TSA will enforce new ID rule for every American within days
New regulations concerning
real ID and air travel in the U.S. are set to be implemented on May 7
, and here's a rundown of everything you need to know before they kick in. The news comes amid the
TSA issuing passengers with an urgent warning related to documentation.
Starting from early May, TSA agents will commence enforcing REAL ID requirements at checkpoints across the country, necessitating passengers aged 18 and above to present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or another acceptable form of ID.
A valid passport, a U.S. passport card, or a permanent resident card remain acceptable forms of ID, and a comprehensive list of acceptable IDs, apart from a REAL ID, can be accessed at:
TSA.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.
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As per the US State Department: "The REAL ID Act requires IDs issued by a state to meet federal security standards. On May 7, 2025, you must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
Make sure your prepared for any changes made by the TSA
"The U.S. passport book and passport card are both REAL ID compliant."
If you show up at the airport with an ID that is not included in the list of acceptable forms of identification, you could face additional screening and delays - and there's even a chance you might be denied entry to the security checkpoint, reports
The Mirror US
.
Travelers are encouraged to confirm their ID prior to their trip and arrive ahead of time to circumvent the stress of potential delays.
There's a simple way to determine if your ID is in line with the new REAL ID regulations. All compliant driver's licenses and state-issued IDs bear a star at the top of the card - if yours has this, you're all set.
If you're still uncertain, you can consult your state's motor vehicle department or visit TSA.gov/real-id for more details.
In addition, the TSA is introducing the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, which employs facial recognition technology to match your face with the photo on your ID.
Preparation is key to a stress free travel experience
This tech could expedite the check-in process. If your facial scan gets the green light, you might not need to present your ID to a TSA officer at all.
This innovative feature is available to travelers enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program. The program uses facial recognition to verify your identity, so instead of flashing your license or passport, you simply gaze into a camera that scans your face.
If the system successfully matches your face with the photo on record, you'll be ushered to the next stage of security.
This eliminates much of the hassle associated with security checks, as there's no need to hand over your ID or rummage through your bag for your passport. However, travelers should still carry their ID card, as security may request to see it.
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here
.
To qualify, passengers must meet the criteria set by the TSA, which includes holding a valid passport and having a flight booked with a participating airline such as Delta, United, or Alaska Airlines. Additionally, passengers must opt in during online or mobile check-in with their respective airline.
Currently, this technology is only available at select airports:
Los Angeles
(LAX), Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK and LGA), Washington, D. C, (DCA),
Chicago
(ORD), Salt Lake City (SLC),
Las Vegas
(LAS), and Newark (EWR).
For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage
here
.
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Irish Daily Star
25-04-2025
- Irish Daily Star
Everything to know about TSA facial recognition and whether you should opt in
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been slowly rolling out a facial recognition program that eliminates the need for physical identification at security checkpoints . The TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program is being used in more airports across the US and uses facial recognition technology to match your face to the photo on your identification to speed up the screening process. It comes as the TSA prepares for a major ID rule change . From May 7, TSA agents will begin enforcing REAL ID requirements across the country. Passengers over the age of 18 catching a flight in the US will be required to present a passport or an upgraded state-issued identification card that meets federal REAL ID standards. Read More Related Articles Trump struggles to hide mystery bruise with makeup despite 'excellent health' claims Read More Related Articles JD Vance struggles to handle his three children in tough parenting moment at Taj Mahal TSA says PreCheck Touchless ID is more convenient, efficient and secure (stock image) (Image: Getty Images) However, if the scan works for those opted into the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program then you may not need to hand your ID to a TSA officer at all. The facial recognition program is voluntary, leading to many passengers wondering whether or not they should opt in. Here's everything you need to know. What is TSA PreCheck Touchless ID? TSA PreCheck Touchless ID "enhances the security screening process with facial recognition technology for faster, more efficient identity verification," according to the TSA. The program utilises facial identification technology to verify the identities of travelers at security checkpoints. While you would usually hand a TSA officer your physical ID, which must be a REAL ID from May 7, if you are enrolled in the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID you instead stand in front of a kiosk that captures an image of you from the chin up. 