SIoux Falls, SD (Dakota News Now) – A crucial measure long awaited for national security is finally being implemented.
We aim to ensure that everything goes smoothly and passengers can stick to their planned schedules,” stated Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “However, we want everyone to understand that this new regulation will be implemented. It will enable us to identify individuals within our borders—confirming their identities and verifying whether they have permission to travel.
South Dakotans won’t be affected directly because the state has been compliant with Real IDs since 2009, over 99% of IDs were Real ID compliant. Therefore, it should have that gold star at the top right corner, whether it’s a driver’s license or regular ID.
Obtaining a Real ID involves several additional procedures such as submitting your birth certificate, proof(s) of residence, and Social Security information.
“Besides locating those documents in your storage, which might take a bit more time, it isn’t really adding too much extra work,” stated Shawn Steward, the Public Affairs Manager at AAA.
However, residents of a few states including Minnesota should be aware that even if they don’t have a Real ID and instead have the enhanced ID that Minnesota and four other states offer, they will now be able to use that for flights.
Steward mentioned that travelers ought to keep this in mind to prevent any additional confusion at the airports.
“Particularly if your flights start from a bigger city or a busy airport with high traffic, you might experience some hold-ups at the TSA security checks,” Steward explained.
If you leave behind the required ID at home, according to Travel Agent Melissa Sutton, who is also a co-owner of Up and Away Travels, TSA might accept a digital version if absolutely needed.
The video edition of this tale fails to mention that passengers should verify with TSA whether a digital copy will be deemed acceptable.
According to Sutton, if someone lives in another city, possesses a passport but doesn’t carry it, and also lacks a Real ID, they could ask someone from their home town to create a photocopy of the passport and forward it to them. This copy would be acceptable for presentation to TSA.
If you do not possess a Real ID or an enhanced driver’s license, consider using alternative forms of identification such as a passport, a Trusted Traveler Card, or one of the accepted IDs detailed on the TSA website.
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