Twenty years ago, Congress passed the Real ID Act in an effort to set identification and security standards across the United States.
The deadline to get a Real ID was extended multiple times over the last two decades — including several instances during the COVID-19 pandemic — but the official deadline finally arrived on May 7. U.S. travelers without a Real ID will not be able to fly domestically, unless they present another form of acceptable identification, including a valid passport.
Why It Matters: Despite Years of Lead Time, Millions of Americans Do Not Have a Real ID Yet
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), approximately 81% of people moving through airport checkpoints in recent months have presented Real IDs — it’s the other 20% travel advisors should be concerned about. It will be vital in the coming months (and perhaps years) to confirm that clients have proper documentation before heading off on a trip. Checking on this as early as possible is advised; the California Department of Motor Vehicles estimates that it takes two weeks to process a Real ID application, and that’s if clients can actually secure an in-person appointment to apply.
Delays at airports are anticipated; travelers who arrive without a Real ID or an accepted alternative form of identification “will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening.” This applies to travelers with TSA PreCheck status as well. Those travelers will be subject to an identity verification process that may or may not lead to them continuing through security.
What They Are Saying: Real IDs Are for the Greater Good
“The Real ID requirement bolsters safety by making fraudulent IDs harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists,” said Adam Stahl, a senior TSA official. “TSA will implement Real ID effectively and efficiently, continuing to ensure the safety and security of passengers while also working to minimize operational disruptions at airports.”
