Latest news with #RealIDAct
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
The Real ID deadline is here. What you need to board your next flight
The long-awaited Real ID deadline is finally here but those without the federal identification may still be able to board their flights. Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday that fliers without their Real IDs will "have an extra step" but will ultimately be permitted to fly for now. While things have reportedly been going smoothly at airports throughout this morning, passengers are still encouraged to pad their travel time in case of delays. Here's what you need to know: The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. It's designed to help prevent fraudulent identification, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The Real ID is not mandatory for Pennsylvania residents but you will now need federal identification to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities. There's still plenty of time to get a Real ID in Pennsylvania as the state will continue processing applications for the foreseeable future. PennDOT is also holding another Real ID day on May 12 to process as many applications as possible. You will need to produce several other pieces of identification, including proof of citizenship, proof of residency and valid Social Security Number when applying for a Real ID. A checklist for all of the documentation required to obtain a Real ID is available on the PennDOT website. When you apply for the Real ID, you must pay the license renewal fee in addition to $30 for the Real ID. It costs $39.50 to renew a four-year non-commercial license and $42.50 for a photo ID, according to PennDOT. You'll then be issued a Real ID with an additional four years added onto the expiration date that was listed on your drivers license. Lacey Latch is the development reporter for the Bucks County Courier Times and The Intelligencer. She can be reached at LLatch@ This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Real ID deadline is here. What to know before heading to the airport
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Still need a Real ID in Pennsylvania? Here's where to get a Pennsylvania Real ID May 19
If you still need to obtain Real ID in Pennsylvania, your next best chance to get one is Monday, May 19. Here's how you can get a Real ID in Pennsylvania on Monday. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will reserve several locations across the state on Monday, May 19, for individuals in the state who still need to obtain a Real ID. "To meet continued demand for Real ID, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will open its 15 Real ID centers on Monday, May 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. for Real ID services," read an e-mail from PennDOT. "These 15 locations can process and issue Real IDs over the counter. "Now that the federal Real ID Act is in effect, residents have continued showing strong interest, with over 7,000 people getting their Real IDs during the last event." Here are the 15 Real ID centers in Pennsylvania: Altoona: 1738A 9th Avenue Beaver Falls: Chippewa Plaza, 2580 Constitution Boulevard Bridgeville: 1025 Washington Pike Erie: Summit Towne Center, 7200 Peach Street Exeter: 4375 Perkiomen Ave., Reading Jeannette: 1100 Lowry Avenue King of Prussia: 146 S. Gulph Road Lancaster: 2090 Lincoln Highway East Norristown: 1700 Markley St., Suite 30 Rockview: 812 W. College Ave., Pleasant Gap Philadelphia: 2904 S. 70th St., Unit 8 Summerdale: 429 N. Enola Rd., Enola Whitehall: 1101 MacArthur Rd., Allentown Wilkes-Barre: 1085 Hanover Street Williamsport: 1782 E. Third Steet Obtaining a Real ID is generally optional, but you will need a Real ID for most circumstances that require identification, particularly flying without a passport. Unsure if you need a Real ID in Pennsylvania? You can access the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's online Real ID questionnaire to find out if Real ID is right for you. As of Wednesday, May 7, a Real ID or another form of federally acceptable identification, such as a valid passport or military ID,is required to board domestic commercial flights, enter military bases and certain federal facilities that require a federally acceptable form of ID. A passport is still needed for international travel. Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Still need a PA Real ID? Here's how to get a REAL ID on Monday, May 19
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Still need a Real ID in Pennsylvania? Here's how to get a Pennsylvania Real ID on Monday
If you still need to obtain Real ID in Pennsylvania, your next best chance to get one is Monday, May 19. Here's how you can get a Real ID in Pennsylvania on Monday. