Latest news with #REAL-ID
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How Real ID Ready is Colorado?
(COLORADO) — After almost two decades, the REAL ID deadline takes effect Wednesday, May 7, and Colorado is one of the leading states when it comes to REAL ID Ready preparedness. Colorado has been a mandatory REAL ID state since 2013, meaning that 100% of those eligible for a REAL ID in Colorado have received a REAL ID-compliant credential at either their initial issuance or renewal. So far, Colorado has one of the highest rates, with 96% of all driver's licenses and identification cards issued in Colorado being REAL-ID compliant. 'Colorado has led the way in ensuring our residents are REAL ID ready,' Governor Polis said. 'Thanks to the leadership at the DMV and the commitment of Coloradans, we are proud to be fully prepared for this important national security milestone, and this success highlights our state's proactive approach to modernization and public service.' The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005, establishing minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards to create more secure credentials for national security, fraud mitigation, and identity theft purposes. 'Colorado DMV staff have worked diligently for over a decade to ensure a smooth transition to REAL ID,' DMV Senior Director Electra Bustle said. 'We're proud that Colorado is ahead of the curve, and we thank our customers for helping make this effort a success.' Starting May 7, TSA will not accept a non-REAL ID-compliant credential to board a flight. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Real-ID enforcement begins: What travelers need to know
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — As of May 7, travelers flying domestically in the U.S. must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification at airport security checkpoints or expect to go through additional security measures. If you've renewed your driver's license in recent years, you may have noticed a small star in the upper corner. That star indicates that your license is REAL ID compliant, meeting the federal requirements established by the REAL ID Act. 'I've not had the chance or the time to go get it,' said Osa Okoh, a traveler at Reagan National Airport (DCA) on Wednesday morning. 'But it's something that's required, so I'm eventually going to get it.' REAL ID: What is it, how to get one in DC, Maryland, Virginia Okoh, like many others, did not have a star on his ID as of May 7, but he was able to use an alternative form of identification to get through security. 'I always travel with my passport. I just put it in and I hop on the plane and I go,' he said. The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, requiring states to enhance the security of state-issued IDs and licenses. It was expected to go into effect in 2008 but faced multiple delays due to state implementation challenges. Now, as of Wednesday, it is being fully enforced for domestic flights nationwide. 'The critical point is we want to know who's boarding the flights, we want to know that you are who you say you are,' said Lisa Farbstein, spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). TSA officers will inform travelers without a valid ID that they are non-compliant. Those individuals may be pulled aside for additional screening, including physical screening. Frontier announces new route at Baltimore-Washington International Airport to Chicago If you don't have a REAL-ID, according to the TSA website, travelers are able to use the following acceptable forms of ID: A valid passport or passport card A Department of Defense military ID A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) A foreign government-issued passport Permanent resident card Border crossing card An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs) HSPD-12 PIV card Foreign government-issued passport Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) Travelers from Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington may have enhanced driver's licenses marked with a U.S. flag. These are primarily for car or foot travel between the U.S. and neighboring countries, like Canada and Mexico, but they are not valid for air travel unless they also include the REAL ID star. You can check your local DMV website to learn what documents are required to obtain a REAL-ID and make an appointment. 'There's still plenty of time for you to get that REAL ID or search your house for a possible acceptable alternative. We do not expect this to impact wait times at checkpoints nationwide,' said Farbstein. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
Wednesday is the Real ID deadline. But you can still travel with these forms of ID
The deadline to get a REAL ID is nearly here - though there still remains confusion about what it includes and whether every one needs one. After years of postponement and delays, starting on Wednesday, air travelers over the age of 18 will need a REAL-ID compliant identification to board domestic flights. Without another delay in sight, all Americans will need to get a REAL ID if they haven't already, or they may face travel troubles down the line. While officials warn the new form of identification is required – there will still be ways to fly within the country even without it. Here's everything you need to know about the REAL ID: What is the REAL ID? The REAL ID is a federally compliant state-issued driver's license or identification card that Department of Homeland Security officials say is more secure than current IDs. The deadline to get a REAL ID is Wednesday. But has left many people confused on what the ID is and whether they need one. (Getty Images) Americans should have a REAL ID – marked with either a gold or black star on the top right corner – to fly domestically. The new standard identification is going into effect following the REAL ID Act, which was signed into law in 2005 following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. The law was set to establish 'minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.' While the REAL ID Act was intended to begin rolling out in 2008, it faced repeated delays over state challenges to implement the law – before getting stalled even further by the COVID-9 pandemic. A REAL ID is required in each state and has additional screening measures. It often requires more proof of identification and proof of residency - such as a utility bill. Who is required to get a REAL ID? Every traveler over the age of 18 will need to have compliant identification to get through American airport security checkpoints. The REAL ID is a federally compliant state-issued driver's license or identification card that Department of Homeland Security officials say is more secure than current IDs. (AP) Anyone who fits the requirements and is not using a valid passport for domestic travel may face travel troubles. Children under 18 traveling with companions do not need to present identification information as long as their companion has a valid form of ID. What is the REAL ID needed for? The REAL ID is needed to board a domestic flight within the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security says the REAL ID is more secure than current identification forms. (AP) The new form of identification is also required to enter some federal buildings and facilities. When does it go into place? Starting on May 7, your license or identification card will need to be REAL ID-compliant to fly domestically in the US. Are there any alternatives to the REAL ID? Those planning to board a domestic flight without a REAL ID will need to bring a passport or other TSA-approved form of identification. Those without a REAL ID will need to bring a passport or other TSA-approved form of identification for domestic flights within the US. (Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) However, those without the REAL ID, will likely face lengthier security lines before even boarding the plane. People without the REAL ID will likely see 'delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint,' Transportation Security Administration spokesperson Lisa Farbson said. People can get REAL IDs from their states' driver's licensing agencies. The requirements for the ID, including documentation needed to obtain it, vary state by state. With contributions from the Associated Press.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
