interacting with the Social Security Administration.

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What happens if you don’t possess a REAL ID when traveling through the airport?

Authorities at the Erie International Airport do not anticipate a completely seamless transition process. They understand that some issues, delays, and perhaps a bit of initial confusion might arise.

There may be some issues for those who do not frequently travel,” Martin stated. “Individuals traveling over the past couple of months via TSA mentioned that starting from May 7th, individuals arriving without valid ID won’t get clearance. However, if someone doesn’t possess their REAL ID but has a passport instead, this document can serve as an acceptable form of identification.

For air travel within the U.S., individuals aged 18 and over must present either a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a valid U.S. passport (along with an approved state-issued identification card). Additional accepted forms of identification encompass a U.S. passport card, Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards, and military IDs.

Get to the airport early when traveling

Regarding any protocols for travel with or without a REAL ID, Erie International Airport intends to address each situation individually.

“The suggestion nationwide is to get to the airport early,” Martin said. “That way you don’t have any hiccups.”

Passengers might face certain holdups during their journey, particularly when passing through big airports where numerous flights depart at similar times.

If we’re dealing with a Breeze flight departing at the same time as an American Airlines flight, around 200 travelers will be attempting to pass through security,” Martin explained. “At other airports heading towards places such as Las Vegas, you’ll encounter even larger crowds passing through security checkpoints. Therefore, arriving well-prepared and carrying valid ID could make your journey smoother.

If you cannot obtain a REAL ID by the enforcement deadline on May 7 but still need to fly, Martin recommends bringing alternative forms of official identification such as a Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate.

“However, these types of items can help you verify your identity to the TSA agents,” Martin explained.

If you require more details about a REAL ID, check out the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s website
.

Contact Nicholas Sorensen at
Nsorensen@gannett.com
.

The article initially appeared in the Erie Times-News.
Time marches on: Ensure you have your REAL ID before May 7 for domestic flights.