Starting May 7, adults catching a flight in the U.S. will be required to present a passport or a REAL ID-compliant state-issued identification card.
This requirement has been in the making for two decades, yet many individuals are still unprepared as the deadline approaches.
Some officials from various states have requested additional extensions before the enforcement of these new rules begins.
**Understanding REAL ID**
REAL ID is a driver’s license or state-issued ID that complies with federal security standards implemented by a law enacted in 2005.
This law emerged in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and aims to enhance identification security.
To obtain a REAL ID, residents must provide more documentation to their local motor vehicle agencies than what is typically required for regular state IDs.
Most states indicate that the ID meets federal standards with a white star in a yellow circle on the card.
Once the new ID requirement takes effect, identification compliant with the REAL ID standards will be mandatory for air travel.
It will also be required to enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases and nuclear power plants.
**How to Obtain Your REAL ID**
In Chicago’s Loop, the former Walgreens building located at 191 N. Clark St. has transformed into the “Real ID Supercenter,” facilitating the application process for the new identification cards.
Residents can also visit other Illinois DMVs to apply for their REAL ID-compliant licenses and cards.
For convenience, the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office has a section on its website that allows residents to book appointments for obtaining a REAL ID.
However, due to high demand and limited availability, securing an appointment may prove to be challenging.
**National Preparedness for REAL ID Implementation**
While some states have made significant progress, it is evident that not everyone is ready for the impending changes.
As reported earlier this year by the Department of Homeland Security, only 56% of IDs currently in circulation nationally meet the new requirements as of January 2024.
In 16 states, over 60% of IDs are compliant, whereas 22 states fall short with less than 40% of IDs meeting the federal standards.
According to Homeland Security, about 81% of individuals recently flying have presented IDs eligible under the upcoming requirements.
In response to the looming deadline, a group of state senators from Kentucky requested another delay for implementing these requirements, citing limited appointment availability for residents seeking to acquire the new IDs.
Dan Velez, a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration, has announced that the TSA does not plan to postpone the REAL ID deadline again.
**Is REAL ID Necessary for You?**
For individuals who do not fly or visit federally secured sites, such as military bases, obtaining a REAL ID may not be necessary.
Those possessing photo IDs from federally recognized tribal nations are exempt from needing a new identification.
Additionally, employment authorization green cards and several other forms of identification are already accepted on the government’s designated list.
It is noteworthy that a REAL ID is not required for activities such as driving, voting, or receiving federal and state services or benefits.
Nevertheless, a significant number of people may need to obtain one.
The enhanced REAL ID has been offered for years through every U.S. state and territory’s motor vehicle agency, and individuals can still apply for one even after the May 7 deadline.
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