Homeland Security chief says travelers with no REAL ID can fly for now, but with likely extra steps

[BumRushDaShow]

Last edited Tue May 6, 2025, 12:48 PM - Edit history (1)

Source: AP

Updated 12:07 PM EDT, May 6, 2025


WASHINGTON (AP) — Travelers who aren’t REAL ID compliant by the upcoming deadline this week will still be able to fly but should be prepared for extra scrutiny, the head of Homeland Security said Tuesday. Kristi Noem told a Congressional panel that 81% of travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements.

She said security checkpoints will also be accepting passports and tribal identification when the deadline hits Wednesday. Those who still lack an identification that complies with the REAL ID law “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,” Noem said. “But people will be allowed to fly,” she said. “We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible.”

REAL ID is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that Homeland Security says is a more secure form of identification. It was a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission and signed into law in 2005.

The commission recommended the government set security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs. It was supposed to be rolled out in 2008 but implementation has been repeatedly delayed.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/real-id-travelers-security-deadline-homeland-289d84d3c10d96546270ff0e8ca80436

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Just breaking. Short article at post time and will most likely be updated.

Article updated.

Original article -

Updated 11:32 AM EDT, May 6, 2025


WASHINGTON (AP) — Travelers who aren’t REAL ID compliant by the upcoming deadline this week will still be able to fly but should be prepared for extra scrutiny, the head of Homeland Security said Tuesday.

Kristi Noem told a Congressional panel that 81% of travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements. She said security checkpoints will also be accepting passports and tribal identification when the deadline hits Wednesday.

Those who still lack an identification that complies with the REAL ID law “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,” Noem said. “But people will be allowed to fly,” she said. “We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible.”

REAL ID is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that Homeland Security says is a more secure form of identification. It was a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission and signed into law in 2005, but implementation has been repeatedly delayed.

[yardwork]

1. I'm so glad that Trump is being blamed for this.

It was put in motion many years ago and delayed numerous times. It serves him right that he's getting blamed.

[usonian]

2. Here's what happens if you don't have a Real ID after May 7. (BI)

https://www.businessinsider.com/real-id-everything-you-need-to-know-2025-5

> The agency's website shared a list of accepted identification options, (below) including US passports, US passport cards, state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL), and more. However, in April, the TSA said that the temporary paper card given to applicants by the DMV would not be accepted.

Acceptable
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

• The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. TSA strongly encourages you check this list again before traveling, so you do not arrive at the airport without acceptable ID.
• Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
• Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., it must be REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.

A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification
State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

REAL ID

Starting on May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver’s license or ID that is not REAL ID compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports.

Passengers traveling after this enforcement deadline should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.

Passengers who do not yet have their REAL ID or another TSA acceptable form of ID can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.