Latest news with #EnhancedDriver'sLicenses
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
TSA trained to accept military IDs in lieu of REAL IDs, officials say
Military-connected travelers should be able to board domestic flights simply by showing their military ID, as Transportation Security Administration officers are trained to accept them in lieu of a REAL ID, a TSA spokesman said. As of May 7, individuals must show a REAL ID, or acceptable alternative, to board domestic commercial flights, visit military installations and access certain federal facilities. REAL ID driver's licenses are identified by a star in the upper right-hand corner. DOD ID cards, including those issued to dependents, are among the forms of identification listed on the TSA website as acceptable alternatives to the REAL ID. Still, some travelers told Military Times their military IDs have been rejected at U.S. airports. The issue has come up with military retirees, particularly those with old-style ID cards featuring an 'INDEF', or indefinite expiration date. One Air Force retiree said his retiree ID card wasn't accepted when he tried it out while flying to Virginia on May 10. The card has an 'INDEF' expiration date. 'Our officers are trained to accept military IDs at our security checkpoints,' TSA spokesman Dave Fitz told Military Times. 'In the unlikely event that an officer would not accept a military ID, the passenger should ask to speak to a supervisor.' Although the TSA page detailing the list of acceptable identification doesn't specifically mention retired military IDs, Fitz said, 'U.S. Department of Defense IDs, to include IDs for active and retired military, are acceptable forms of ID, even if they do not have an expiration date.' Military-connected passengers may also use any of the other acceptable IDs listed, Fitz noted. Among other options listed on the TSA site are U.S. passports, Veteran Health Identification Cards (VHIC), state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) and Enhanced IDs (EID). Meanwhile, policies for accessing military bases for those who already have military or DOD-issued credentials, such as military retirees, dependents and surviving spouses, have not changed. But those with an old-style ID card should be aware that while they will still be able to access military bases with that ID, it's uncertain for how long. These IDs are blue, pink or tan DD Form 2, DD Form 1173, DD Form 1173-1 or DD Form 2785. More than 5 million military family members, retirees are getting new ID cards The Defense Department is working to replace these IDs with the NextGen ID. Officials advise getting the NextGen ID now to avoid any problems with installation access. For more information about the NextGen ID and how to replace it, visit this Defense Finance and Accounting Service page. DOD hasn't yet announced the deadline for the replacements. DOD previously said the transition to NextGen ID is expected to be completed by January 2026 for the 5 million non-CAC holders, primarily retirees and military family members.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Who Doesn't Need a REAL ID?
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways The deadline has arrived for a REAL ID, but not everyone needs one. Who doesn't need a REAL ID? For starters, no, everyone in the United States does not need a REAL ID. It's just required for domestic travel and access to some federal facilities. "As of May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities," the U.S. Department of Homeland Security wrote - but not all of them. For example, children do not need a REAL ID to fly. "TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18," DHS wrote. People in five U.S. states can use an enhanced driver's license instead of a REAL ID, according to DHS. "Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes," a government fact sheet explains. If you need a REAL ID but don't have one after May 7, you will still be able to fly. "Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening," the government noted. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem reiterated that guidance in an appearance before Congress. In addition, the government has outlined a list of alternatives to a REAL ID. For example, people can use a passport, enhanced tribal card, Veteran Health Identification Card, or a host of other documents. Travelers still need a passport to travel internationally in addition to a REAL ID, according to DHS. The Office of the Illinois Secretary of State reminded people that they do not need a REAL ID to drive, vote, open a bank account, "apply for or receive federal benefits," enter the post office, or visit a hospital. Related: REAL ID Alternatives Announced as Deadline Looms for Air Travelers
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
You need a REAL ID to fly in a plane starting May 7 — except in 5 states
Starting tomorrow, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at U.S. airports will no longer accept state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant at TSA checkpoints. Before boarding domestic flights, all airline passages ages 18 and older must to present REAL ID-compliant identification or another approved ID, such as a passport, a passport card, or a U.S. Department of Defense ID. The new rule also applies to TSA Precheck members. As opposed to a standard state IDs, REAL IDs are a valid form of federal identification. Massachusetts residents can check the top right corner of their driver's license or Mass ID for a star, which distinguishes the ID as REAL ID-compliant. Five states — Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont — issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses and Enhanced IDs, which are also valid alternatives to a REAL ID. Travelers who cannot provide one of the approved IDs will likely be subject to delays and additional screenings, and may not be admitted past the security checkpoint. You can view the full list of approved IDs on the TSA website. Under the new regulations, citizens will also need a REAL ID to access federal government buildings, military installations and nuclear power plants. REAL ID requirements differ by state. In Massachusetts, residents can acquire a REAL ID by providing a birth certificate or passport and verifying their social security number with a social security card or W-2. They also must show proof of Massachusetts residence, such as a lease, mortgage, or utility bill. Residents can start the REAL ID application process online by visiting the RMV's Online Service Center and scheduling an in-person appointment at a RMV Service Center of AAA branch (for AAA members). The latest from MassLive Read the original article on MassLive.