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will reserve several locations across the state on Monday, May 19, for individuals in the state who still need to obtain a Real ID. "To meet continued demand for Real ID, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will open its 15 Real ID centers on Monday, May 19 from 8:30 am to 4:15 pm to for Real ID services," read an e-mail from PennDOT. "These 15 locations can process and issue Real IDs over the counter. "Now that the federal Real ID Act is in effect, residents have continued showing strong interest, with over 7,000 people getting their Real IDs during the last event." Here are the 15 Real ID centers in Pennsylvania: Altoona: 1738A 9th Avenue Beaver Falls: Chippewa Plaza, 2580 Constitution Boulevard Bridgeville: 1025 Washington Pike Erie: Summit Towne Center, 7200 Peach Street Exeter: 4375 Perkiomen Ave., Reading Jeannette: 1100 Lowry Avenue King of Prussia: 146 S. Gulph Road Lancaster: 2090 Lincoln Highway East Norristown: 1700 Markley St., Suite 30 Rockview: 812 W. College Ave., Pleasant Gap Philadelphia: 2904 S. 70th St., Unit 8 Summerdale: 429 N. Enola Rd., Enola Whitehall: 1101 MacArthur Rd., Allentown Wilkes-Barre: 1085 Hanover Street Williamsport: 1782 E. Third Steet Obtaining a Real ID is generally optional, but you will need a Real ID for most circumstances that require identification, particularly flying without a passport. Unsure if you need a Real ID in Pennsylvania? You can access the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's online Real ID questionnaire to find out if Real ID is right for you. As of Wednesday, May 7, a Real ID or another form of federally acceptable identification, such as a valid passport or military ID, will be required to board domestic commercial flights, enter military bases and certain federal facilities that require a federally acceptable form of ID. A passport is still needed for international travel. Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Still need a PA Real ID? Here's how to get a REAL ID on Monday, May 19
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Can green card, visa holders fly in the US under new Real ID rules? Here's what to know
Many people across the nation are clamoring to replace their driver's license and state IDs with the Real ID-compliant cards now required for U.S. domestic flights. As of May 7, all U.S. citizens over 18 must show proof of identification that meets the 2005 Real ID Act's rules. But this change in federal travel requirements is creating some confusion about what it means for noncitizens. Passed two decades ago by Congress in response to the bipartisan 9/11 Commission's recommendations after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., the aim of the program was to raise security standards for domestic travel and federal and nuclear facility access. But immigration experts say the law's enactment during the second Trump administration has left noncitizens — including some of the 13.5 million people legally in the U.S. on green cards, work and student visas and humanitarian parole — uncertain about what the rule change could mean for their own travel. President Donald Trump has promised and prioritized mass deportations of criminals and people illegally in the U.S. But in practice, his policies have swept up U.S. citizens and people with a legal immigration status. He has also tried to end legal pathways that allowed people to temporarily live and work in the U.S. Many of these actions are being challenged in court. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about Real ID and its effect on citizen versus noncitizen travel. The Department of Homeland Security says the aim of the Real ID requirements was to bring consistency to the minimum documentation requirements needed for state-issued IDs — driver's license, learner's permits and nondriver all states issuing Real ID-compliant cards require people applying for those cards to present certain documentation. The exact requirements vary by state, but in most cases the minimum documents needed include: Proof of identity in the form of a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or a green card. Social Security Number in the form of a Social Security card, W-2 form, or a pay stub. Two proofs of address of principal residence, which may be a utility bill, bank statement or mortgage statement. Lawful status proof, including a valid employment authorization document, Social Security Number or a valid unexpired visa. A Real ID card bears a black or gold star or a U.S. flag in its upper right corner. State-issued ID cards that don't have these markers will not be accepted as proof of identity to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. No, you can still travel domestically provided you have another form of identification that is Real ID-compliant. The Transportation Security Administration lists many other forms of acceptable IDs, including options for people who are not U.S. citizens. Among them: State-issued enhanced driver's licenses or enhanced IDs, which provide proof of identity when crossing the U.S. borders in a vehicle. U.S. passports or U.S. passport cards. Foreign government-issued passports. Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards under programs such as Global Entry, which let U.S. citizens, green card holders and some foreign nationals to go through expedited lanes at airports. U.S. Department of Defense IDs, including IDs issued to dependents of people in the military. Lawful permanent resident cards, also known as green cards. Border crossing cards, a document used by Mexican citizens to enter the U.S. Acceptable photo IDs issued by federally recognized tribal nations, including enhanced tribal cards. HSPD-12 PIV cards, which are used by federal contractors to access facilities and systems. Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada cards. Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC). U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Cards. U.S. Merchant Mariner Credentials, which show evidence of a mariner's qualifications; and Veteran Health Identification Cards (VHIC). There's one big caveat: TSA says the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice and advises travelers to check the list before traveling. Although numerous forms of ID are accepted for noncitizens, the Real ID policy could have a chilling effect on travelers whose documentation differentiates them from citizens, immigration experts told PolitiFact. As one example, immigration attorney Prerna Lal said that, in any interaction with federal authorities, carrying a foreign passport could lead to scrutiny of that person's identity if they lack legal immigration status. "Even with valid foreign passports, undocumented individuals and mixed-status families may avoid traveling due to concerns about interactions with TSA or law enforcement, despite passports remaining acceptable documentation," Lal said. "This fear of enforcement, rather than access to IDs, is the primary chilling effect on the immigrant community." A TSA officer may ask a person to complete an identity verification process. If the identity is confirmed, that person will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. Yes, the Real ID regulations define an individual in a "temporary lawful status" as a person who has a pending application for asylum; has a pending or approved application for temporary protected status; has approved deferred action; or has a pending application for lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident status. The Real ID Act lets states issue temporary, Real ID driver licenses and ID cards to people with temporary status. People with a temporary immigration status are usually granted temporary valid employment authorization and Social Security numbers, which they can use to apply for Real IDs. Their temporary Real ID will remain valid until their lawful status expires. Florida is one exception: The Sunshine State requires almost all immigrants with lawful status to renew their IDs annually. Green card holders in Florida don't have to renew a REAL ID every year; their Real ID is valid until their green card expires. Most green cards are valid for 10 years, but people can apply for a renewal. Also, people with valid student or work visas can present their unexpired passports, visas and I-94 form, a document that shows a person's authorized period of stay in the U.S., for proof of identity and legal status and get a Real ID. States that provide non-Real ID compliant ID cards to people without legal immigration status can still do so, according to DHS, but the cards must clearly state that they are not acceptable for Real ID purposes and must have a unique design or color to differentiate them from compliant cards. These non-Real ID compliant ID cards cannot be used as a form of identification for domestic travel. Lal told PolitiFact that a Real ID alone does not prevent an arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or confirm a lawful immigration status. Although Real ID-compliant identification requires proof of lawful presence for issuance, it is not proof of current immigration status. "ICE conducts its own verification, and possessing a Real ID does not grant immunity from enforcement actions," Lal said. Lal said that people should present to ICE valid, government-issued documentation that shows their current immigration status, such as a green card, employment authorization card or visa. Phone interview with Ediberto Roman, professor of law & director of Immigration and Citizenship Initiatives at the Florida International University, May 8, 2025 Email interview with Jasleen Singh, counsel in the Brennan Center's voting rights program, May 8, 2025 Email interview with Immigration attorney Prerna Lal, May 8, 2025 How to get a Real ID and use it for travel, updated April 14, 2025 State motor vehicle services, accessed May 8, 2025 DHS, Real ID Frequently Asked Questions, accessed May 8, 2025 TSA, Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint, accessed May 8, 2025 FindLaw, What Is a Real ID, and Do I Need It to vote?, Feb. 14, 2024 VoteRiders, What is Real ID?, accessed May 8, 2025 NCSL, Voter ID Laws, updated April 16, 2025 News4Jax, Florida enacts stricter driver's license rules for legal immigrants, May 5, 2025 Federal Registry, Indian Entities Recognized by and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs, accessed May 8, 2025 Get a Passport Card, accessed May 8, 2025 U.S. Passports and Real ID, accessed May 8, 2025 TSA, Real ID, accessed May 8, 2025 Who can and cannot vote, accessed May 8, 2025 USCIS, How do I renew or replace my permanent resident card?, accessed May 12, 2025 GSA, Federal credentialing services, accessed May 12, 2025 Maritime Institute, GET MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL (MMC), accessed May 12, 2025 DHS, Enhanced Drivers Licenses: What Are They?, accessed May 12, 2025 Pew Research Center, What the data says about immigrants in the U.S., Sept. 27, 2024 PolitiFact, Can Donald Trump use a 1798 law to carry out mass deportations?, Oct. 18, 2024 PolitiFact, Ask PolitiFact: What evidence does the government need to deport green card, visa holders?, March 26, 2025 The Washington Post, Here are the U.S. citizens caught in Trump's immigration crackdown, updated May 3, 2025 PolitiFact, How spin and falsehoods propelled Trump's immigration crackdown in his first 100 days, April 28, 2025 This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Can green card, visa holders fly in the US under new Real ID rules?
