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.”
The requirement is 20 years in the making, but with just weeks to go, not everyone is ready for it.
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) says customers needing a REAL ID with flight arrangements in the following 45 days, may walk-in Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Reno, Carson City, Sahara, Flamingo, Decatur and Henderson offices. Proof of a commercial flight will be required for each individual.
“Nevada is currently sitting at 80% compliancy with REAL IDs, which is amazing,” said DMV Director Tonya Laney, recently. “These walk-ins are really for those who are in need of obtaining a Real ID if they do not already have an unexpired passport or military ID they can show when flying or entering federal facilities.”
Those wishing to make appointments for Real ID transactions can do so at this link.
People who don't fly or visit military bases or other sites where the IDs are required may not need new identification. People who have photo IDs from federally recognized tribal nations don't need anything new. Employment authorization green cards are already acceptable, as are some other less common identifying documents on the government's list.
REAL ID is not required to drive, vote or receive state or federal services or benefits.
The REAL ID is a driver's license or other state-issued ID that meets security requirements mandated in a 2005 law passed in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Obtaining an ID with the designation — indicated by a white star in a yellow circle in most states — means taking more documents to the motor vehicle agency than most states require for regular IDs.
The program has already been delayed several times by states that weren't prepared to offer the IDs, people being slow to update their documents and by the coronavirus pandemic. With those hurdles mostly passed, the government is set to require the new IDs rather than old state drivers licenses and IDs for commercial air travel starting May 7.
People will also be required to carry the new IDs or a passport to enter secure federal facilities such as military bases or to get into nuclear power plants.
(The Associated Press, Nevada DMV contributed to this report>0
