What happens if you don't have a Real ID by Wednesday?
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – If you are a traveler who is not Real ID-compliant by Wednesday, you'll still be able to fly, but you'll just need another form of identification.
While travelers may still be able to fly, they should prepare for additional screenings at the airport. The Real ID Act has been delayed three times, most recently due to the pandemic, according to the TSA. But now, the TSA said they're no longer pushing it back and are enforcing those looking to pass through airport checkouts and federal buildings.
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'They're basically an ID card that proves you are who you say you are,' said Dan Velez, TSA Spokesperson for New England. 'And we're trying to protect these federal facilities and aircraft as much as possible.'
Passports and enhanced driver's licenses are also being accepted as valid forms of identification. But those without a compliant form of identification may face extra steps and be diverted to a different line.
'They'll be identified prior to getting to the travel document checker, and then they will have to go through additional screening,' Velez said. 'So their security screening time will be a little bit longer than those who are Real ID-compliant, for sure.'
Across Massachusetts, RMVs have been trying to meet the demand for Real ID-compliant driver's licenses or ID cards. Since the end of March, walk-ins were made available, leading to an increase in the number of customers seeking Real IDs.
As of Monday, only 58% of state residents are Real ID-compliant, which is close to their 60% goal. The Massachusetts RMV advises anyone without a Real ID not to panic, since they can still apply after the deadline.
'If you have an active passport and you do have travel in May, you don't have to worry about upgrading your driver's license right now,' said Colleen Ogilvie of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles in Massachusetts. 'You can do this transaction at your normal renewal cycle. Again, it's a product we'll continue to offer.'
The Massachusetts RMV is currently scheduled six weeks out until June 16. Many Massachusetts RMVs are also still accepting walk-ins until further notice.
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