Despite multiple extensions for actual ID deadlines, there will be one next month, and there are still many Americans who are not facing the final deadline.
If you’re among those who don’t have a new ID or have not yet applied for it, here’s what you need to know about getting it as soon as possible and being able to travel domestically until you do so.
The Real Identity Act, approved by Congress in 2005, was intended to improve security in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and minimize fraud by establishing a national standard for identification.
The original deadline for Americans to have actual IDs allowing domestic travel and entry into federal facilities such as military bases and federal courts was May 2008. The new deadline is May 7th.
Fundraising challenges, concerns about travel disruptions and the pandemic have delayed the government from implementing actual ID requirements for almost two decades.
People had plenty of time to apply for their actual ID, but a recent CBS news data analysis conducted from April 7 to 18 found that at least 30 states are compliant with less than 70%. This means that in more than half of the country, about three out of ten travelers may not be able to pass airport checkpoints from May 7th.
The 12 states and the District of Columbia reported compliance rates above 90%, CBS reported.
As of January 1, more than 18.5 million residents have real IDs, compared to 16.9 million Californians in January last year, compared to 16.9 million of 16.9 million, according to recent data from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. California said it reached nearly 55% compliance, according to CBS analysis.
There is still a long way to go before the state reaches full compliance. Over 35 million Californians have both IDs and driver’s licenses, or IDs of people under the age of 16.
Can I travel domestically without an actual ID?
If you do not have an actual ID or arrive by the May 7th deadline, Transportation Security Administration will accept other forms of identification at the TSA checkpoint.
TSA accepts:
US Passport US Passport Card Department of Homeland Security Trust Traveler Card (Global Entry, Nexus, Centry, Fast) US Department of Defense ID. CardRansportation Worker Identification credentialu.s. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) US Merchant Mariner Qualification Certification Identification Card
According to the TSA, travelers who do not present an actual ID or another acceptable identification can expect “they may not be allowed for delays, additional screenings, and security checkpoints.”
Currently, 81% of TSA Checkpoint travelers offer acceptable identifications, including state-issued real IDs, the TSA said in a news release.
Is there any time to meet the May 7th deadline?
To obtain your actual ID, you will need to apply for it through your local Automobile Department Office.
From now until June 27th, the 18 DMV offices will open at 7am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays an hour before they will only serve those with reservations to obtain their actual ID.
To begin the process, you will need to visit the DMV website and review the documentation checklist for what you need to prove your identity and residency. You can fill out the application online, upload the required documents, and schedule an appointment at your local DMV office.
These DMV offices will open an hour early:
Pleasanton (6300 W. Las Positas Boulevard) Fremont (4287 Central Avenue) Folsom (323 E. Bidwell Street, Suite A) Carmichael (5209 North Avenue) Thousand Oaks (1810 E. Avenida de Los Arboles) Van Nuys (14920 Vanowen St. Glenoaks Blvd.) Pasadena (49 S. Rosemead Blvd.) Culver City (11400 W. Washington Blvd.) Westminster (13700 Hoover St.) Costa Mesa (650 W. 19th St.) San Clemente (via 2727 via Cascadita) Rancho Cucamonga (8629 Hellman aveagoi.deriaboaid drive) San Marcos (590 Lancheros drive) El Cajon (1450 Graves Avenue) Poi (13461 Community Road)
DMV recently announced that 11 offices will be open from 8am to 1pm on May 3rd to accommodate customers who want to obtain their actual ID. Before the deadline. No other services will be provided on this date at these locations.
The offices listed below are open by reservation only.
2070 Diamond Blvd. Fullerton (909 W. Valencia Drive) Glendale (1335 W. Glenoaks Blvd. Oakland (5300 Claremont Ave.) Poway (13461 Community Road) Riverside East (6425 Sycamore Canyon Blvd. Cascadita) San Jose (111 W. Alma Ave.) Thousand Oaks (1810 E. Avenida de Los Arboles) West Covina (800 S. Glendora Ave.)
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