SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – A long overdue step for national security is finally coming to fruition.
“We will make sure that it is as seamless as possible and that travelers will get to stay on their intended itinerary, but we are telling people that this law will be enforced, and it will allow us to know individuals in this country, who they are and if they’re authorized to travel,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.
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 of residence documents, and your Social Security number.
“Other than trying to track down those documents in your storage, that may take a few minutes longer, but it’s not that much of an additional burden,” AAA Public Affairs Manager Shawn Steward said.
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 said travelers should be aware of that to avoid adding any confusion at the airports.
“Particularly if your flights start from a bigger city or a busy airport with high traffic, you might experience some holdups at the TSA security checks,” Steward explained.
If you leave behind the required ID at home, according to Travel Agent Melissa Sutton, who co-owns Up andAway Travels, the TSA might accept a digital version if needed.
The video edition of this tale fails to mention that travelers should verify with TSA whether a digital copy will be accepted.
According to Sutton, if someone lives in another city and possesses a passport but doesn’t carry it along, 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, Trusted Traveler Card, or one of the accepted IDs detailed on the TSA website.
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