Travelers lacking REAL ID will undergo additional security checks, yet will still be permitted to fly temporarily, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Let's dive into the hustle and bustle of Capitol Hill, where we grabbed a chat with lawmakers about the upcoming REAL ID rollout on May 7. (Credit: Nicholas Ballasy)
Now, here's the lowdown: folks without their REAL IDs can still jet-set post-May 7, but they'll face extra scrutiny and potential holdups at the airport. That's right! Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem spilled the beans at a House Appropriations Committee hearing on Tuesday. You see, 81% of travelers are already sporting IDs that meet REAL ID's requirements. And guess what? Security checkpoints will gladly accept passports and tribal IDs when the deadline arrives on Wednesday.
Noem shared, "People will be able to fly. We'll ensure it's as smooth as butter." But, if you're still hanging onto your old ID, you might find yourself diverted to a slower lane and faced with extra steps to clear security.
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Starting May 7, REAL ID will become a federal fave for state-issued licenses or identification cards, Homeland Security assures us. The reason? It's more secure than your run-of-the-mill ID. The 9/11 Commission recommended it back in 2005, but implementation has had its ups and downs.
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Obtaining a REAL ID means more rigorous scrutiny to confirm your identity, compared to the old days of getting your driver's license. Some folks are fretting that they won't make that May 7 deadline.
DHS Sec. Kristi Noem shed more light on the REAL ID rollout during her Tuesday testimony. (Getty Images)
So, what if you don't have a REAL ID? No sweat! You can still present a U.S. Passport, but if you don't even have that, don't freak out. There are still alternatives to the REAL ID requirement, though they might add a couple of minutes to your trip and success isn't guaranteed.
You'll need to fill out a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Form 415, also known as a Certification of Identity form. If the TSA officers can corroborate the deets you give them, you're good to go through the security checkpoint and board your flight. But heads up, passengers using this method may encounter extra pat-downs, questioning, or additional screening.
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Even if you're denied, don't sweat it! Some airlines have policies that let passengers re-book their flight the following day, buying you time to snag that REAL ID.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with our website Digital, covering the политика and breaking news events. Tip him off at [email protected], or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.
- In a House Appropriations Committee hearing, Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem shared her opinion about the upcoming REAL ID rollout, stating that people will be able to fly, but those without a REAL ID may face additional scrutiny and delays at security checkpoints.
- The ongoing debate in politics surrounding the REAL ID policy and legislation has sparked discussions about the impact on general-news, with some Americans expressing concern about meeting the May 7 deadline for obtaining a REAL ID due to the more rigorous identity confirmation process compared to the old systems.
- Amid breaking news about the REAL ID enforcement and the potential hassles faced by married women, there have been calls for action and change in policy-and-legislation, with some individuals appealing for simpler and more accessible identification methods for all citizens.