'The technology compares biometric templates of passengers' live photos to a pre-staged gallery of existing passport or visa photo templates,' a TSA representative told AFAR . When did the TSA start using facial recognition? The TSA first launched the Touchless ID program in March 2021 at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in partnership with Delta and United. The program was expanded to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in June the same year. Since then, the program has continued to expand and is available at Los Angeles International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport with Delta Air Lines. The service has also been launched in partnership with United at Los Angeles International Airport and O'Hare International Airport. Passengers traveling with Alaska Airlines through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will also be able to use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID. TSA is making a major change to ID rules next month (stock image) (Image: Getty Images) Who is eligible for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID? TSA PreCheck members traveling with participating airlines, which include Delta, United and Alaska Airlines, can use the Touchless ID program at participating airports. Travelers are required to opt in to Touchless ID. On your airline profile, you must fill out your Known Traveler Number, enter a valid passport number and country and select "OPT IN" on your profile or during check in. Once you have opted in, you will receive a consent indicator on your mobile boarding pass making you eligible for the facial recognition process. Travelers who have opted in to the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program must still carry a physical ID as a back-up and are required to present it if asked by a TSA officer. Should you opt-in for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID? The TSA encourages opting in to the PreCheck Touchless ID program, claiming it is more convenient, more efficient, more secure, and offers more privacy. A key concern with facial recognition technology is privacy. In the case of the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, participation is voluntary and members can opt out at any time. According to the TSA, the Department of Homeland Security deletes this data within 180 days. The agency states: "TSA officers now use biometric cameras to assist with identity verification. Your photo and personal data are deleted after your identity is verified. Images are not used for law enforcement, surveillance, nor shared with other entities." However, Joshua McKenty, CEO and co-founder of Polyguard, a cybersecurity company focused on data privacy and protection, suggests the reality is more complicated. 'Should I opt into any government system that uses my biometrics? Guess what—practically speaking, you don't have a choice,' he told AFAR. 'All modern passports and Real ID documents, etc., involve capturing and storing facial biometrics. If you want to travel, you're already rolling the dice here.' McKenty notes that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) already use facial biometrics and that while CBP doesn't retain them, the information is stored on the DHS's Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT). 'Even if you do opt out of that 'last step,' it probably doesn't change your privacy posture at all,' McKenty explains. 'Photos of permanent residents and foreign nationals are never deleted from IDENT, and the rules on removal of photos of U.S. citizens are increasingly vague.'
Irish Daily Star
25-04-2025
- Irish Daily Star
TSA will enforce new ID rule for every American within days
New regulations concerning real ID and air travel in the U.S. are set to be implemented on May 7 , and here's a rundown of everything you need to know before they kick in. The news comes amid the TSA issuing passengers with an urgent warning related to documentation. Starting from early May, TSA agents will commence enforcing REAL ID requirements at checkpoints across the country, necessitating passengers aged 18 and above to present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or another acceptable form of ID. A valid passport, a U.S. passport card, or a permanent resident card remain acceptable forms of ID, and a comprehensive list of acceptable IDs, apart from a REAL ID, can be accessed at: Read More Related Articles Tourists vow to 'never return' to holiday hotspot as soaring prices leave them 'skint' Read More Related Articles Underrated holiday destination with crystal clear waters is number one place to charter a boat this summer As per the US State Department: "The REAL ID Act requires IDs issued by a state to meet federal security standards. On May 7, 2025, you must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Make sure your prepared for any changes made by the TSA "The U.S. passport book and passport card are both REAL ID compliant." If you show up at the airport with an ID that is not included in the list of acceptable forms of identification, you could face additional screening and delays - and there's even a chance you might be denied entry