Final Boarding Call: REAL ID Soon Required for Air Travel
Beginning May 7, standard drivers licences will no longer suffice to travel domestically, as the TSA will start enforcing the long-awaited REAL ID requirement.
Beginning May 7, standard drivers licences will no longer suffice to travel domestically, as the TSA will start enforcing the long-awaited REAL ID requirement.
Travelers will need to have a federally-compliant driver’s license to travel domestically, however passports will still be accepted, according to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Standard licenses say “not for federal ID” in the upper right-hand corner, while REAL IDs will contain a star marking instead, according to the Ohio BMV.
U.S. Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to enhance security measures following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. TSA Regional Spokesperson Jessica Mayle said identity verification is foundational to security.
“The goal (with The REAL ID Act) was to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prevent terrorists and other bad actors from using fraudulent identification to access federal facilities, such as airports, by requiring stricter verification of identity when issuing licenses, making it difficult for someone to obtain a fake ID to board a plane or enter certain government buildings,” she said in an April 24 interview.
The following documents are required to obtain a REAL ID:
- Full legal name (birth certificate, passport);
- Date of birth (birth certificate, passport);
- Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, 1099 form, pay stub);
- Two forms of proof of Ohio residency (utility bill, credit card statement, tax return);
- Proof of legal status in the United States (birth certificate, passport, certificate of citizenship or naturalization);
- Proof of name change is required (if applicable) (marriage certificate, marriage license, divorce decree, or a copy of court ordered name change).
A complete list of acceptable documents can be found at bmv.ohio.gov. People will receive an interim paper-copy of their REAL ID until their new card comes in the mail, according to the Ohio BMV.
Mayle emphasized travelers who do not have a REAL ID or passport could face trouble traveling.
“Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative, such as a passport, can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint if their identity cannot be verified,” she added.
Due to the upcoming need for Ohioans to make the switch, the Ohio BMV announced on Facebook they’ll be extending their hours May 3 to 3 p.m. to allow people extra time getting their IDs.
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OHIO BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES
The TSA will soon require REAL IDs for domestic travel, signified by a star in the upper right-hand corner.
OHIO BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES
The Ohio BMV is extending their hours Saturday, May 3 to 3 p.m. to allow people extra time getting their REAL IDs, which will soon be required by the TSA for domestic travel.
