Starting May 7, travelers must show Real ID or alternative identification at airport security—but not everyone needs to rush to the DMV.
If you plan to travel to the airport any time next week, please make sure you check one very important thing before you leave for the airport: Your id. Well, don’t let that old driver’s license kept hanging in your wallet for years get all the way to the airport; it probably won’t work anymore.
New Real ID rules will take effect across the land on May 7. These rules were overdue and were first mandated by a law enacted back in 2005 that addressed security enhancements following the September 11 attacks. Well, safer air travel was the aim? So now, the delays are truly protracted. If you want to go on a domestic flight, time to get your i’s dotted and t’s crossed on the appropriate identification!
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What is a real ID, and why the urgency now?
Real ID is a stricter federal security standard for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. This means, in most states, a white star inside a yellow circle in the upper corner means you have a Real ID.
Getting one requires presenting additional documents at the DMV, including proof of citizenship or lawful status, Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. All these make it so different from a regular license. Almost 20 years in the making, now the federal government means business-no more delays!
From May 7 onward, you’ll need it to board domestic commercial flights and gain entry into federally controlled facilities like military bases or nuclear power plants.
Really, do you need an actual ID? Perhaps not at the moment.
Good news: all of you do not need to rush to the DMV this week.
As per Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, “most Illinoisans don’t need it by May 7.” Because if you’re one of the people lucky enough to have a currently valid U.S. passport, Global Entry card, or military ID, these really allow access to TSA security and federal buildings.
Even for those who don’t have any of the above, Real ID might not yet be necessary. No immediate urgency if one is not flying soon or visiting a secure federal site.
Illinois even has a new Real ID portal that helps you figure this out. Answer a few questions, and it tells you whether you actually need a Real ID. If you do, then it schedules you an appointment at a facility close to you to get one.
Henceforth no real ID? No problem-Just as long as you have one of these
So what are you going to do about it-the airport will be your next stop on May 8-free with Real Identity? Do not worry.
A U.S. passport, passport card, a DHS trusted traveler card (like Global Entry), military IDs, and other specific means of identity were classified as “acceptable” forms of identity by the Transportation Security Administration. This is related to its acceptance of an alternate identification system.
Now let’s see what happens if you do not happen to have either one of these? Well, the travel experience is just going to be a hassle-though, of course, you may not really be rejected out-right, it is better to be prepared now.
What the TSA is saying about Real ID enforcement
The TSA’s plans of rolling out Real ID enforcement by phases will be contingent on the traveler. It means that those flying into and out of certain places might not feel the effects of this as from May 7-but change is happening and the rules will progressively be stiffer.
Under a new rule of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), TSA agents will only recognize state-issued licenses and ID cards that meet Real ID security standards. This means that IDs must be issued by a compliant state and must have that all-important star marking.
A few states-like Michigan and Minnesota-have even issued enhanced driver’s licenses which do not carry the star but are adequate under federal guidelines. If you’re in one of those states, you’re already covered.
You can still drive without an authentic ID. Let’s debunk another myth: you don’t need a Real ID to drive. Your current state driver’s license, whether or not it meets Real ID standards, still serves for day-to-day driving and non-federal identification. Yeah, Secretary Giannoulias says, some people should think twice before rushing over to the DMV. “We want to bring home the message that Illinois residents really must be sure they want a Real ID.” And if you choose that you actually need it, the state is prepared to cater to you.
Know this before you go
Plan for travel; now check your ID. If it’s not Real ID compliant and you don’t have another alternative such as a passport, it’s time to act. If you’re not flying anytime soon-or already hold acceptable ID-no worries at all. Real IDs are not required for all but certain circumstances. Check your status, and you won’t be blindsided at the airport. Safe travels! Would you like any help checking if your state offers a Real ID appointment scheduler?
