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U.S. air passengers now require REAL ID for domestic travel.

United States' Real ID enforcement commences today, following close to two decades of postponement. Yesterday, individuals flocked to government offices nationwide to obtain their compliant IDs ahead of the due date. In Chicago, administrators set up a Real ID Supercenter for walk-ins, while...

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United States air travelers now face Real ID demands as of Wednesday, marking the end of over 19...
United States air travelers now face Real ID demands as of Wednesday, marking the end of over 19 years of delays. Anticipating the imminent deadline, individuals queued at administrative offices nationwide to acquire their compliant identification documents. In Chicago, authorities organized a Real ID Supercenter for walk-ins, while...

U.S. air passengers now require REAL ID for domestic travel.

Preparation for U.S. Real ID Deadline: States Offer Extended Hours and Special Measures

The long-awaited deadline for Real ID requirements for domestic flights within the United States has finally arrived after almost two decades of delays. Across the nation, government offices buzzed with activity as folks flocked to secure their compliant IDs before the deadline.

With the deadline looming, many were seen queueing up at various offices the day before, including a Real ID Supercenter set up in Chicago for walk-in appointments. Californians and others were also prepared to work extended hours to handle the influx of appointments.

Marion Henderson, a Jackson, Mississippi resident, was among those securing her REAL ID a day early, stating, "I didn’t want to be right on the deadline, which is tomorrow."

On the eve of the deadline, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem assured those without a REAL ID but needing to take a domestic flight that they would still be able to fly after undergoing additional identity checks.

Yet, some complained about the time investment needed to secure the ID, with Michael Aceto lamenting his two-and-a-half-hour wait at a DMV in King of Prussia, Philadelphia.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) warned travelers lacking compliant IDs to arrive early at the airport and prepare for advanced screening to avoid causing delays.

The past few weeks saw numerous discussions on social media platforms like Reddit and Facebook, with many questioning the need for Real ID, sharing wait times, and seeking advice on how to meet the requirements.

As of Tuesday, Noem reported that 81% of travelers already had a REAL ID. Security checkpoints would also continue to accept passports and tribal identification, much like they already were.

Those yet to obtain an identification complying with the REAL ID law may face additional steps or be diverted to a different line, but "people will be allowed to fly," Noem affirmed.

Real ID is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card, Homeland Security asserted, designed to provide a more secure form of identification. The recommendation originated from the 9/11 Commission and was signed into law in 2005, initially intended to be implemented in 2008 but subject to repeated delays.

Thomas Carter, the TSA’s Federal Security Director in New Jersey, emphasized the importance of obtaining a REAL ID, stating, "The whole idea here is to better validate those individuals that were encountering a checkpoint to ensure they are who exactly they say they are."

Carter urged those without a REAL ID to give themselves extra time to clear security, and he believed this would help prevent missing flights.

In addition to serving as valid identification for domestic travel, Real ID will also be necessary to access certain federal buildings and facilities.

State government officesissuing driver's licenses and state IDs have seen a significant increase in demand for Real ID, prompting some to extend their office hours to address the surge. Officials recommended that those without immediate travel plans wait until after the current rush to apply for Real ID compliant licenses and cards.

Fortunately, Minnesota Department of Public Safety spokesperson Erin Johnson reported a significant increase in demand for Real ID in recent weeks, with more than 99,000 applications in April compared to just over 48,000 in February.

California, in particular, offered extended hours on Saturdays, May 3, 2025, at select DMV offices from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. by appointment only to assist Californians in obtaining a Real ID before the May 7 deadline. Those residing in other states should consult their local DMV websites for specific step-by-step instructions and any extended hours for obtaining a Real ID.

  1. Leveraging AI technology, some states introduced online resources to help streamline the Real ID application process and manage the surge in demand.
  2. The police department in San, Pennsylvania implemented a newly-drafted policy and legislation regarding Real ID, with enhanced identity checks at local law-enforcement facilities.
  3. A local sports team announced that their season ticket holders could use their Real ID as a valid form of identification for entry into stadiums, making it more convenient for fans.
  4. As the deadline neared, national politics took center stage, with a heated general-news debate over the cost and effectiveness of Real ID in improving overall transportation security.
  5. Encouraging constituents to secure their compliant IDs as soon as possible, Pennsylvania's governor emphasized the importance of Real ID in preventing identity fraud during travel or other government interactions.
  6. In an attempt to make the Real ID process more accessible, especially in rural communities, some counties partnered with nearby centers to offer screening services for those unable to visit a physical DMV office.

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