Latest news with #RealIDActof2005
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
You Can Still Get on a Plane Without a Real ID
Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Get thee to a DMV. That has been American airports' increasingly desperate message to travelers over the past two years, in anticipation of May 7, 2025, the date when the Transportation Security Administration was to begin requiring a 'Real ID' or passport to board a plane. And as that day edged closer and closer this spring, fear of missing a flight with an old driver's license caused pileups at DMVs and government offices as Americans scrambled to get the documentation in time. On Tuesday, however, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that air travelers without Real ID wouldn't be denied boarding after all. And on Wednesday, the lines were longer at DMVs than they were at airports, where TSA checkpoints seemed to be handling unprepared fliers with ease. And so the real Real ID deadline to get on a plane has been pushed back for the fifth time. Officially, TSA can wait until May 5, 2027 to require it, by which time the Real ID Act of 2005 that established the requirement will be old enough to have a beer at the airport. But the current gray area is murkier than a clear extension.* It's an appropriate gesture at a moment when aviation safety seems more threatened by the people running the airports than the people passing through them. But it is also a lesson in the surprising challenges of getting everyone an ID, with implications for elections. In some ways the Real ID delay feels like one more punt by a Trump administration that is quick to fold, whether on tariffs or TikTok. But the signs of a Real ID cave have been there for months. In January, the TSA established a rule that preemptively gave it the option to push Real ID enforcement to 2027. In April, as the TSA threatened that 'Real ID full enforcement' was a month off, it also offered a 747-size loophole: passengers without the card could expect … delays and additional screening with the 'possibility' of denied access, not a taxi to the Greyhound station. If you suspect that Homeland Security is beginning to sound like the boy who cried wolf, DHS officials agree. The point of the Real ID was to establish a national standard for driver's licenses. On the one hand, this was not an unreasonable requirement, judging by the many silly-looking fake IDs then in popular circulation. At the same time, the endless delays to implementation and lack of associated security incidents cast doubt on whether the law is necessary at all. In any case, as any high school teacher can attest, repeated extensions have given the government a credibility problem. As DHS put it in the January rule: 'because of a history of REAL ID deadlines being extended, DHS believes that the public may continue to expect that additional extensions are likely and not feel urgency to obtain a REAL ID-compliant card … DHS expects that there is some confusion, lack of awareness, and apathy associated with the May 7, 2025, deadline.' Indeed: As of January, DHS estimated that just 56 percent of Americans' driver's licenses and other IDs were Real ID–compliant. Anticipating a chaotic scene in airports this week, the government developed a compromise—another two-year extension, but with stronger language. That was justified in security terms (dealing with disgruntled, unprepared passengers could distract from The Real Threat), but there's another piece of the calculus: Air travelers make up a tiny slice of the American public but wield great influence, and even the smallest airport meltdowns make easy fodder for the nightly news. Contrast the lenience for air travelers with the intransigence of the drive for voter ID. The Real ID debacle is proof that even well-off Americans—the ones who fly frequently—can have trouble managing demands for documentation on a deadline. Yet Republicans routinely say having a photo ID should be required to vote, and a growing map of states require it. The latest iteration is the Save ACT, which just passed the U.S. House, requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote. The evidence is mixed on the extent to which existing laws disenfranchise voters, but they certainly don't make it easier to vote—more than 20 million Americans over 18 do not have government-issued photo ID, according to one study. But it's hard to imagine the government bending over backward to give them another way into the polling place, as we've been witnessing this week, and really for years, at the airport. If only preserving access to the ballot box were as important as getting to Disney World.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Real ID Day 1: Here's how it went for passengers at Sky Harbor Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was operating smoothly with no major issues on the first day of Real ID enforcement. After years of delays, the Real ID Act of 2005, enacted after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, went into effect nationwide on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Travelers now need to show a security-enhanced driver's license or other Real ID-compliant document to pass airport security or enter federal buildings. In Phoenix on Wednesday, the Transportation Security Administration had extra screeners on hand at checkpoints. Sky Harbor Airport had extra Navigator volunteers in purple shirts throughout the terminals to guide passengers. As of 9 a.m., Sky Harbor's five security checkpoints — one in Terminal 3 and four in Terminal 4 — had waits below 10 minutes. The longest wait observed was around 15 minutes. 