Newsweek
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Real ID: Why No One Seems To Be Ready After 20 Years of Warning
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. On Wednesday, May 7, the long-anticipated implementation of Real ID laws finally came into effect, and Americans now need a specific identification on their driver's license (or a passport) for air travel. What is Real ID? The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. As of May 7, 2025, travelers need a Real ID-compliant license or another accepted form of identification, like a passport, to board federally regulated commercial aircraft and access certain federal facilities. Real ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top and require applicants to provide documents that prove their identity, Social Security number and lawful status in the U.S. Stock image of an airport sign with 'REAL ID' on it. Stock image of an airport sign with 'REAL ID' on it. Photo by Tanaonte / Getty Images "Real ID helps ensure that travelers are who they say they are and prevents fraud by criminals, terrorists, and illegal aliens," Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem explained in a press release. "Enforcing federal law will help keep American travelers safe." Delays in Implementation The implementation of the Real ID Act has faced multiple delays since its passage in 2005. The federal government extended the compliance deadline several times due to logistical challenges and public readiness. Initially set to go into effect in 2008, the deadline was postponed repeatedly. One of the major reasons for these delays has been the uneven pace at which states upgraded their ID systems to meet the law's stringent documentation and verification requirements. Millions of Americans lacked Real IDs, which would have created major travel disruptions. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated the issue, as DMVs closed down and limited their appointments. In 2020 and again in 2022, the DHS cited pandemic-related challenges when extending the deadline. Social Media Reacts Posters on the Reddit forum r/TSA debated whether people should have been prepared for the change. One user noted that the Real ID change has been in the works for a very long time, adding that while they have a passport, they "feel for others" who might not be prepared. "Some people were like 2 years old in 2005, and people didn't bring this deadline stuff back up until people started saying 'May 7th,'" they wrote. "All while the past 20 years, we have been getting state IDs we thought were going to be useful because DMVs and other offices weren't pushing them when we were getting IDs." "Why are any states even giving out non-Real IDs anymore?" "I literally just renewed my license and didn't realize until after they didn't give me a Real ID," another user commented. "Had to go back and they were like, 'Well, you didn't ask for one.' "Why are any states even giving out non-Real IDs anymore?" In a message to Newsweek, the user said they have Global Entry, a military retired ID, a passport and a federal employee ID. "I just didn't expect Washington to make me jump through extra hoops," they wrote. "They could have had some kind of warning on the website that says: 'This isn't Real ID compliant' or something. I might have missed it, but I'm extremely computer competent, so if I missed it, what about everyone else?" In the Reddit thread, a Virginia resident noted, "When I last renewed my license 7 years ago, they didn't even mention Real ID, and when I renewed this year, it was framed as 'it's cool if you don't want to bother with the extra effort'." "Honestly? A lot of people don't like the idea and were hoping it would go away before it ever went into effect," another Redditor added. Some users, however, were less sympathetic. "Nahhh, there were literal signs at airports throughout the years," one wrote. "I vividly remember going through TSA security and reading 'REAL ID 2016'." Newsweek reached out to posters requesting further comment on Friday, May 9.
