Since May, all travelers over 18 years old on domestic flights within the United States must keep one detail in mind. Authorities require the presentation of the new federal identification, known as Real ID. This change, which was proposed more than two decades ago, has finally come into effect after years of preparation and delays.
Although Real ID is mandatory, those who don't have this identification can fly. However, they must undergo additional screening at airports, which could cause significant delays. This is a real problem, especially during high-demand periods like Memorial Day weekend and the summer season.
What is Real ID?
Real ID is a federal identification with much higher security standards than any other document. It was created after the September 11, 2001 attacks, with the goal of improving security on domestic flights. Since its approval in 2005, its implementation has been delayed until, finally, on May 7, 2025, it became a requirement for travelers.
It's easy to identify if your driver's license or identification is a Real ID. If you see a small gold star in the upper right corner of the card, then you already have this document. If that's not the case, it's time to go to the nearest DMV and make an appointment to get it.
For those who don't have this identification, TSA will allow access to the flight, but the verification process will be much slower. James Spies, TSA's federal security director in Idaho, explained that those who don't have the proper documentation will face more security checks. This option could lead to long waits at airports, although it's important to keep in mind that TSA won't prevent boarding, but they will make the process more tedious.
What are the alternatives to Real ID?
If you don't have Real ID, there are several forms of identification that TSA accepts. For U.S. citizens, these are some options:
- Valid passport
- Enhanced driver's license (EDL)
- Military or federal employee identification
- Green card
Migrants also have alternatives, such as:
- Green card
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Valid passport from their country of origin
- State-issued driver's license
Preparing your trip for the summer
If you plan to travel this summer, it's essential that you make sure your identification is in order. Remember that all family members over 18 years old must comply with this rule. If you don't, you'll face unnecessary delays and a longer verification process, which can ruin your travel experience.
The reason for this long delay lies in the coordination among all the states. Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV) had to implement the necessary systems to issue the new identifications, a process that wasn't quick. In addition, time was needed to ensure that all citizens could obtain this document before it became mandatory.
Interesting facts about the gold star
The gold star in the corner of your Real ID identification is more than just a decorative symbol. This icon is the key for TSA security agents to quickly identify if your document meets federal requirements. This speeds up the verification process and reduces wait times at security checkpoints, improving the efficiency of the process.