REAL ID deadline is here but travelers who missed it may still be able to fly
Even without a REAL ID driver's license, travelers may still fly after clearing additional security screenings, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday. May 7 was the latest deadline for complying with the requirement enacted by Congress 20 years ago. (ky.gov photo)
Though Wednesday is the enforcement date for the national REAL ID law, air travelers without the form of identification may still be able to fly — a concession drawing praise from a Kentucky lawmaker.
Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, had sent Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a letter asking for more time to comply with the law. On Tuesday, Higdon said he appreciated Noem's 'showing common sense and flexibility' by allowing travelers without a REAL ID to still fly after clearing additional security screenings.
Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, chairs the Senate Transportation Committee. (LRC Public Information)
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 after the 9/11 attacks in 2001 as a way to bolster security screenings at airports. Most of the 9/11 hijackers boarded commercial planes using fraudulent U.S. driver's licenses and state IDs. The law was originally intended to go into effect in 2008 but has been delayed several times.
Kentucky began rolling out REAL ID drivers' licenses in 2019 starting with a pilot program. Licenses compliant with the federal law require applicants to provide additional documentation, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card and two proofs of residency.
REAL ID or another compliant form of identification is also now required to enter military bases or federal buildings that require it.
As Wednesday's deadline approached, Kentucky's driver's licensing regional offices have had long lines. In addition to the REAL ID implementation, a state law went into effect this year requiring drivers to pass a vision test when renewing their licenses.
Noem said during a U.S. House hearing Tuesday that airport travelers without a REAL ID will face additional security screenings but may still fly.
Instead of REAL ID driver's licenses, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will also accept U.S. passports, passport cards, global entry cards or military ID from those boarding commercial flights.
Last month, 28 Republican members of the Kentucky Senate sent Noem a letter asking for a delay in enforcing the REAL ID law. Higdon, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, wrote at the time that 'Kentucky is simply not fully prepared for complete implementation.' A spokesperson for the Republican caucus said that while it did not receive a formal response from Homeland Security, Noem and the Trump administration were aware of the letter.
On Tuesday, Higdon issued a statement thanking Noem. 'Her remarks today bring peace of mind to folks who've dealt with long lines, limited appointments at regional offices, or confusion about what's required,' Higdon said. 'Kentuckians who haven't been able to get a REAL ID can now feel confident they'll still be able to fly. That was one of the biggest concerns my colleagues and I had as the May 7 enforcement approached.'
Higdon added that the flexibility allows Kentucky additional time to carry out a law that passed earlier this year allowing third-party license renewals. That takes effect on June 27.
Last week, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear announced a 'Skip the Line' option for drivers who want to renew their licenses remotely. A press release from the governor's office said that some Kentuckians who want to upgrade to a REAL ID license may still need to visit an office in person.
Kentuckians may still upgrade to a REAL ID after Wednesday's enforcement date.
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