REAL ID Louisiana: 1.2M residents make upgrade before May deadline
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — More than 1.2 million Louisiana residents have gotten REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or ID cards before the May 7 deadline. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) offices and Public Tag Agents (PTAs) processed more than 97,000 REAL ID applications in April 2025. This is an 8% rise from last year, setting a new monthly record. 'This past month has been exceptional in delivering the services our citizens deserve. I am immensely proud of our dedicated team for their hard work and commitment,' Interim OMV Commissioner Bryan J. Adams said. 'I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our residents for their patience and understanding as we navigate this process together and work toward a better future for all.' Officials said more people joined after increasing public awareness and offering extended office hours. Several OMV offices across the state opened on Saturdays to get people REAL-ID ready. As REAL ID deadline looms, here's what happens if you don't have one REAL ID was created after the 9/11 Commission's recommendations as a federal security standard. Starting May 7, a REAL ID or another approved form of ID, such as a passport, military ID or permanent resident card, will be required to: Board federally regulated commercial flights. Enter federal buildings. Visit nuclear power plants. Flying without a REAL ID? Here's what to expect REAL IDs are marked with a gold star in the top corner. If you don't have one, you'll need to bring another accepted form of identification instead. The Department of Homeland Security recommends checking with the federal agency you plan to visit to make sure you bring the right ID. OMV offices across Louisiana will continue to offer REAL IDs even after the May 7 enforcement date. Applicants must show proof of identity, evidence of lawful status in the country, birth date, social security number and two proofs of principal residence. Click here for more about REAL ID requirements or make an OMV appointment online. Louisiana OMV sees improvement after system fix, Gov. Landry says What is thunderstorm asthma? Collins has 'serious objections' to parts of Trump 2026 budget Tickets for 52nd Annual Bayou Classic now on sale REAL ID Louisiana: 1.2M residents make upgrade before May deadline Louisiana whooping cough cases for 2025 higher than last year's total, LDH reports Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program reminds people to drive safe during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — The West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program encouraged motorcycle safety as May kicks off Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. According to a press release, the West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program (GHSP) partnered with the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to encourage drivers that 'Motorcyclists' Safety Is Everyone's Safety.' REAL-ID will be required for West Virginia residents to board flights The press release from the West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program stated that safe driving and riding practices, as well as informing other drivers, can help decrease the amount of motorcyclist deaths on roads in the Mountain State. Motorcyclists should always be aware of their surroundings. It is imperative that you have the correct license to ride a motorcycle in West Virginia. Always wear your DOT-compliant helmet. Make sure you dress for the slide, not just for the ride. Motorists need to look out for motorcycles since they are small and harder to see. Since it is grass cutting season, please do not blow grass clippings onto the roads and streets because it is dangerous for motorcyclists. Driving on grass clippings is very slick, like driving on ice. Mary Jarrell | GHSP Motorcycle Safety Training Coordinator NHTSA data included in the press release stated that 15 percent of the total highway deaths in 2022 were 6,218 motorcyclists who died in traffic accidents. 33 percent of the total number of motorcyclist deaths in 2022 were related to speeding, and 51 percent of the deaths were from motorcyclists who were 21 to 24 years old. According to the data, drug/alcohol impairment was also a part of fatalities in motorcycle related accidents, and in 2022, 42 percent of motorcyclists who died in single-vehicle accidents were impaired by drugs or alcohol. Governor Morrisey signs bills banning cell phones in classrooms and requiring U.S. Motto displayed in schools The West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program advised that DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets can help lessen injuries and save lives. The press release stated that the use of motorcycle helmets went from 64.9 percent in 2021 to 66.5 percent in 2022, and that data from the NHTSA estimated that in 2017, helmets saved the lives of around 1,872 motorcyclists, and if all motorcyclists worn DOT-compliant helmets, an additional 749 lives could have been saved. According to the press release from the West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program, motorcyclists can finish rider education courses and keep a current motorcycle license, ride and drive defensively and not ride when distracted or impaired, and follow the speed limit and traffic laws and use personal protective gear and a DOT-compliant helmet with a 'FMVSS No. 218 Certified' label. Drivers are encouraged to use turn signals when merging or changing lanes, leave more following distance to move or stop in an emergency, do not drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol, follow the speed limit, check all mirrors and blind spots before merging or changing lanes, and drive defensively. The press release stated that despite motorcycles being small vehicles, motorcyclists have the same rights as any other driver when on the road and enough room should be left for them on a lane, and their smaller size can make them harder to see, which can make it possible to misjudge distance and speed. Drivers are also encouraged to avoid distractions that could place other people at risk, and to yield to motorcyclists, especially at intersections. Additional information about the West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program can be found on their website or by calling 304-926-2509, and motorcycle safety information can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