Axios
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Travelers without Real ID "will be allowed to fly," Noem says
Wednesday is the Real ID deadline but Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday those without identification that complies with the law "will be allowed to fly." Why it matters: After repeated delays, May 7 is the enforcement deadline to have identification that meets federal security standards to board a commercial aircraft in the U.S. The guidelines also apply when visiting military bases and secure federal buildings like courthouses. Driving the news: Noem told a Congressional panel Tuesday that those who still lack an identification that complies with the Real ID law "may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step," the Associated Press reports. "But people will be allowed to fly," she said. "We will make sure it's as seamless as possible." "The good news is that 81% of passengers already use their REAL ID or other acceptable forms so we do not expect there to be any inconveniences or wait times at all," TSA spokesperson Daniel Velez told Axios. What is a Real ID? What are acceptable alternatives? The big picture: A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards. Compliant IDs are typically marked with a star in the upper right corner, though the specific design may vary by state. Other acceptable identification can be shown at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Find the TSA's full list of acceptable identification here. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are also considered acceptable alternatives. U.S. passport or passport card and DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) Permanent resident card. What to expect if traveling Wednesday or in the coming days How it works: Velez said TSA will enforce Real ID "in a manner that minimizes the impact to overall operations and especially for those passengers who are prepared with their REAL ID, passport or other acceptable form of ID." "We strongly encourage passengers without a REAL ID compliant ID to arrive to the airport earlier than usual…up to an hour earlier than their normal time." "We will be proactive and identify passengers without a REAL ID compliant ID and possibly direct them into another area," Velez said. "We've planned accordingly to ensure no impact to wait times or TSA screening operations, bottom line…we are prepared for May 7." What they're saying: Kyle McLaughlin, CLEAR executive vice president for aviation and travel, told Axios that "travelers may experience some confusion at TSA checkpoints" Wednesday, especially if they don't have a Real ID-compliant credential. "We encourage all travelers — whether they use CLEAR Plus, TSA PreCheck, or the standard lane — to bring a passport as a precaution and arrive at the airport earlier than usual as enforcement rolls out," McLaughlin said. McLaughlin said CLEAR is encouraging its 7.5 million-plus members to upload their U.S. passports in the CLEAR app. Real ID deadline stems from Real ID Act of 2005 Flashback: Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, seeking to beef up security surrounding IDs used at airports. The law was scheduled to be enforced in 2008 but has been delayed many times. In 2022, the enforcement deadline was extended to May 7, 2025. Yes, but: "Part of the confusion with Real ID is that it's been going on for so long," AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz told Axios. "We've been talking about it for literally 20 years." Diaz said it's also an example of "how difficult it is to get all 50 states, plus the territories and the District of Columbia, to all do the same thing," noting what adds to the confusion is "every state has been treating this so differently." Between the lines: Federal and state officials have been urging people to upgrade their IDs in advance. The deadline's approach has been causing panic in some states with long lines and high demand for appointments. Some people, especially women, are having difficulty getting a Real ID if they changed their name through marriage or divorce as original documents can be hard to obtain. When you need a Real ID and when you don't Zoom in: You need a Real ID if: You travel on a plane in the U.S. (and don't have a valid passport or other acceptable ID), Visit a military base or a secure federal building like a courthouse or Enter nuclear power plants.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
Five States May Not Need a Real ID Before Deadline
Beginning on May 7, United States citizens will be required to have a new Real ID to fly domestically and enter federal buildings. However, the TSA has recently confirmed that some states will not require the Real ID after the May 7, 2025 deadline. The new Real ID has been in the works since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, meeting stricter identification requirements. It can be recognized by a gold star located in the upper right corner of the identification card. However, residents of five different states in the United States have a different option besides getting the Real ID. Residents of Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, or Vermont can instead opt for an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). "State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses and identification cards (EDL/EID) are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by DHS under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and are an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID for boarding a commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants," the Department of Homeland Security said, according to The Lansing State Journal. The biggest difference between the Enhanced Driver's License and the Real ID is that the EDL allows some international travel, permitting residents to pass through the land borders between the United States and both Mexico and Canada. The Real ID, meanwhile, only allows for domestic travel. So if you are a resident of one of those five states and already have an EDL, there is not need for you to get a Real ID – the EDL will work just fine and fulfills all the same requirements as the Real ID. If you do not live in one of those five states or do not have an EDL, you will still be required to have a Real ID or another approved form of identification to board a domestic flight.
