Additional Coverage:
- Here’s what happens if you don’t have a Real ID after May 7 (businessinsider.com)
Real ID Deadline Looms: Air Travelers Need to Prepare
Starting May 7, 2024, air travelers in the United States will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights. This deadline, set by the Department of Homeland Security, marks the end of the transition period for Real ID enforcement.
What is a Real ID?
Real IDs were recommended by the 9/11 Commission to standardize identification documents. They are marked with a star and are required not only for domestic air travel but also for access to certain federal facilities and nuclear power plants. While a form of identification, Real IDs are not considered proof of citizenship.
Do You Have a Real ID?
Real ID-compliant cards are marked with a star, though the specific design varies by state. Some states use a gold or black star, while others incorporate the star into a circle or other state-specific design. If your card doesn’t have a star, it’s not Real ID-compliant.
How to Get a Real ID
The application process varies by state, but generally requires providing documentation of your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and legal status. Check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency website for specific requirements.
What if You Don’t Have a Real ID by May 7?
While you can still apply for a Real ID after the deadline, you may face travel disruptions if you don’t have one by May 7. Acceptable alternative forms of ID for air travel include US passports, passport cards, and other TSA-approved documents.
If you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification, you may undergo additional identity verification, potentially causing delays or even preventing you from boarding your flight. Children under 18 are not required to provide identification for domestic flights.
Read More About This Story:
- Here’s what happens if you don’t have a Real ID after May 7 (businessinsider.com)