Real ID Deadline: What Travelers Need to Know for Air Travel

Real ID Enforcement Begins

• ✈️ The Real ID requirement for US air travelers is now in effect nationwide after nearly 20 years of delays.
• ⚠️ Travelers without a Real ID or an acceptable alternative, like a passport, may face delays and additional screening at airports.

What Travelers Need

• 🆔 A Real ID, identifiable by a star in the upper right corner, is now required for domestic air travel.
• 📄 Acceptable alternatives include a passport or other TSA-approved identification.
• 📍 Obtaining a Real ID requires an in-person visit to a local DMV with proof of identity, residency, and a social security number.

Airport Procedures and Delays

• ⏱️ TSA agents are officially screening for Real IDs at airports, including Ontario International.
• ❓ Travelers without proper documentation may be diverted for additional questioning but will generally still be able to board their flight, at least for now.
• 📈 Passengers are advised to get to the airport early as lines may be longer due to the new requirement.

Background of the Real ID Act

• 📜 The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 attacks.
• 🗓️ Implementation has been delayed multiple times over the past two decades.