For years, the United States government warned travelers who will soon need real identification to address national flights, just to continue postponing the deadline. But “soon” seems real this time.
As of May 7, 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 intended to improve security by establishing a more consistent standard for documentation issued by the State, according to the Department of National Security.
This is what you need to know about the deadline that is coming.
What is a real identification?
A real identification is a driver’s license issued by the State, a learning permit or a non -interface identification of federal cuts. 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 there have been reports of long lines in the licensing offices, it is a little more than 26 percent, said the State Transportation Department. In California, it is just over 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 adjust the national standards for the documentation issued by the State, and in 2005, the Congress approved the Law of Real Identification.
The law establishes minimum standards for licenses and other types of identification cards. The application of the actual identification law would initially begin in 2008, but has been repeatedly delayed for numerous reasons, including COVID-19 pandemic and the opposition of states concerned about privacy.
Do real identifications take the place of passports?
The Royal IDs will take him on national flights, but they will 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 handful of states, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Washington and Vermont, offer improved driving licenses, which travelers can use to cross the borders of land and sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean without a passport.
Improved licenses are real compatible with ID, although they show an American flag instead of a star. The location of the flag on the card varies according to the state.
Improved licenses cannot 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, permanent resident cards (also known as green cards) and cards for trusted travelers programs such as Global Entry and Nexus, which allows travelers pressed by transit quickly through the border of the United States in the United States.
About 48 percent of Americans have passports, according to the United States Department of State.
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 receive 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 renewal, 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?
The National Security Department warns on its website that travelers must comply with May 7.
But the TSA has a general guide that passengers who do not bring accepted forms of identification to the airport can fly, after an additional identity verification. If you have doubts, your passport will take you to an airplane, whether a national or international flight.
At the end of last year, the TSA proposed a rule to allow a two -year transition by stages to the complete application of real identification, citing delays to make the State ID comply with the rules.
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