U.S. air traveler alert: REAL ID deadline is Wednesday, May 7
May 5—WILKES-BARRE — Jana Tidwell, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic, said AAA is reminding Pennsylvanians that federal enforcement of REAL ID begins this week, requiring domestic air travelers to have a REAL ID or another form of federally acceptable identification.
Beginning Wednesday,
May 7,
all U.S. residents will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, photo ID card or another form of federally accepted identification — such as a valid passport or military ID — to board domestic commercial flights.
Last week, Mark C. Bailer, director of public safety at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, advised the Bi-County Airport Board to inform their constituents to be ready for the mandatory start of REAL ID.
"Customers without REAL ID will still be able to fly, but the process will be twice as long to get through security," Bailer said.
With federal REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, Mike Carroll, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation secretary, along with officials from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport and the American Automobile Association, recently encouraged Pennsylvanians to be prepared.
"Travelers should check their forms of identification to be sure it's acceptable when going through TSA security checkpoints," Tidwell said. "If air travel is in your future, especially this summer, obtaining a REAL ID ahead of time will ensure you don't experience any travel delays or postponements. A REAL ID or valid passport, will be required for all domestic flights beginning on May 7."
What is REAL ID?
REAL ID Act is a federal law that sets minimum security standards for the issuance of driver's licenses and identification cards used for specific federal purposes:
—Boarding a domestic commercial flight.
—Entering a secure federal building.
—Accessing military installations.
REAL ID-compliant cards:
—Feature a gold star.
—Produced using the same security features as standard-issued products.
—After March 2019, standard-issue, non-REAL ID driver's licenses and ID cards will also look different. Per federal REAL ID regulations, non-REAL IDs must be clearly labeled with the words "NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES."
It is NOT necessary to have a REAL ID to:
—Drive
—Vote
—Apply for or receive federal benefits for which you are entitled (Veterans' Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.)
—Visit the post office
—Access hospitals
—Access federal courts, testify in federal court, etc.
What is the process to apply for a REAL ID?
The first step in the process to receiving a REAL ID is verification. Visit any PennDOT Driver License Center or REAL ID Center to have your documents verified and imaged.
Applicants need to bring the following documents:
—An original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised/embossed seal OR a valid U.S. passport
—Social security card (can be laminated or unlaminated) in current legal name
—Proof of legal name changes such as a certified marriage certificate or court order
—Two proofs of address such as a current driver's license or ID card, a bank statement or utility bill less than 90 days old.
For info on required documents, visit PennDOT.gov/REALID.
Receiving your REAL ID
When you visit a PennDOT Driver License Center to have your documents verified and imaged, you will receive your REAL ID by mail within 15 business days.
When visiting a REAL ID Center to have your documents verified and imaged, you will receive your REAL ID at the time of service.
If you have already had your documents verified and imaged, you can apply for a REAL ID online. Your REAL ID product will be mailed within 15 business days.
The REAL ID card costs $30 (one-time fee), plus the applicable renewal fee (the current renewal fee is $39.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver's license and $42.50 for a photo ID).
The time for the new card will be added to any time left on the existing card (driver's license or non-driver ID) so applicants won't lose time they previously purchased.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
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