Are you planning on flying without REAL ID after May 7th? As it turns out, this deadline might be a bit more flexible than we originally thought.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials revealed that those who are heading to the airport without their REAL ID are still permitted to fly, however, they will encounter extra screenings and could get diverted to different lines than other passengers.
Flying without REAL ID after May 7th
The head of the Department of Homeland Security says that 81% of travelers are REAL ID compliant, but those who are not will still be able to fly provided they go through additional screenings.
Per the TSA’s tweet:
“If you have a non-compliant state ID or driver’s license and do not have another acceptable form of ID, you’ll be notified of your noncompliance (see photo below), and you may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening.”
Should you not have a REAL ID, there are other documents that you may use in its place, including:
- U.S. passport
- Enhanced I.D.
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- Transportation Worker ID Credential
- Permanent Resident Card
- Employment Authorization Cards (Form I-766)
Although you will still be able to get a REAL ID after the deadline, do keep in mind that there are things you won’t be able to do without one lest you’d like to go through extra hoops to board a plane.
However, according to the New York State DMV, you will still be able to do the following without a REAL ID:
- Licensed to drive
- Voting or registering to vote
- Entering Federal facilities that do not require a person to present identification
- Applying for or receiving Federal benefits
- Accessing health or life-preserving services
- Participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations
All in all, air travel can be hectic enough — even though NYC is home to the best in North America for domestic and short-haul international flights — so grab your REAL ID when you can. Get all the details on the REAL ID website.