Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that since May 7 it has become mandatory for all travellers over 18 who travel within the country (domestic flights) to present the fashionable federal identification: the Real ID. And although it is mandatory, there are still some who can fly without one of these, of course, with the proper verifications (and therefore, a pretty considerable delay and many more controls at the TSA security checkpoints).
This change was proposed more than two decades ago and has just come into effect. Want to know more?
What is the REAL ID?
How do you not know this already? Here’s a summary… The REAL ID is a federal identification (meaning it’s at the national level, not state level) that has much higher security standards than any other. This document was proposed after the September 11, 2001 attacks, and the idea is that no one can get on a plane without being properly identified.
When was it approved?
It was approved in 2005, and yes, the wheels of government turn slowly, and only now has it been officially implemented, and now, since May 7, it’s required in all federal facilities (military zones, federal buildings…) and also in airports if you’re traveling within the country itself.
How do I know if I have a Real ID?
It’s recognized by a gold star in the upper right corner of the card. If you have it, you’re all set, your documentation is Real ID. If you don’t have it… start booking an appointment with the nearest DMV to get it as soon as you can.
And if I don’t have a Real ID but I need to travel?
The federal director of security for the TSA in Idaho, James Spies, explained that although most travellers already comply with this rule, those who don’t have a compatible ID could face “delays and additional screenings” at airports. This could be a real headache during the Memorial Day weekend travels and the summer season.
But the TSA won’t deny access to those who don’t have the REAL ID, but it will require a more rigorous verification process.
What alternatives are there?
If you don’t have a REAL ID, there are other forms of identification accepted for domestic flights, as well as if you’re a migrant. Here’s a list:
For US citizens, you can travel with:
- A valid passport
- Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
- Military or federal employee ID
- Green Card
But if you’re a migrant, there’s no need to worry. You can travel with:
- Green Card
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Passport that’s valid in your home country
- State-issued driver’s licenses.
How do I prepare my trip for this summer?
The TSA reminded everyone that complying with this rule is the “law of the land” and there’s no turning back. So it’s better to plan ahead and make sure your documentation is in order, we don’t want any last-minute scares! Especially if you’re traveling with family, each member over 18 must have an identification that meets the REAL ID standard.
Why did it take so long to implement?
Because it required coordination from all the states and it wasn’t very easy to do, plus they had to come up with a date that would give all citizens time to get a new ID, and if the DMVs are already pretty slow… imagine what happens when absolutely everyone needs an ID like this.
Facts about the gold star
Did you know that the gold star on the REAL ID is the key symbol for the TSA? Thanks to this small icon, agents can immediately identify if your document is compatible and meets federal standards. This way, security control is sped up and wait times are reduced.