The prerequisites for REAL IDs needed for internal flights across the U.S. will come into play on Wednesday following multiple postponements spread over almost 20 years.
The fresh rules have led to an increase in rush-hour submissions, as lengthy queues formed outside public agencies nationwide in the run-up to the filing deadline.
To address the higher demand, authorities have put into place several strategies to manage the surge of applications.
Chicago
set up a specialized “Real ID Supercenter” providing walk-in appointment services, while
California
Other states prolonged their office hours to handle the surge of appointments.
“I’m here today to avoid being late on the deadline, which is tomorrow,” explained Marion Henderson, who submitted her application for a REAL ID on Tuesday.
Jackson
,
Mississippi
, emphasizing the broad initiative aimed at obtaining verified identification.
Despite the looming deadline,
Homeland Security
Secretary
Kristi Noem
provided comfort to those who have not yet acquired a REAL ID. People required to fly within the country on Wednesday will continue to be allowed entry after completing extra identification confirmation processes.
Nonetheless, the procedure hasn’t been devoid of irritations. Several candidates voiced dissatisfaction regarding the extended waiting periods, with accounts of people lining up for many hours just to get the required identification.
For example, Michael Aceto waited around two and a half hours at the DMV in King of Prussia.
Philadelphia
, before ultimately obtaining his REAL ID on Tuesday.
It’s quite inconvenient. It truly takes up a significant amount of time. Everyone has to take leave from their job just to attend,” he stated. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s a huge waste of time.
The
Transportation Security Administration
warned people who don’t have identification that complies with REAL ID requirements to arrive early at the airport and be prepared for advanced screening to avoid causing delays.
The updated requirements have sparked numerous discussions.
Reddit
threads and
Facebook
In recent weeks, group discussions have seen many individuals voicing their confusion over whether traveling without a REAL ID is permissible. They’ve also shared information regarding long wait times and sought guidance on fulfilling the necessary criteria.
Noem informed a congressional committee that 81% of travelers already possess REAL IDs.
IDs
She mentioned that security checkpoints will continue to accept both passports and tribal IDs, as has been the case up until now.
Those who still lack an identification that complies with the REAL ID law “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,” Noem said.
But individuals will have permission to travel by air,” she stated. “We aim to ensure the process is as smooth as possible.
The REAL ID is a federal-compliant driver’s license or identity document issued by states, which Homeland Security asserts provides enhanced security features. This concept originated as a suggestion from the 9/11 Commission and became official through legislation enacted in 2005. Initially planned for deployment in 2008, the rollout has faced multiple postponements over time.
¨The whole idea here is to better validate those individuals that were encountering a checkpoint to ensure they are who exactly they say they are,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director in
New Jersey
.
Carter advised that individuals lacking a REAL ID should allow additional time for clearance procedures.
“If they proceed with that, I don’t believe it will lead to passengers missing their flights even with the extra time required,” he stated.
In addition to being a legitimate means for flying within the country, individuals will require a REAL ID to enter various federal buildings and facilities.
Government agencies responsible for issuing driver’s licenses and state identification cards have experienced a substantial rise in requests for REAL ID. In response, several of these offices have lengthened their operating hours to accommodate this surge. Certain authorities suggest that individuals who do not urgently require REAL ID-compliant documents due to upcoming travel plans might want to delay obtaining them until later.
“We are encouraging people who have passports or other REAL ID-compliant documents and people who don’t have travel plans in the next few months to wait until after the current rush to apply for a REAL ID,” said Erin Johnson, a spokesperson with the
Minnesota
Department of Public Safety
.
Johnson stated that the department has experienced a substantial rise in the demand for REAL IDs recently. In February, they received over 48,000 applications for a REAL ID; this number has almost doubled to more than 99,000 in April, as per her statement.
The Independent stands out as the globe’s premier source of unbiased reporting, offering international news, opinions, and insights tailored for those with an independent mindset. With a vast worldwide audience comprising people who appreciate our reliable perspective and dedication to fostering constructive transformation, we continue to pursue our objective: driving meaningful progress. This endeavor remains more crucial than ever before.
Leave a Reply