After 20 years' delay, the actual ID deadline for skipping commercials in the US has arrived. Here are 5 things you need to know before you fly.
1. What is an actual ID?
On May 11, 2005, President George W. Bush signed the Actual Identity Act to strengthen national security in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The law, passed by the US Congress, set federal standards for issuing identification documents, including driver's licenses.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in addition to the compliance requirements for riding a federal-regulated aircraft from May 7, 2025, American adults will need a compliance ID to access certain federal facilities and enter a nuclear power plant from May 7, 2025.
After the actual ID deadline, any state-issued driver licenses or IDs that are not actual ID compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid identification form at the airport.
GOP lawmakers say the deadline is approaching.
“Real ID” appointments are not open in New Jersey as residents ring out: “With the Times, New Jersey.”
2. What other IDs are accepted?
Starting May 7, travelers may fly within the United States only if they are real ID-Comprand using a state-issued ID or license. However, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), domestic travel still has several other forms of ID cards that are acceptable. Travelers can check with their local Automobile Division (DMV) to see if their ID is accepted and check the star at the top of the card to inform them of their actual ID compliance.
State issued Extended Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) US Passport or Passport CardDHS Trusted Traveler Card (Global Entry, Nexus, Centry, Fast) US Department of Defense ID. Passportcanadian province driver's license or cardtransportation Worker Identification credentialu.s in India and Northern Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) US Merchant Mariner Qualification Certification Identification Card (VHIC)
The actual ID deadline is May 7th. (Fox News Digital)
3. What happens if I don't have an actual ID?
Don't panic! If you have one, make sure to travel with your passport or other accepted identification card.
The TSA will inform you that passengers, including passengers, including TSA Precheck, will present their identification at a TSA checkpoint that does not comply with their actual ID and does not have an alternative ID form, and may be directed to another area of the airport for potential additional screening.
Those who do not have one of multiple compliance IDs will need to perform additional screenings for their trip starting May 7th. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
4. What happens during the screening?
TSA officers can ask non-conforming passengers to complete the identity verification process, including name and current address verification. Once identity is confirmed, passengers can enter a screening checkpoint, but may be eligible for additional screening.
The TSA will not allow passengers to enter the security checkpoint if they do not provide acceptable identification, refuse to cooperate with additional identity verification, or if they cannot verify the identity of the passenger.
(via Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Image Group Getty Images)
5. How do I get the actual ID?
If the passenger has received an alternative identification, the actual ID does not need to travel, but is recommended under the Actual ID Act.
To obtain an actual ID, travelers can access the state's DMV with two proofs of their full legal name, date of birth, social security number, and residence, as well as documents certifying their legal status.
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The TSA does not require children under the age of 18 to provide identification when traveling with domestic peers, so minors do not need an actual ID to fly.
