Latest news with #REALID-compliant
Newsweek
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Nationwide Outage Knocks Out Passport Verification
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A nationwide outage caused passport verification to be unavailable on Wednesday afternoon. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias posted about the outage on social media on Wednesday morning, urging residents to call before visiting the Department of Motor Vehicles for passport verification. The U.S. Passport Verification Service allows driver's license agencies to verify data against the Department of Homeland Security's system. Why It Matters State DMVs have been flooded with visitors as many Americans look to get a REAL ID since it became mandatory at airports earlier this month. Passports are also a valid form of identification, so the delay in passport verification services could potentially affect soon-to-be travelers. Customers wait at a DMV location in New York City on April 28, 2025. Customers wait at a DMV location in New York City on April 28, 2025. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images What To Know The nationwide outage occurred Wednesday morning, but it is unclear where it stands this afternoon. The Illinois Secretary of State's office said DMVs are operating as usual despite the outage for passport verification. "We activated a process that we put in place to enable us to process U.S. passports and immigration documents from other countries at our DMV facilities. We are not experiencing any delays at our DMVs as a result," the office told CBS Chicago. "We are actively working with our DHS partners to provide an update to states so service can be restored as soon as possible," the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) told The Hill, saying the issue should be resolved by the afternoon. Newsweek reached out to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators for comment via email. What People Are Saying Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias posted on X Wednesday: "Due to a nationwide outage, U.S. passport verification is currently unavailable. We are actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available. Please call 800-252-8980 before visiting our DMVs as services or hours may be impacted." A TSA spokesperson previously told Newsweek: "TSA has no concerns [about security wait times on and beyond May 7. State Department of Motor Vehicles have done a great job of preparing their residents for REAL ID implementation on May 7." What Happens Next As the REAL ID requirements go into effect this month, an increasing number of Americans will likely need to set up an appointment with their local DMV for a REAL ID license or passport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) previously said that over 80 percent of air travelers already present REAL ID-compliant identification. Those without a REAL ID or passport could face long security delays or potentially not board planes at all.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
REAL ID takes off smoothly
If you aren't sure whether your driver's license or state ID has a gold star in a circle, you might want to double-check your wallet before heading to the airport. Wednesday was the first day that all travelers flying domestically—including inter island—are required to show a REAL ID-compliant credential or another federally accepted form of identification, like a passport or military ID, to get through airport security. The Transportation Security Administration officially began enforcing the REAL ID Act, a federal law passed in 2005 to tighten ID standards after the 9 /11 attacks. In Hawaii, most travelers are already set. According to state Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen, about 96 % of all driver's licenses and state IDs issued here are compliant. 'The great thing is, with REAL ID starting up today, the requirements, TSA has been drilling for the past week or so to ensure that if they run into different scenarios, they're ready for the situations, ' he said at a press conference Wednesday. Sniffen said by midday, 307 travelers had arrived at Hawaii airports without REAL ID-compliant IDs. Of those, only three were denied boarding—and not because of the REAL ID rule. 'The three that were denied access weren't because their IDs were not REAL ID compliant. They came in with no ID at all, ' he said. The rest—304 people—were routed to secondary screening, a backup process that TSA has been rehearsing ahead of the enforcement deadline. Most were cleared in five to 10 minutes. While the rollout appeared largely seamless, Sniffen warned travelers to arrive early if they're unsure about their ID status or traveling with guests who may not be compliant. He also noted that most of the issues could come from visitors from other states, not local residents. Lorie Dankers, a TSA spokesperson, said travelers without compliant IDs will be allowed to fly after undergoing screening, but they'll be given a flyer explaining the new requirements and may be pulled aside. 'You're going to receive a flyer and you may receive additional screening. It's an unpredictable screening measure that passengers might be subjected to, but you are going to be allowed to fly, ' she said. Valid alternatives to a REAL ID include U.S. passports, military IDs—including those issued to dependents—Global Entry cards and foreign government-issued passports. Dankers encouraged travelers to review TSA's ID list in advance. At Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Wednesday, many travelers reported no issues. Ivan Kuancer, who was traveling from Hilo to Honolulu to visit family, said he received his REAL ID when he renewed his license a couple of years ago. He described his travel experience as smooth and said he didn't notice anyone around him having trouble at security. Kuancer supports the initiative for safety reasons, though he acknowledged it could cause some delays. Still, he said he wasn't too worried. Others traveling through Honolulu had mixed feelings. Jennifer, a military traveler from Orange County, Calif., said she opted not to get a REAL ID, relying instead on her military ID when passing through airports. 'I chose not to get it … I am in the military, so I chose to maintain just my military identification as a process of going in and out of the airports. For me, it was like a hassle to get the REAL ID, ' she said. She and her friend Samantha Perez were connecting in Honolulu on their way to Kona. While Perez also described her own travel as smooth—she carries a passport—she expressed concern after witnessing an older woman in a wheelchair being pulled aside at security. 'There should be an exception, ' Perez said. 'She was in a wheelchair. Anybody who may have a disability has to go all the way to the DMV. You don't always have a ride, you don't always have the resources, the financial ability. It looks like it's hard enough on them as it is. It's not great.' Perez said she had never flown domestically using her passport until this trip and worried about misplacing it. 'I have a passport, but not everybody's as fortunate to be able to afford a passport, ' she said. 