Starting May 7, travelers flying within the United States will need identification compliant with federal standards, marking a significant change for air travel security checkpoints. This follows years of extensions to the original deadline.
The security requirements stem from the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005. This legislation incorporated recommendations from the 9/11 Commission to enhance security by establishing minimum standards for state-issued identification like driver's licenses and nondriver identification cards. Federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration, are prohibited from accepting identification that does not meet these standards for certain purposes, such as accessing federal facilities and boarding commercial aircraft.
A compliant identification card typically features a star marking on the top right corner, though the design can vary by state.
Travelers attempting to pass through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints without a compliant REAL ID may face additional screening and potential delays. The Transportation Security Administration states individuals may be directed to a separate area and asked to complete an identity verification process. Failure to provide acceptable identification, cooperate with verification, or confirm identity could result in denial of entry to the security checkpoint. At Boston's Logan Airport, a Transportation Security Administration representative indicated travelers without proper identification will be pulled from the standard line to manage traffic flow.
However, a REAL ID is not the sole acceptable form of identification for domestic travel. Other forms, such as a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler card, are also valid.
Obtaining a compliant REAL ID requires visiting a state driver's licensing agency and providing documentation to verify identity, date of birth, Social Security number, residency, and lawful immigration status. Temporary paper cards issued by licensing agencies during this process are not accepted by the Transportation Security Administration.
Children under 18 traveling with an adult companion for domestic flights are generally not required by the Transportation Security Administration to present identification.
Colleen Ogilvie, Registrar of Motor Vehicles in Massachusetts, commented on the process, stating it sets standards for state motor vehicle departments regarding security features on documents, identity requirements, protocols, and verifications.