Real ID deadline is May 7. Here’s what to know before you fly

Travelers take note: the federal government says that it will begin to enforce the real identification requirements at US airports. As of May 7, this time.

That means that travelers will need a real license that complies with ID or other form of identification accepted as a passport to pass security before a domestic flight in the United States.

The transportation of transportation said that 81% of the people who approach the airport control points already have a real identification that complies with ID, although it varies according to the State.

Federal and state officials in recent weeks have urged travelers to make appointments in motorized vehicle departments to update licenses and other identification cards before the deadline, although availability has become scarce.

“Make your appointments as quickly as possible,” said John Essig, director of Federal Security of the Transportation Security Administration for airports in the city of New York, at a press conference at Laguardia airport earlier this month. “We certainly do not want to sustain anyone without a real identification at the control point,” Essig said.

The signs reminiscent of travelers in the US reports that request real identification have ended for years, although the deadline has been repeatedly retreated. A TSA officer this week delivered flyers to travelers with a QR code for real identification information at Laguardia airport.

Airlines have also been reminding of travelers the new requirements through emails of customers and other channels. Borders It has a gray banner that runs along its website informing travelers of real identification requirements.

A real identification is an identification card, such as a driver’s license or an identification issued by the State, which meets the federal rules initiated following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Those kidnappers were using state ID and driver’s licenses, some of which were obtained fraudulently.

In 2005, Congress approved the real identification law, allowing the federal government to establish standards for state identifications. Originally it was supposed to enter into force in 2008, but it has been repeatedly postponed, even during the pandemic.

Identification cards have a golden or black star, or in California, a yellow bear, in the upper right.

“If the card does not have one of these brands, it is not a true ID and will not be accepted as an identity proof to address commercial airplanes,” said the National Security Department.

Travelers 18 or more need identification, or other form of accepted identification, for US national flights.

If you cannot obtain a real identification for May 7, there are options.

The TSA says that you can use an American passport; a permanent resident card, also known as the green card; or a trusted traveler identification, as a global entrance card, and others.

No. But it can opt for an “improved identification” that is also a real identification, which you can use to travel to Mexico and Canada.

The TSA says that the deadline is legitimate and that travelers without a real identification or other accepted document could experience delays when they go through security because it will take longer to verify their identity.

They could face “additional projection and the possibility of not being allowed at the security control point,” the TSA said in a press release on Friday.

The agency recommends that travelers arrive at least three hours before national flights if they do not have a real identification or an alternative.

“The identity verification is a linchpin in security and we will make sure that passengers are verified as those who say they are before they can go beyond the control point,” said spokesman Carter Langston.