A long-teased new
travel
documentation requirements for traveling domestically
US
will be strictly implemented starting today.
Starting from May 7, American travelers require
REAL ID
to smoothly navigate through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening points for internal flights
flights
.
For several months prior to the deadline, the TSA had been urging people to apply for enhanced IDs. Regular state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards will no longer be accepted for flying. The distinctive mark on REAL IDs is either a star or a flag symbol in the upper right corner of the card.
Yesterday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem informed a congressional committee that 81% of U.S. travelers have acquired REAL IDs.
However, since roughly one in five Americans do not yet have REAL IDs, both travelers and airport staff might encounter confusion, disorder, and longer queues at security screening points. This situation could occur even though the U.S. has implemented some leniency regarding this requirement.
Travelers without a REAL ID can continue flying for now, but they ‘might be redirected to another line or go through additional steps,’ according to Noem.
“We’ll ensure it goes as smoothly as we can,” she stated.
Acceptable substitutes for the REAL ID encompass passports and tribal IDs. Individuals who are not U.S. citizens are required to have a passport to access the country, hence their screening criteria and procedures stay unaltered.
Alternative IDs for traveling domestically
As of May 7, state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards can no longer be used for domestic travel. In addition to a REAL ID, these documents are also acceptable:
- US passport
- US passport card
- A passport issued by another country’s government
- Cards like Global Entry, FAST, NEXUS, and SENTRI from DHS trusted traveler programs
- Border crossing card
- U.S. Department of Defense Identification Card
- A valid identification card provided by a federally acknowledged Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Work Permit Card (Form I-766)
- Veteran Health Identification Card
- US Merchant Mariner Credential
Authorities have gotten ready for the implementation of REAL ID and indicate that they are not expecting a backlog once the new regulations come into play.
“TSA is making plans to guarantee minimal effect on waiting periods or TSA screening activities,” stated Lisa Farbstein, a representative of the agency for the New York City area.
New York Post
.
Farbstein stated that individuals traveling with just a state-issued ID will be informed about their non-compliance and might face extra security checks.
The implementation of the REAL ID requirement has been awaited for a considerable time. Originally slated for rollout in 2020, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic led to an accumulation of transaction backlogs at Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices throughout the country.
To obtain a REAL ID, you can go to the MVD website or head over to your nearby Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Ensure you bring documents that include your complete legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number, evidence of residence, and proof of lawful status.
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