Alright, so like, apparently travelers who forgot to get a REAL ID by the deadline this week can still fly, according to the big boss at Homeland Security. She mentioned this on Tuesday while folks were lining up for hours outside government buildings all over the place, trying to upgrade their IDs before the big deadline hits.
Kristi Noem spilled the beans to a group of lawmakers, saying that 81% of travelers already have IDs that meet the REAL ID rules. She also mentioned that security checkpoints will also accept passports and tribal IDs once the deadline rolls around on Wednesday. For those who are still lacking a proper ID, they might have to go through an extra step or be sent to a different line, but hey, at least they can still fly, right?
Starting Wednesday, people flying within the country need to show a Real ID or another acceptable form of ID, like a passport. The Transportation Security Administration is warning those without a REAL ID to show up early and be ready for extra screening to prevent any hold-ups. Thomas Carter from the TSA in New Jersey thinks that if folks give themselves enough time, they shouldn’t have any problems making their flights on time.
Government offices across the nation have extended their hours to help folks get their REAL IDs in time. Despite that, some people still had to wait for hours on Tuesday to get their IDs before the deadline. Renel Leggett, a student from Pennsylvania, spent a good chunk of her day getting her REAL ID and wasn’t too pleased about it.
If you’re still without a Real ID, here’s the scoop before you fly. Make sure to give yourself enough time and bring along some patience.
REAL ID is a super secure form of ID that the government has been pushing since 2005. It was recommended after 9/11 as a way to tighten up security. Even though it was supposed to be in place by 2008, there have been a bunch of delays. In addition to needing a REAL ID to fly within the U.S., you’ll also need one to enter certain federal buildings and facilities.
Noem has been sounding the alarm about the looming deadline. In a TV ad from Homeland Security, she reminded everyone that these IDs are crucial for air travel and accessing public buildings.
A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license will have a star or some symbol in the top corner in most states. California has about 58% of its driver’s license holders compliant with REAL ID. They’ve extended DMV hours to help more folks get the proper ID. If you already have a valid U.S. passport, you can use that instead and wait to upgrade to a REAL ID when it’s time to renew your license or ID.
Lucas Krump, a traveler from New Jersey, was using his passport to breeze through security on his trip to San Francisco. He’s not thrilled about the whole process and thinks it’s a bit of a hassle.
The deadline for enforcing REAL IDs has been pushed back several times since 2005, with the current date set for Wednesday, May 7, 2025. In Mississippi, folks were able to get their REAL IDs without much hassle on Tuesday.
Marion Henderson, who planned to travel all over the country this year, decided to get her REAL ID ahead of time. She wanted to be prepared for her trips to California, Michigan, Chicago, and New York.
So, all in all, it seems like getting a REAL ID is a bit of a pain, but it’s necessary if you want to fly or access certain buildings. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time and be patient as you navigate the process. And hey, if you’re still confused, maybe just bring your passport and hope for the best.
