Central Illinois Airports enforcing Real ID policy
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Real ID deadline is here, and airports in central Illinois and across the U.S. have started to enforce this policy.
A Real ID is a security measure 20 years in the making, as Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 following a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission for the Federal Government to 'set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.'
'It's been coming for a long time, but they finally drew a line in the sand and said, 'Look, we're not going to extend the deadline any more,'' said Gene Olson, director of airports for the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport.
If you don't have a Real ID, it's not the end of the world. However, you may want to be extra prepared and get to the airport earlier.
'You can still get on a plane without a real ID,' Olson said, 'but it will take extra time because they're going to take steps to verify who you are. It may take as much as an hour for that to happen.'
Most airports are operating smoothly on the first day of the REAL ID requirement
Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington is enforcing this policy as well, and Melissa Beaver, director of marketing and communications, said the implementation has gone smoothly. But, some people are still worried.
'I think a lot of passengers have been worried because they haven't been able to get in line to get the Real IDs,' Beaver said.
The real goal of the Real ID is to make sure travelers can get to their destinations safely.
'No one wants you to miss your flight or not travel,' Beaver said. 'So just be prepared with extra forms of ID and extra levels of screening.'
If you only have a temporary Real ID, that won't suffice. You will need the plastic Real ID card or you will need to bring your previous license, that isn't expired, with you.
PIA is hosting a mobile DMV event on Tuesday for people to get the identification cards if they haven't yet, and it is by appointment only.
To book an appointment, click here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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