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REAL ID enforcement begins, requiring travelers to have compliant IDs or face extra screening.
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81% of travelers are compliant, but 20% still lack any form of identification.
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REAL ID enhances security with anti-counterfeiting features and is now mandatory for air travel.
Air travel across the U.S. went smoothly on Wednesday. Despite the uneven rollout of the REAL ID, passengers managed to navigate the system well. Many travelers opted for their passports instead of REAL IDs. Those without sent to separate lines for additional screening. However, 20% of passengers did not have any ID at all, which added some challenges.
Even with the confusion, air travel continued without major disruptions. At busy airports, travelers moved through security without significant delays. The long-anticipated enforcement of REAL ID didn’t cause the chaos many had expected. Still, it highlighted the need for everyone to get their IDs updated before the busy travel seasons.
Enforcement Begins
REAL ID enforcement officially started on Wednesday. The requirement means that travelers must show a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights. Those without it could still fly but faced the possibility of extra screening. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) handled the extra workload by directing non-REAL ID holders to separate lanes for enhanced security checks. Though the new rules took effect, they were applied with flexibility, allowing for a smoother transition.
At major airports like Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, the enforcement didn’t cause many issues. Officials at the airport even removed special security lanes because there were so few travelers without the proper document. Meanwhile, at North Carolina’s Charlotte Douglas International Airport, extra lanes and staff were ready, but most passengers had the necessary ID and passed through security without delay.
Compliance Across the U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security reports that 81% of U.S. travelers now have a REAL ID. This is a good start, but some states are still lagging behind in compliance. In some areas, the percentage of travelers with this document is much lower. Travelers without the proper ID are still a concern, and 20% of people didn’t have any form of identification when they showed up at the airport.
Officials are urging travelers to update their documents before the holiday and summer seasons. It’s important to avoid waiting until the last minute to make changes. People who don’t have a REAL ID could face delays or even be turned away at the airport if they don’t have an acceptable alternative like a U.S. passport.
How to Check If You Have REAL ID
To make sure you have the right ID, look for the star at the top. All REAL IDs, no matter what state they’re issued in, have this star. If you’re not sure whether your papers meet the standards, you can use the TSA’s online tool. The tool will help you figure out if your driver’s license is REAL ID compliant. Checking ahead of time can save a lot of stress when traveling.
Why It Matters for Security
The Act of 2005 was designed to strengthen security in the U.S. The law set new federal standards for driver’s licenses and other state-issued documents. To board a plane or access certain federal facilities, your papers must meet these standards. REAL IDs have special features, including anti-counterfeiting technology, which helps prevent fraud.
The 9/11 Commission recommended the creation of these standards to improve national security. While enforcement of the REAL ID Act was delayed several times, it is now fully in effect. These measures are now essential for travel and entering federally controlled spaces.