'It's not like you can't travel' without a Real ID Stephanie Randolph was flying back to Nashville from Phoenix. She got her Real ID-compliant Tennessee driver's license in 2019, a year before Real ID was supposed to take effect, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed its enforcement. "We wanted to go ahead and get it done instead of waiting until the last minute," she said. Randolph liked how well prepared the Phoenix airport was for the first day of Real ID. "It seems like the airport is equipped with extra people and asking (passengers) if they have it before they get in line," she said. "And it's not like you can't travel. You have to prove a little more." On May 6, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said, "people would be allowed to fly" without a Real ID. Passengers without a Real ID will be subject to more intense scrutiny to prove their identity and should allow extra time to get through security. 'A good response from passengers' TSA screenings at Sky Harbor ran smoothly with no issues on Wednesday, May 7, said TSA spokeswoman Patricia Mancha, who was there for the first day of Real ID enforcement. "We pretty much have a good response from passengers," she said. Most people with noncompliant driver's licenses presented passports instead. The purpose of Real ID is to verify travelers' identities and "is not punitive," Mancha said. Some travelers at Sky Harbor did not have a Real ID and required additional screening, but Mancha said a firm number would not be available until Thursday, May 8. Dawn Nemeth was flying home to Silver City, New Mexico; her flight from Philadelphia included a layover in Phoenix. Nemeth, who said she got her Real ID in 2023 and also had her passport with her, said she didn't encounter any problems. "I know what to expect and I know if I didn't have (Real ID), it would be an issue," Nemeth said. Dana Edgell flew to Phoenix from Rochester, New York, for a conference and a Grand Canyon trip. He said it took him no more than 20 minutes to get through security in Rochester. Sky Harbor continues to work with TSA and airport partners to educate travelers about Real ID enforcement, airport spokesperson Greg Roybal said. Airport staff were stationed pre-security in Terminals 3 and 4 to help them find the right TSA queues and encourage them to make sure they have Real ID-compliant identification, he said. Travelers who aren't sure whether their ID is compliant should review the TSA's list of acceptable forms of identification. Those who don't have Real ID should expect additional verification and allow extra time, Roybal said. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Here's how Real ID Day 1 went at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
5 things to know about Real ID now that the deadline has passed
The U.S. government is now enforcing the use of Real ID, which requires users to have federally compliant identification to board flights, among other uses. The Real ID is a product of the Real ID Act of 2005, passed in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, mandating that travelers use a new, federally compliant form of ID, not only to board flights but also to enter certain federal buildings. The enforcement date for the Real ID was Wednesday, though current rules take into account those who don't yet have one. Here are five things to know about Real ID since the enforcement deadline has passed: Can you board a flight without Real ID? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has said that people can still board their flights if they don't have Real IDs, though they may be subject to increased scrutiny. 'Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA [Transportation Security Administration] 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 department said in its FAQ section on the Real ID webpage. If passengers are flying domestically, a passport suffices in lieu of a Real ID. Additionally, the DHS said: '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.' What will the additional screening look like without a Real ID? While the DHS didn't specify what it means by 'additional screening,' the TSA notes on its website that it 'incorporates unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, to accomplish our transportation security mission.' The TSA lays out different aspects of its general screening process prior to boarding a flight, including screening carry-on and checked baggage, 'millimeter wave advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors.' The TSA also notes on that passengers flying internationally 'experience a more extensive screening process and should prepare for additional screening of your property and personal electronic devices.' How can I get a Real ID? The agency directs people seeking to get a Real ID to head to their state's or territory's department of motor vehicles. The DHS notes that people registering for a Real ID will at a minimum need 'documentation showing: 1) Full Legal Name; 2) Date of Birth; 3) Social Security Number; 4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and 5) Lawful Status.' Additional documents may be required depending on which state or territory you're in. How do you know if you have a Real ID? Identifying whether you have a Real ID is pretty simple. If you have a Real ID, there will be a star located toward the top right of your ID card. When do you absolutely need a Real ID? It's not immediately clear when the grace period for noncompliant users will end and everyone will absolutely need a to have a Real ID to board a plane. A TSA spokesperson told The Hill in a statement that the 'TSA continues to collaborate with its state, airport and airline partners toward a compliance rate closer to 100% for those with either a state-issued REAL ID or an acceptable alternative form of ID.' Given the agency has warned there will likely be added screening for those who don't have a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification yet, users will likely want to obtain a Real ID sooner rather than later to avoid additional screening time. 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 The Hill.
