Starting tomorrow, all domestic flights, meaning flights within the United States, will require passengers to have a special form of identification. This form of identification is the REAL ID. It is a type of ID card that has been in discussion for quite some time. The deadline for requiring the REAL ID for travel has been extended numerous times. However, this time the deadline is set.
As of May 7, for all domestic flights, the REAL ID will be required.
If you do not have a REAL ID, you will need to have your regular identification card as well as a passport, even if you are not flying internationally. The REAL ID is essentially the same as another ID, except that it has a special marking to denote that it meets federal requirements. In Nevada, the REAL ID mark is a gold outline of the state of Nevada with a star cutout of it.
What requirements does the REAL ID meet?
The REAL ID is a verified identification card that is more secure than a regular ID. It’s security features are meant to prevent fraud and identity theft. The REAL ID’s requirements are federal, whereas before state’s individually set ID card requirements. This is why the REAL ID is necessary for domestic travel, as well as entering federal buildings.
The REAL ID comes from a bill passed in 2005.
The REAL ID Act passed Congress first 20 years ago. Since, several dates have been announced as the deadline for the identification card, but each time the deadlines have been pushed back due to a number of reasons. For example, the deadline was extended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of ability to service large groups of people at the DMV. This deadline is sticking through, and though there is one day left before the law officially takes effect, the DMV is still working to get people these secure IDs as soon as possible.
The DMV Director, Tonya Laney, has said that she has heard from many that they avoided getting the new ID card as they expected the deadline to be delayed again. Because of this, she said “we are now seeing panic creep in amongst Nevadans who are trying to get their REAL IDs.” This has been clogging up the DMV lines, causing delays for other DMV related issues.
Nevada DMVs saw nearly 47,000 customers come in for REAL IDs in April alone.
Towards the end of April, Nevada DMVs started offering walk-in REAL ID servicing on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This allowed them to find some balance in DMV work.
Laney wants people to rest assured that if you do not have any upcoming travel plans nor need to access federal buildings, there is no need to panic rush the DMV. Current, valid ID cards still work for all other purposes beyond getting through TSA and entering federal buildings. At this time, due to the large number of people coming in to rush the ID making, she advises those who have passports or military IDs to rely on those until they can get an appointment for the REAL ID. Similarly, she advises those who do not need the REAL ID to wait until closer to a time when they will need one, as the process is severely backed up enough.
