Travelers without Real ID "will be allowed to fly," Noem says
Wednesday is the Real ID deadline but Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday those without identification that complies with the law "will be allowed to fly."
Why it matters: After repeated delays, May 7 is the enforcement deadline to have identification that meets federal security standards to board a commercial aircraft in the U.S.
The guidelines also apply when visiting military bases and secure federal buildings like courthouses.
Driving the news: Noem told a Congressional panel Tuesday that those who still lack an identification that complies with the Real ID law "may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step," the Associated Press reports.
"But people will be allowed to fly," she said. "We will make sure it's as seamless as possible."
"The good news is that 81% of passengers already use their REAL ID or other acceptable forms so we do not expect there to be any inconveniences or wait times at all," TSA spokesperson Daniel Velez told Axios.
What is a Real ID? What are acceptable alternatives?
The big picture: A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards.
Compliant IDs are typically marked with a star in the upper right corner, though the specific design may vary by state.
Other acceptable identification can be shown at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Find the TSA's full list of acceptable identification here.
Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are also considered acceptable alternatives.
U.S. passport or passport card and DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
Permanent resident card.
What to expect if traveling Wednesday or in the coming days
How it works: Velez said TSA will enforce Real ID "in a manner that minimizes the impact to overall operations and especially for those passengers who are prepared with their REAL ID, passport or other acceptable form of ID."
"We strongly encourage passengers without a REAL ID compliant ID to arrive to the airport earlier than usual…up to an hour earlier than their normal time."
"We will be proactive and identify passengers without a REAL ID compliant ID and possibly direct them into another area," Velez said. "We've planned accordingly to ensure no impact to wait times or TSA screening operations, bottom line…we are prepared for May 7."
What they're saying: Kyle McLaughlin, CLEAR executive vice president for aviation and travel, told Axios that "travelers may experience some confusion at TSA checkpoints" Wednesday, especially if they don't have a Real ID-compliant credential.
"We encourage all travelers — whether they use CLEAR Plus, TSA PreCheck, or the standard lane — to bring a passport as a precaution and arrive at the airport earlier than usual as enforcement rolls out," McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin said CLEAR is encouraging its 7.5 million-plus members to upload their U.S. passports in the CLEAR app.
Real ID deadline stems from Real ID Act of 2005
Flashback: Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, seeking to beef up security surrounding IDs used at airports.
The law was scheduled to be enforced in 2008 but has been delayed many times. In 2022, the enforcement deadline was extended to May 7, 2025.
Yes, but: "Part of the confusion with Real ID is that it's been going on for so long," AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz told Axios. "We've been talking about it for literally 20 years."
Diaz said it's also an example of "how difficult it is to get all 50 states, plus the territories and the District of Columbia, to all do the same thing," noting what adds to the confusion is "every state has been treating this so differently."
Between the lines: Federal and state officials have been urging people to upgrade their IDs in advance.
The deadline's approach has been causing panic in some states with long lines and high demand for appointments.
Some people, especially women, are having difficulty getting a Real ID if they changed their name through marriage or divorce as original documents can be hard to obtain.
When you need a Real ID and when you don't
Zoom in: You need a Real ID if:
You travel on a plane in the U.S. (and don't have a valid passport or other acceptable ID),
Visit a military base or a secure federal building like a courthouse or
Enter nuclear power plants.
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