After nearly 20 years of delays and warnings, the implementation of the federal government’s actual identity program is expected to begin at airports nationwide on Wednesday amid questions about how changes will affect air travel.
The requirement for travelers to present their actual ID cards and regular identifications is one of the biggest changes to airport security, but officials said the rollout will be gradually progressive. Travelers without a real ID can generally ride the battle, but you should expect additional questions.
Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem said Tuesday that the actual ID or the Transportation Security Administration’s acceptable form of identification “may be diverted to another line,” travellers without an acceptable form of identification.
“We make sure it’s as seamless as possible and that travelers can stay on their intended itinerary,” Noem said. “What happens tomorrow is that people come through the line. [they] Issue and display the ID. If it doesn’t comply, they may be diverted to another line and have extra steps, but people are allowed to fly. ”
Starting Wednesday, it remains unclear how actual ID implementation will affect airport operations and traveler headaches.
John Breyo, vice president of the National Consumer League, warned travelers to expect a large number of people to be diverted for additional screenings. How that affects waiting times depends on how many TSA officers are assigned to perform additional screenings, he said.
Currently, 81% of travelers have real IDs, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
“If one in five people are diverted to secondary screening under the TSA, it would be a complete disaster at some airports across the country,” American Mivirus Council senior fellow Aaron Reichlin-Melnick appeared on X.
Whether you have an actual ID or not, Breyault suggested arriving at the airport even earlier for the next few weeks to avoid flying.
“Even at the best times, we say we arrive at the airport an hour and a half early for domestic flights,” he said. “I think at least two hours is a good rule of thumb, as I’m just as risk-free as possible.”
If you are traveling with a group that has a mixed mix of real and unrealistic ID owners, take more time to consider it depending on the number of people in your group.
Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005, improving security in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks and minimizing fraud.
The original deadline for having an actual ID to travel domestically and enter federal facilities such as military bases and federal courts was May 2008.
Fundraising challenges, concerns about travel disruptions and the pandemic have delayed the implementation of actual ID requirements.
“We are telling people that this law will come into effect, allowing us to know the individuals of this country, to know who they are and to allow them to travel,” Noem said.
As of January 1, more than 18.5 million residents had actual IDs, according to data from the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles last January, with 16.9 million residents. Over 35 million Californians have both IDs, IDs and driver’s licenses, or IDs of people under the age of 16.
What happens at TSA checkpoint without an actual ID?
If you do not have an actual ID or arrive by Wednesday, the TSA will accept other forms of identification at the screening checkpoint.
It accepts:
US Passport.us Passport Card. Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Card (Global Entry, Nexus, Centry, Fast).US Department of Department of Defense ID. Driver’s license or Indian and Northern Canadian cards. Transport worker identification credentials.
There is no identification of the form that TSA was accepted. What happens next?
TSA officers may ask you to complete the identity verification process, including gathering information such as your name and current address, according to the TSA website. It is unclear how that information is verified.
If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter a screening checkpoint that may be subject to additional screenings.
If you refuse to provide an acceptable identification, do not cooperate with the identity verification process, or if you are unable to verify your identity, you will not be allowed to enter a security checkpoint.
How can I get the actual ID?
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). Blvd. ). Glendale (1335 W. Glennork Boulevard.). Pasadena (49 S. Rosemead Blvd.). Culver City (11400 W. Washington Blvd.). Westminster (13700 Hoover st.). Costa Mesa (650 W. 19th st.). (8629 Hellman Ave.). San Diego Claremont (4375 Derrick Drive). San Marcos (590 Rancheros Drive). El Cajon (1450 Graves Ave.).
Source link