The May 7 REAL ID deadline is finally here, but travelers who have not made the switch will still be allowed to fly. Homeland Security confirmed this week that security checkpoints will not be turning anyone away if they do not have a REAL ID.
Secretary Kristi Noem told Congress that 81 percent of travelers already have IDs that meet REAL ID standards. For the rest, valid passports and tribal identification cards will still be accepted when the deadline takes effect.
If you do not have a REAL ID you may face additional screening. Noem explained that travelers could be placed in a separate line or go through extra steps at security. “But people will be allowed to fly. We will make sure it is as seamless as possible,” she said.
REAL ID is a federally approved form of identification that was recommended by the 9/11 Commission and signed into law in 2005. While the law has been in place for years, full enforcement has been delayed multiple times.
With the new requirement now in effect, travelers are urged to prepare before heading to the airport. If you do not have a REAL ID, bring an acceptable backup like a passport and arrive early in case of added screening.
You will still be able to board your flight but the process may take a little longer.
