Starting Wednesday, all US air travelers must present a REAL ID to board domestic flights. These cards are marked with a star in the top right corner and meet federal security standards and are also required to enter certain government facilities. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept non-compliant IDs at airport checkpoints.
However, passengers who show up without a REAL ID will not be turned away. TSA officials clarified that such travelers can still board flights after undergoing additional identity verification. “We will process you and you will not be turned away,” said Steve Lorincz, TSA’s deputy executive assistant administrator for security operations. He added that while the process may take longer, TSA is fully staffed nationwide to handle the expected volume.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reassured travelers that those without a REAL ID will still be allowed to fly after completing extra screening. Still, the TSA advises passengers to arrive early to avoid delays. The TSA on Tuesday reminded travelers that enforcement of REAL ID starts Wednesday. Those without one may be subject to additional screening, and that includes TSA Pre-Check passengers.
The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005 following recommendations by the 9/11 Commission, requires all state-issued driver’s licenses used for federal purposes to meet higher security standards. The deadline for enforcement has been delayed several times, but it is now being implemented even as nearly 19% of travelers remain without compliant IDs. With the summer travel season approaching, many Americans are rushing to update their IDs.