'Getting a new license in California can also be expensive and unaffordable for some people.' The federal law has been in the works for nearly 20 years, with multiple deadline extensions. Hawaii began issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses in 2018. With enforcement now underway, both federal and state officials say they'll continue educating the public, but travelers should expect the policy to remain in effect going forward. Sniffen said Hawaii's DMV offices have done well preparing the public in advance. With only about 30, 000 out of a million licensed drivers statewide still needing a REAL ID, he doesn't expect long lines at licensing centers—at least, not yet. Travelers are advised to check their IDs for the star in a circle indicating REAL ID compliance and to plan accordingly to ensure a smooth travel experience. ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.—REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent ). If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.—State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL ) or Enhanced ID (EID )—U.S. passport—U.S. passport card—DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST )—U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents—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 )
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Time of India
REAL ID now required at US airports for domestic flights: Key info for travellers
Starting May 7, 2025, US travelers will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. After multiple delays, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed the deadline is final, and travelers who do not comply may face travel disruptions. The REAL ID Act, originally passed in 2005, was designed to enhance security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards following the 9/11 attacks. The law sets specific requirements for ID verification and documentation to prevent identity fraud and improve overall travel safety. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), beginning next May, traditional state driver's licenses or ID cards that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted at airport security checkpoints. Travelers must instead show a REAL ID, a passport, or another TSA-approved form of identification. Read more: Singapore issues travel advisory due to escalating security concerns REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star in the top right corner. However, as of early 2024, fewer than half of all state-issued IDs meet the federal REAL ID requirements, according to DHS officials. This has raised concerns that millions of Americans may be caught off guard when the new rules take effect. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Yogyakarta Jw: AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Aroun... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Individuals must present proof of their full legal name, date of birth, social security number, proof of domicile, and lawful status in the United States at their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in order to receive a REAL ID. States may have slightly different requirements, therefore travelers are encouraged to check the websites of their local DMVs for comprehensive guidance. Federal officials emphasize that the change only affects air travel and access to federal buildings; REAL ID is not required to drive, vote, or apply for federal benefits. Read more: Visas and travel under the new India–UK FTA: What's changing? Airports and airlines are also launching information campaigns to alert travelers of the approaching deadline. Travel experts recommend applying for a REAL ID or ensuring your passport is up to date well in advance to avoid problems during the busiest travel seasons. With the countdown now under a year, preparedness is key. For frequent flyers and holiday travelers alike, the message is clear: don't delay — get your REAL ID today. Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
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.
Epoch Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
TSA Confirms REAL ID Enforcement Went Into Effect at US Airports
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said that 81 percent of domestic air travelers have identification compliant with REAL ID requirements that went into effect at U.S. airports on May 7. A spokesperson for the TSA confirmed to The Epoch Times on May 7 that the agency has started 'full enforcement' of the law and that people who show IDs that are not compliant will 'receive a warning' and will be sent to a 'separate area' to undergo more screening from the TSA. The TSA, the spokesperson said, is not accepting 'state-issued identifications that are not REAL ID compliant' and that 'early reports from airports indicate there are no issues and wait times remain within benchmark levels.' About 81 percent of domestic air travelers already have a REAL ID or another form of identification, such as passports, the spokesperson added. Starting May 7, the agency '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,' the spokesperson added. 'TSA is planning accordingly to ensure no impact to wait times or TSA screening operations,' the statement continued. The statement echoes a comment made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, whose department oversees the TSA, during a House hearing on Tuesday. She said people without REAL IDs or alternatives will be allowed to fly, but may need to undergo more steps. Related Stories 4/13/2025 3/31/2025 'Folks will come through the line, and [they] will issue their ID and show it. If it's not compliant, they may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step, but people will be allowed to fly,' she told the congressional panel, also reiterating that 81 percent of people have compliant forms of ID. The REAL ID law was passed in Congress after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks commission recommended enhanced screening measures in the wake of the attacks. The mandate was pushed back a number of times until May 7, 2025. Federal, state, and local governments have been encouraging people through a variety of means to upgrade or get REAL ID-compliant licenses or IDs in advance of the deadline. A REAL ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card that is approved by the federal government. The IDs are typically marked with a star on the upper right corner of the ID card or license, although each state has a different design. Aside from the new form of ID, other acceptable identification can be presented at TSA checkpoints, including U.S.-issued and foreign passports and some government-issued ID cards, according to the TSA's Under the mandate, people will also need to show a REAL ID at a military base or a secure federal building, such as a courthouse, the TSA says. However, the ID is not A spokesperson for the TSA also told news outlets this week that the agency is recommending that travelers without an acceptable form of ID should arrive at the airport three hours before their scheduled departure time.