to the security checkpoint, reports The Mirror US . Travelers are encouraged to confirm their ID prior to their trip and arrive ahead of time to circumvent the stress of potential delays. There's a simple way to determine if your ID is in line with the new REAL ID regulations. All compliant driver's licenses and state-issued IDs bear a star at the top of the card - if yours has this, you're all set. If you're still uncertain, you can consult your state's motor vehicle department or visit for more details. In addition, the TSA is introducing the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, which employs facial recognition technology to match your face with the photo on your ID. Preparation is key to a stress free travel experience This tech could expedite the check-in process. If your facial scan gets the green light, you might not need to present your ID to a TSA officer at all. This innovative feature is available to travelers enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program. The program uses facial recognition to verify your identity, so instead of flashing your license or passport, you simply gaze into a camera that scans your face. If the system successfully matches your face with the photo on record, you'll be ushered to the next stage of security. This eliminates much of the hassle associated with security checks, as there's no need to hand over your ID or rummage through your bag for your passport. However, travelers should still carry their ID card, as security may request to see it. For all the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our FREE newsletters here . To qualify, passengers must meet the criteria set by the TSA, which includes holding a valid passport and having a flight booked with a participating airline such as Delta, United, or Alaska Airlines. Additionally, passengers must opt in during online or mobile check-in with their respective airline. Currently, this technology is only available at select airports: Los Angeles (LAX), Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK and LGA), Washington, D. C, (DCA), Chicago (ORD), Salt Lake City (SLC), Las Vegas (LAS), and Newark (EWR). For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .
Irish Daily Star
22-04-2025
- Irish Daily Star
TSA warns travelers who don't bring vital documents won't be able to fly - 'no workaround'
TSA is reminding travelers that they need to be REAL ID compliant if they want to board a domestic flight beginning on May 7, and that there will be 'no workarounds' if they are not. Americans have been receiving reminders for several years about the impending deadline, and those who don't do it, have been warned of the consequences as well. And while some travelers may be used to delays at the airport due to a number of reasons , failing to have their compliant identification could result in even more of them. Buck Taft, the manager of the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco, Washington, warned those who use the facility will need to prepare themselves if they haven't secured the federally approved IDs. Read More Related Articles New Yorkers who haven't got their REAL ID yet could be in trouble Read More Related Articles Pilot's wife shares simple tip to ensure smooth experience at airport security 'There is no workaround,' he told the Tri-Cities Herald. Starting May 7, a Real ID will be needed to fly domestically, after the Rea ID law was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to 9-11. A driver's license or state ID card that is Real ID compliant will have a star displayed in the right-hand corner, and to get one, those who need it will need to head to their local DMV. Travelers can experience major delays at airport security screenings if they are not Real ID compliant. In order to get the compliant identification, those interested are required to show a valid ID, as well as proof of identity through a passport or birth certificate, a social security number, and date of birth, as well as two documents showing state residence, including a utility bill, credit card statement or rental agreement. Other acceptable forms of identification will include enhanced driver's licenses, permits and state IDS, as well as passports from the United States and other countries. If you choose not to get a compliant form of identification before the deadline and still choose to travel, TSA is warning travelers to allow for extra time at the airport before a flight. Those who are Real ID compliant can still arrive two hours early, like any regular travel day. Those who lack identification will likely encounter extra security measures. Travel headaches should be expected for all travelers due to the extra screening time for those without Real ID, as most states are yet to be fully compliant. According to new data from CBS News , at least 16 states are less than 50% compliant. 28 states are less than 70% compliant, meaning that in more than half the country, as many as three in 10 travelers won't be able to clear a security checkpoint. According to CBS's findings, the five states with the least amount of compliance are Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey , Pennsylvania and Washington. New Jersey is the least compliant at 17%, with Pennsylvania following behind at 26%. Maine and Washington are both tied at 27%, and Louisiana is at 30%. The remaining states that fall under 50% compliance are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, New York and Oklahoma.
