BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A federal statute from 2005 will be implemented after two decades, affecting access to critical locations such as federal facilities, nuclear sites, and airports starting next week.
Back in 2005, Congress enacted the Real ID Act,” explained Scott Hardin from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. “The act essentially mandated that each state must provide an identification card requiring the same specific documentation nationwide.
As per Hardin, the identification serves merely as a way to confirm your identity, a crucial aspect for TSA security during air travel.
It ensures that each traveler is indeed a confirmed individual, matching the name on their ID with the one on their ticket,” explained TSA’s Patricia Mancha. “This measure enhances safety for everyone.
By the May 7 deadline, all passengers intending to travel domestically or internationally must present a Real ID for verification purposes when boarding an aircraft.
If you’re unsure about getting it, Macha mentioned that the TSA accepts several other forms of ID for boarding.
- A passport
- A green card
- Department of Defense ID
- Identity verification for members of tribes officially acknowledged by the federal government
- TWIC card
“If you don’t have any of those, then make sure that you get to the airport early,” said Mancha. “We say two hours before your domestic flight, three hours before your international flight. But if you don’t have a Real ID, add 2 hours to that, because it’s not a fast process.”
Macha stated that without the Real ID, the TSA cannot ensure your ability to travel, but they are ready to assist you.
“As much as we strive to ensure everyone has their Real ID, there will inevitably be some delays,” according to XNA’s Olivia Tyler.
Macha additionally mentioned that individuals who are younger than 18 years old are exempt from needing the Real ID; however, their parents or guardians still require it.
As stated by the TSA across the country, there are still millions of individuals yet to obtain their Real ID despite reaching an 81% compliance rate. Nevertheless, in Arkansas—referred to as the Natural State—Hardin noted that residents are stepping up efforts to secure their Real IDs with the approaching deadline.
“In the past ten days, we’ve handed out more than 50,000 units within this ten-day window, which means our revenue officers are currently processing over 5,000 per day,” stated Hardin.
Despite the deadline being just one week away, Hardin stated that you can still secure your Real ID afterward, emphasizing that getting the identification remains an option.
To learn more about Real ID, visit the
The Department of Homeland Security’s official site
.
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