Starting from Wednesday, May 7, passengers flying domestic flights in the United States will be required to present a REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification when boarding, as well as when visiting federal buildings such as military bases and courthouses. So, what do you need to know before flying on Wednesday?
A REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card issued by a state government that meets the minimum security standards set out in the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, based on recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. These compliant forms of identification typically have a star in the upper right corner, although the exact design may vary by state.
According to a statement from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), 81% of passengers at TSA checkpoints have presented acceptable forms of identification, including state-issued REAL IDs.
However, there are some exceptions.
Passengers can also use a U.S. passport, permanent resident card, enhanced tribal card, foreign government-issued passport, and several other forms of identification accepted by the TSA for air travel.
In addition, the following five states issue Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) and Enhanced Identification Cards (EIDs), which the Department of Homeland Security recognizes as alternative forms of REAL ID:
– Michigan
– Minnesota
– New York
– Vermont
– Washington
The driver’s licenses or identification cards from these states are not automatically equipped with enhancements. Residents can choose between a standard driver’s license/ID or an EDL/EID during the application process.
Enhanced driver’s licenses and enhanced identification cards can also serve as identification and proof of citizenship for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean region.
Children under 18 do not need a REAL ID for domestic air travel.
TSA states that if you do not have a REAL ID or acceptable alternative form of identification, you should bring “any documentation that can assist us in confirming your identity, such as your name and current address.”
TSA stated in a Reddit “Ask Me Anything” thread, “You may need to undergo identity verification and additional screening.”
TSA also advises these passengers to allow an extra hour for airport security screening.
The Department of Transportation notes, “If a passenger presents a state-issued identification that does not comply with REAL ID requirements and there are no other acceptable alternative documents (such as a passport), they may face delays, additional screening, and potentially being denied entry to the security checkpoint.”
TSA mentioned in a Reddit AMA that due to “varying layouts of all airports, we will continue to conduct additional verification in a way that best suits each checkpoint and its space.”
“Please pay attention to signs or TSA personnel, as they are assisting and directing passengers to the appropriate areas.”
Krispy Kreme announced in a press release that to celebrate the effective date of REAL ID, they will be giving away free doughnuts without the need to present identification.
On May 7, customers participating in the event at select stores can receive a complimentary original glazed doughnut. Limit one per customer.
Krispy Kreme, known formally as “Kakakuanfang” in Chinese, is a large doughnut chain in the United States, also the second-largest doughnut shop in the country.
(Some information in this article was referenced from axios website reporting)