In just a few weeks, starting May 7, individuals preparing to fly out of United States airports will be required to present TSA agents with a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another form of compliant identification to navigate through security and board their flights. Failure to provide a REAL ID could result in delays, heightened screening, or the inability to proceed through the checkpoint, as stated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The impending REAL ID enforcement, which has faced numerous delays since its initial deadline in 2008, has caused confusion among travelers regarding their states’ specific requirements. Many find themselves in a state of panic as they attempt to secure appointments at overwhelmed Department of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) across the country.
As of January 2024, federal documents reveal that only approximately 56% of driver’s licenses and IDs currently in circulation in the United States adhere to REAL ID standards. The Department of Homeland Security has projected that by the looming May 7 deadline, a mere 61.2% of driver’s licenses and IDs will be compliant. Notably, an encouraging 81% of individuals passing through TSA checkpoints already possess REAL IDs or other compliant forms of identification.
DMVs Overwhelmed
DMVs nationwide are grappling with extensive wait times as individuals rush to acquire their REAL ID driver’s licenses. However, some DMVs are proactively addressing the situation by providing solutions for those seeking last-minute appointments. In New York, select DMVs will extend their operating hours on Thursdays and release fresh appointment slots daily. Additionally, REAL ID applications will be processed at the New York International Auto Show, hosted from April 18 to April 27 at the Javits Center in Manhattan. Meanwhile, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has announced that 18 offices across the state will open earlier four days a week for REAL ID appointments. Similarly, Illinois has established a “Real ID Supercenter” that caters to walk-in appointments.
Aixa Diaz, a spokesperson from AAA, suggested that individuals may need to adopt a traditional approach by refreshing their web browsers each morning to check for available appointments. She likened the situation to scheduling doctor’s appointments, where cancellations often open up slots. Diaz also cautioned that upon completion of their appointment, applicants will receive a temporary paper copy of their ID, which TSA will not acknowledge. Hence, they must await the arrival of their physical ID in the mail.
Alternative Options and Preparation
In cases where securing a REAL ID appointment proves challenging, individuals can explore alternative avenues. Some local AAA branches may offer appointments for REAL ID processing; however, not all offices provide this service, and some exclusively cater to members. Diaz advises travelers to contact AAA branches in advance and be prepared to pay any associated fees.
Applicants are encouraged to consult the Department of Homeland Security website to understand their state’s specific prerequisites and the necessary documentation to bring to their appointment. Moreover, individuals facing difficulties in securing a REAL ID appointment can rely on a valid passport as compliant identification, even after the May 7 deadline, to navigate through the TSA checkpoint.
Should travelers arrive at the airport without compliant identification post-May 7, TSA has warned of potential delays and challenges at the security checkpoint. Passengers presenting a non-REAL ID compliant state-issued identification, sans an acceptable alternative like a passport, may encounter extended screening procedures, delays, and the risk of being denied entry into the security checkpoint.
