07-05-2025
REAL ID deadline is now in effect for air travel
CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A REAL ID or a passport are now required to fly in the United States but the Transportation Security Administration is giving some leeway as the requirement is implemented.
The deadline officially went into effect on Wednesday after being delayed several times. Lines were moving smoothly at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. The uncertainty surrounding the REAL ID deadline had travelers like Christian Lott navigating a changing deadline.
'Especially for the past five, ten years they brought it up and put it away,' Lott said.
TSA prepares for changes after REAL ID compliance
He received his REAL ID about a month ago in anticipation of the change.
'Especially for this flight. I knew it was on the deadline so I just got ahead of it. Got mine but if I hadn't known that I probably wouldn't have went and got it,' Lott said.
The TSA said not having a Real ID could delay your travel. The requirement came as a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission to create federal rules for identification. The Real ID is designated by a gold star in the top right corner of a license or photo ID.
'Airports, I like getting in and out quickly. I didn't want any extra delays so yeah, I figured just get ahead of it,' Lott said.
The Homeland Security secretary said travelers will be able to fly without it but will need to go through additional identity verification.
Flying without a REAL ID? Here's what to expect
Some passengers were traveling with their passports or tribal identification, which meet requirements.
'I had to renew my license four years ago because it's due for renewal this June and at that point they were already talking about it so I made sure to get it at that point,' said Dawn Delacruz, who was flying out Wednesday.
Word of the deadline was something some travelers just learned about.
'I actually only heard about it a couple days ago so I didn't know this was possibly gonna be a problem,' said Elizabeth Delacruz, Dawn's daughter.
Even with REAL IDs, many people traveling were double-checking just to be certain.
'With all the ramping up of, 'OK make sure you have your REAL ID' and here we are flying … so check the Secretary of State website a few times,' Dawn Delacruz said.
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