The Hill
07-05-2025
- The Hill
5 things to know about REAL ID now that the deadline has passed
The U.S. government is now enforcing the use of REAL ID, which requires users to have federally compliant identification to board flights, among other uses. The REAL ID is a product of the Real ID Act of 2005, passed in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, mandating that travelers use a new, federally compliant form of ID, not only to board flights but also to enter certain federal buildings. The deadline to obtain a REAL ID was Wednesday, though current rules take into account those who don't yet have one. Here are five things to know about REAL ID since the deadline has passed: Can you board a flight without real ID? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has said that people can still board their flights if they don't have REAL IDs, though they may be subject to increased scrutiny. '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 department said in their FAQ section on REAL ID. If passengers are flying domestically, a passport suffices in lieu of a REAL ID. Additionally, the DHS says: '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.' What will the additional screening look like without a real ID? While the DHS doesn't specify what it means by 'additional screening,' the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) notes on its website that it 'incorporates unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, to accomplish our transportation security mission.' The TSA lays out different aspects of its general screening process prior to boarding a flight, including screening carry-on and checked baggage, 'millimeter wave advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors.' TSA also notes on its website that passengers flying internationally 'experience a more extensive screening process and should prepare for additional screening of your property and personal electronic devices.' How can I get a real ID? The agency directs people seeking to get a REAL ID to head to their state's or territory's department of motor vehicles (DMV). DHS notes that people registering for a real ID will at a minimum need 'documentation showing: 1) Full Legal Name; 2) Date of Birth; 3) Social Security Number; 4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and 5) Lawful Status.' Additional documents may be required depending on which state or territory you're in. How do you know if you have a real ID? Identifying whether you have a REAL ID is pretty simple. If you have a REAL ID, there will be a star located toward the top right of your ID card. When do you absolutely need a real ID? It's not immediately clear when the grace period for non-compliant users will end and everyone will absolutely need a to have a REAL ID to board a plane. A TSA spokesperson told The Hill in a statement that 'TSA continues to collaborate with its state, airport and airline partners toward a compliance rate closer to 100% for those with either a state-issued REAL ID or an acceptable alternative form of ID.' Given the agency has warned there will likely be added screening for those who don't have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification yet, users will likely want to obtain a REAL ID sooner rather than later to avoid screening time.
Fast Company
07-05-2025
- General
- Fast Company
Can I still fly if I don't have my Real ID by May 7? Here's what to know as new air-travel rules go into effect today
The Real ID requirement goes into effect today (Wednesday May 7, 2025). The deadline has been 20 years in the making, and its implementation today could cause some headaches—or at least some confusion—for those trying to fly domestically. Here's what you need to know about today's Real ID deadline and what it means for you. What is Real ID? A Real ID is the name given to an updated form of driver's licenses and state IDs that have enhanced security measures. The federal government sets these standards, even though Real IDs are issued by individual states. From May 7, a Real ID will be required in most circumstances to board a domestic flight in America, enter certain federal facilities in the country, or enter nuclear power plants. However, while the Real ID requirements are going into effect today, the federal legislation mandating Real IDs was actually passed 20 years ago in 2005. The Real ID Act of 2005 was passed in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and aimed to strengthen the requirements needed to enter facilities or vehicles that terrorists were likely to target. However, over the past 20 years, the Real ID requirement has been delayed multiple times. But those delays are now a thing of the past, and the Real ID requirement is now in effect. How do I get a Real ID? Though Real ID is a federal requirement, it is issued by individual states. A Real ID can take a few different forms, the most common one being a state driver's license. However, it may also be another form of state identity card. The usual way to get a Real ID is to go to your state's driver's license agency and apply for a new driver's license. This new license will now be Real ID-compliant. And yes, though the Real ID deadline is today, you can still apply for one at any time in the future if you don't already have one. How do I know if I have a Real ID? Some states have been issuing Real IDs for years. The easiest way to tell if you have a Real ID or not is to look at your identity document. 'REAL ID-compliant cards will have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card,' according to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security FAQ. You can view examples of Real ID stars here. What is an Enhanced ID? To make this situation more confusing, some states offer 'enhanced IDs,' which are identified with a flag instead of a star. Both are considered Real ID compliant, according to DHS. What if still I don't have my Real ID? Though the Real ID requirement was 20 years in the making and finally goes into effect today, the fact of the matter is that the federal government knows that many Americans still do not have a Real ID. In April, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) told CBS News that about 19% of travelers showing up at airports still did not have the new identification. Most Americans who fly domestically are used to boarding the plane with nothing more than their driver's license. But while technically the Real ID requirement goes into effect today, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, says people with non-Real ID driver's licenses will still be able to use them to board a domestic flight. Noem confirmed to a congressional committee that people without Real ID-compliant identification will still be able to fly—for now, reports the Associated Press. Noem said that those without a Real ID 'may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,' but added, 'But people will be allowed to fly.' 'We will make sure it's as seamless as possible,' Noem told lawmakers. However, while non-Real ID holders will still be able to board flights with additional checks, it's not clear how long this grace period will last. That means that if you don't have another acceptable form of identification that will get you on a domestic flight, it's best not to delay getting your Read ID-compliant identification. Are other forms of identity still valid for air travel in the United States? While the Real ID requirement is now in effect to board a domestic flight, you don't need a Real ID document to get through security as long as you have a valid passport. Even if the flight is domestic only, you can still simply show a passport to board the plane in the United States. No other form of document is required—provided you have a passport—not even a Real ID. According to the AP, Noem also told lawmakers that tribal identification will be accepted at security checkpoints. Can I use a Real ID to travel internationally? One important thing to note is that while you can board domestic flights with your passport, things don't work the other way around. That is, you cannot use your Real ID to board an international flight. While a Real ID will allow you to get around via plane within America's borders, other nations will still require a passport to enter their country. Finally, it's worth pointing out that the Department of Homeland Security has a lengthy FAQ answering dozens of questions about the transition to Real ID, which is worth checking out.
