San Angelo airport director reminds passengers are now required to be REAL ID compliant
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) —Texas residents with upcoming travel plans are now required to present what is called a REAL ID to be able to board an airline. Justin Fletcher is the San Angelo Regional Airport Director and says passengers should double-check if their IDs are compliant before going to the airport.
'What that means for passengers when you are coming through the airport, if you are a Texas resident, it simply means that your driver's license has to have the gold star in the top right-hand corner,' Fletcher said.
The Texas Department of Public Safety reports that as of this month, the state of Texas is 98% compliant compared to other states reporting compliance in the teens. If you do not see that gold star on your license, it's time to make the change, as Fletcher says a non-compliant ID could cause some delays at airport security.
'If you are flying without a REAL ID…you haven't had your ID transferred over just be aware there will be additional screening required…if you do have a REAL ID or you have a passport you'll be able to flow right through security,' Fletcher said.
In Texas, the department of public safety does not allow expedited appointments to obtain your REAL ID. Fletcher says there are other documents that you can present in place of a REAL ID to prove your identity.
'You'll need to provide a document that has your social security number on it…so a W2 or a pay stub…any of those documents that indicate your social security number,' Fletcher said.
Fletcher says that San Angelo is a smaller community, and he has seen little to no passengers out of compliance. He still stresses the importance of having a REAL ID to make the boarding process easier for the passenger and TSA officers.
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