Anyone over the age of 18 will need a Real ID or a valid U.S. passport to board a domestic flight or access certain federal buildings, beginning on Wednesday, May 7.
The rollout comes 20 years after the Real ID Act was passed by Congress following recommendations from the 9/11 commission. The implementation was delayed multiple times over the years, most recently because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Transportation Safety Administration says without a Real ID or other acceptable form of identification, a traveler will likely face additional screening measures and travel delays.
NJ Spotlight News spoke with Adam Stahl, a deputy administrator for the TSA, about the new requirement.
“If you have a Real ID or a sufficient alternative, you’ll be able to get through the checkpoint uninterrupted,” he said. “If you have a non-compliant state-issued DMV ID, I want to underscore this, you will be OK. You will get through checkpoint. It just may be some additional screening measures that you may be susceptible to … some additional time.”
“So we really want folks to please plan accordingly, leave some additional time, especially if you have a non-compliant state form of ID,” he said.
Those will include the standard state driver’s licenses that don’t have a visual indicator like a star or flag on them.
“I want to continue to urge individuals to really prioritize enrollment,” Stahl said. “Its important for the public, for the aviation security space, and for the broader transportation security space for everyone to go out and get the Real ID.”
To apply, one will need an appointment at a state Motor Vehicle Commission office. Along with two proofs of residency, a verifiable Social Security number, and identity documents totaling 6 Real ID points.
To keep up with demand, the state MVC has increased daily appointments and rolled out Real ID Tuesdays and Thursdays with extended operations and hours.
“This has been a whole society effort,” said Stahl. “We’re working hand in glove in close conjunction with our local and state DMVs, local municipalities, cities and states are working closely with the airports, the airlines as well as the broader federal government and the population. This has been a full court press. And we really, really appreciate the support specifically from the state DMVs.”
“We are prepared,” he continued. “I don’t want to get into any sort of operational planning, for kind of footprint security purposes, but we are prepared. We have been proactively planning, and we really don’t anticipate significant issues.”
