Any Americans boarding domestic flights could be caught out by a major ID shake-up which comes into force this week.
Whether you're taking a business trip or escaping on vacation, one thing’s universal: nobody wants additional airport stress.
But that’s exactly what you might get if you miss one crucial change that’s quietly kicking in this week.
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As of Wednesday (May 7), only REAL ID drivers licences and state ID cards will be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.
A REAL ID is a state-issued license that meets federal security standards, featuring a star in the upper-right corner. Aside from boarding domestic flights, it’s also required for accessing secure federal facilities and power plants.
The long-delayed enforcement - which begins today (May 7) - marks a significant step in a 20-year effort to tighten ID requirements after 9/11 under the 2005 REAL ID Act.
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Passengers who don't yet have REAL ID are being advised to travel with an acceptable alternative, such as a passport.
However, you'll likely be subject to extra checks upon security check-in.
What will happen if I don't have a REAL ID?
If you show up without a REAL ID and don’t have another acceptable form of ID, then you can expect a bit of a detour.
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The TSA website explains that officers will let you know you’re not in compliance and may direct you to a separate area for additional screening, even if you’re a TSA PreCheck member.
To confirm your identity, a TSA officer might ask for personal details like your name and current address.
If they’re able to verify who you are, you’ll still be allowed through - but you’ll likely still face extra screening before getting to your gate.
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And let's face it, no-one wants that kind of hassle.
The TSA website states: "You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed."
Will I be turned away if I don't have a REAL ID?
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According to Steve Lorincz, TSA’s deputy executive assistant administrator for security operations, passengers without REAL IDs will not be turned away at airports.
“We will process you [and you] will not be turned away,” he told CNN. “It might take some additional time, but we’re going to do it efficiently. We are fully staffed at all locations across the country.”
What ID can I use at the checkpoints?
According to the TSA, acceptable forms of ID include state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL), US passport or passport card, permanent resident card or a border crossing card, with others including:
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
However, they added that the list is 'subject to change without notice', so travellers should check to see if their ID is still valid.
When you apply for or renew your driver’s license or state ID card, you can choose to make it REAL ID-compliant.
The process of getting a REAL ID and what documents you must provide depends on your state. You can find out more here.
A TSA spokesperson told UNILAD: “TSA started full enforcement of the REAL ID law, and no longer accepts state-issued identifications that are not REAL ID compliant.
“Those who arrive at TSA airport checkpoints without an acceptable identification receive a warning that they presented a non-compliant ID and may be subject to additional screening.”
They continued: “The good news is that 81 percent of passengers already use their REAL ID or other acceptable forms so we do not expect there to be any inconveniences or wait times at all.
“TSA will enforce REAL ID in a manner that minimizes the impact to overall operations and especially for those passengers who are prepared with their REAL ID, passport or other acceptable form of ID.
“Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening.
“TSA is planning accordingly to ensure no impact to wait times or TSA screening operations.”
Ellie Kemp