Though federal law states U.S. residents must begin to use a REAL ID by May 7, officials said Tuesday those without one will still be able to fly with a few extra steps — for now.
“(P)eople will be allowed to fly,” Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said before a congressional panel Tuesday. “We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible.”
U.S. residents have been told that they will need an updated REAL ID in order to fly domestically, as well as to access certain federal buildings and facilities, by Wednesday.
But Noem said Tuesday that for now, those without a REAL ID at the airport “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step.”
“But we are telling people that this law will be enforced and it will allow us to know individuals in this country — who they are and that they are authorized to travel,” Noem said Tuesday.
REAL IDs are federally compliant state-issued licenses or ID cards, which were recommended by the 9/11 Commission and mandated under a law signed in 2005. The original 2008 deadline for their rollout has been repeatedly delayed.
The new REAL IDs in most states are marked by a star in the top corner, though some have other variations like the star within another symbol or an American flag.
Noem said nationwide 81% of travelers are already compliant with REAL IDs requirements. Security will also be accepting passports and tribal identification after the Wednesday deadline.
In Massachusetts, 58% of all active registry issued credentials, licenses and ID cards are REAL ID compliant, a MassDOT spokesperson said Tuesday.
Massachusetts RMVs have been offering special in-person, walk-in service specifically for REAL ID transactions for the last several weeks and will continue to do so for the time being, according to MassDOT.
Those who do not have an immediate flight planned or a passport on hand, AAA spokesperson Mark Schieldrop said, can still pick up a REAL ID “whenever it’s convenient for you.”
“We’re seeing a lot of folks with a sense of urgency about Real ID — and it’s great to have one — but there is some confusion about the requirements,” Schieldrop said. “Your regular license is still a valid Massachusetts ID, and Real IDs will always be available.
“Ultimately, having a Real ID will ensure your passage through TSA security checkpoints goes as smoothly as possible, but in the short term, we don’t expect folks finding themselves unable to fly next week,” Schieldrop added.
More information about federal requirements and how to get a REAL ID, including required documents and RMV locations, can be found at mass.gov/real-id.
More information on acceptable identification to get through TSA at the airport can be found at tsa.gov/identification.