After the May 7 deadline, Americans without REAL IDs can still fly, but they’ll have to endure additional airport screening and wait longer.
During Tuesday’s appearance before the House Appropriations Committee, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made the news. Passports and tribal identity will also be accepted at security checks when the deadline arrives on Wednesday, according to Noem, and 81% of travelers currently have IDs that meet the REAL ID criteria.
“People will be allowed to fly,” Noem informed legislators. “We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible.”
Those who do not yet have valid identification in accordance with the REAL ID law “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,” according to Noem.
A more secure form of identification, REAL ID is a state-issued license or ID card that complies with federal standards, according to Homeland Security. It was a 9/11 Commission recommendation that was passed into law in 2005 but has been continually delayed in execution.
There are more rigorous identity verification procedures associated with getting a REAL ID than there used to be with driver’s licenses that weren’t REAL IDs. Many visitors are worried they won’t have time to acquire a REAL ID by the deadline on Wednesday because of all the confusion and upheaval produced by the change to this new type of identification.
If you do not possess a valid photo ID, you are still able to bypass the new requirement by using your passport; however, this may cause additional travel delays and is not a guarantee that your alternative will be effective.
In order to board a flight, passengers must first fill out a Certification of Identity form (TSA Form415) and have it verified by TSA officials. Only after this is done will passengers be allowed to pass through security. Passengers opting for this route can face extra security measures such as pat-downs, questioning, or screening.
Those who do not have the necessary documentation may still be able to reschedule their flights for the next day, so there is still hope even if you are rejected.