Almost two decades ago, Congress approved the 2005 REAL ID Act, which demands stricter federal standards for issuing identification cards. The actual implementation of the standards have been pushed back multiple times, including because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
But now the Transportation Security Administration is readying for enforcement.
The agency, in a release dated April 11, said that travelers with a non-compliant ID will face additional screening measures and possible travel delays starting on May 7, the day that enforcement finally goes into effect.
“On May 7, TSA will no longer accept state-issued identifications that are not REAL ID compliant at TSA security checkpoints. All airline passengers 18 years and older, including TSA PreCheck members, must present REAL ID-compliant identification or another acceptable ID, such as a passport, at TSA security checkpoints,” said the release. “Noncitizens illegally present in the U.S. who are voluntarily self-deporting on international flights will not be denied boarding under this requirement.
TSA also said that for passengers who present a non-compliant state-issued identification without another acceptable alternative (such as passport) should expect to face delays as well as additional screening. There is also the possibility of passengers not being permitted into the security checkpoint.
Currently, TSA said that 81% of travelers are presenting an acceptable identification such as REAL ID. It expects the number of passengers obtaining REAL IDs to steadily increase. Reuters noted that it is still unclear how vigorously the TSA will enforce these new rules. Domestic airlines have already expressed concern about lower demand due to the economy and the effects of tariffs.
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