Travelers at Little Rock airport see change as REAL ID enforcement begins
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – REAL IDs are now required to board a flight or enter certain federal buildings.
Though May 7 is the enforcement date, TSA Acting Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl said those who do not have a REAL ID can go through extra screening at the airport to board a flight.
'If you do show up with a non-compliant state-issued ID, you will be okay. It just may take some additional time for screening,' Stahl said. 'So, we do urge folks to plan accordingly and leave a little extra time when traveling to the airport.'
Arkansas revenue offices issue record number of REAL IDs Tuesday, Sherwood office forced to redirect customers after running out
A REAL ID or another compliant form of identification, like a passport or military ID, will be required to board a domestic flight and enter certain federal facilities.
Several travelers who have their REAL ID told KARK 4 News at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport that they thought it was a good idea.
'We want our airports to be safe and want to make sure everyone coming through TSA is vetted and safe and secure,' traveler Anthony Todd said.
'I try to have all the Is and Ts when I'm traveling,' another traveler, Phyllis Gordon, said. 'It's just a tense time and I want everything all together.'
REAL ID takes effect in Arkansas. So, what if I don't have one?
Officials with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration say this week there were thousands of people going to get their REAL IDs.
They say all revenue offices will continue to issue REAL IDs after Wednesday for those who do not have an immediate need for one.
DFA officials said the deadline is when the state will begin to enforce it, and not the last day to receive one.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
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