The Real ID Deadline Is Coming. Here’s What You Need to Know.

For years, the United States government has warned travelers who soon need to show a real identification in airport safety, just to continue backing the deadline. But on May 7, the real ID will become a reality.

From then on, a standard driver’s license or state identification will no longer be approved at the airport security control points, says the National Security Department. Instead, passengers must present a real identification of improved security for security and another form of identification approved as a passport.

The change, almost 20 years in creation, is a jersey to improve security by establishing a more consistent standard for state articulation documentation, cordination to the National Security Department.

This is what you need to know as the real identification deadline is approaching.

What is a real identification?

A real identification is a driving license with Joseo state that meets the federal, learning permit or non -internal identification. The real IDs are marked with a star, generally golden or black, and vary in appearance by state or territory.

Any resident of a state or territory of the United States who wants to use a driver’s license or an unfrected identification at a TSA control point must ensure that it is a real identification. Driving licenses that do not have the star are not real identifications. Some non -satisfied IDs will also have the words “federal limits apply”.

The percentage of Americans who have updated their driving licenses to comply with real identification seems to vary widely according to the State. For example, in Pennsylvania, where they have long -term reports in license offices, it was just over 26 percent in mid -April, said the State’s Department of Transportation. In California, it was only 55 percent.

Why does the government require real identifications?

The kidnappers responsible for September 11, 2001, the attacks carried out driving licenses and state identifications of the United States. Following, the government pressed to tighten national standards for state-articulation documentation, and in 2005, Congress approved the real identification law.

The law establishes minimum standards for licensees and other types of identification cards. The application of the real identification law will initially begin in 2008, but has been repeatedly delayed for numerous reasons, including COVID-19 pandemic and the opposition of states concerned with privacy.

Do real identifications take the place of passports?

No. Regular real identifications will take him on national flights, but do not allow him to cross international borders, including those of Canada and Mexico. Nor can they be used for international cruises. You will almost always need a passport for such trips.

However, a passport will take it to an airplane, whether a national or international flight. About 48 percent of Americans have passports, according to the United States Department of State.

What is an improved driver’s license?

A handful of states: Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Washington and Vermont, offer improved driving licenses. These licensees, who meet the real identification requirements to address national flights, also allow travelers to cross the borders of land and sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean without a passport.

Improved licenses show an American flag instead of a star. The location of the flag on the card varies according to the state.

Improved licenses can be used instead of a passport if you travel internationally by air, and only US citizens can obtain them. The cost varies according to the State. In Minnesota, for example, they are $ 15 additional; In New York, it costs $ 30 more.

Are there other identifications that I can use at the airport?

The TSA also accepts certain other forms of identification at the airport security control points. These include valid passports, passport cards, permanent resident cards (also known as green cards) and cards for trusted travelers programs such as Global Entry and Nexus, allowing travelers prevented to travelers to quickly travel through the border between Canada.

How is a real identification obtained?

To request real identification, you must generally provide a social security number or a non -eligibility test, corroborate your address through documents such as public service invoices or bank extracts, and verify your identity and legal status through a handful of additional documents, including a birth certificate or a passport.

See the website of the conductor licenses of your status to find out how to request and obtain more information about the specific documentation you will need.

Obtaining real identification probably implies making an appointment in person, which could take time. There are long lines reports in the licenses offices in all states, including Pennsylvania and Kentucky. New York is extending service hours in selected offices and increases the number of appointments to meet demand.

In many states, including South Carolina and New York, there is no additional cost to resort a real identification if you are already renewing your license. But some states charge more. Pennsylvania, for example, charges a unique $ 30 rate in addition to the cost of Renwal, the first time you update to ID Real.

Do children and adolescents need real identifications?

TSA does not require that those under 18 show identification for national trips. Individual airlines have their own policies on what types of identification the minors should carry.

For international trips, children of all ages must take passports.

Will the flyers without real identifications really are rejected?

Not necessarily, but they can face their returns.

This year, the TSA published a final rule that allowed a two -year gradual transition to the complete application of real identification, citing delays in making the State IDs comply with the rules. However, a TSA spokesman said in mid -April that the agency had decided that the gradual approach was not necessary and that the complete application would begin on May 7.

Even so, the TSA continues to have a general guide on its website that passersby that are accepted forms of identification to the airport can still fly, after an additional identity verification, which “includes collecting information such as name and hunger.