As Real ID Deadline Nears, Experts Reveal Air Travel Workarounds

• The cutoff date for U.S. air passengers to possess a REAL ID—a enhanced driver’s license or state ID provided by a state department—is May 7.
• Visitors without a Real ID may instead utilize a legitimate U.S. passport, passport card, permanent residency card, or specific Department of Homeland Security approved trusted traveler documents.
• Approximately 19% of Americans lack an acceptable alternative form of identification as per the Real ID standards, as indicated by TSA statistics.

The deadline for visitors from the U.S. to obtain a Real ID is fast approaching —and those without one might not be permitted to boarding flights within the U.S.

The Real ID The card is an additional premium option for a driver's license or state ID provided by a state’s motor vehicle department, identified by a star symbol.

The positive aspect is that there are alternative forms of identification available for U.S. travelers who cannot obtain a Real ID by the deadline of May 7. These alternatives include a valid U.S. passport, passport card, permanent resident card, or specific Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards.

Consumers do have alternatives available to them," stated John Breyault, a travel specialist with the National Consumers League, an organization focused on consumer rights. "Many individuals possess the means to travel regardless of possessing a Real ID or not.

Approximately 19% of travelers do not possess an identification card that meets Real ID requirements, as reported. Transportation Security Administration data as of Thursday.

Passengers who arrive at the airport without an acceptable form of ID "can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint," according to the TSA .

Even passengers who have a Real ID card or other acceptable ID should aim to be at the airport at least 1½ hours ahead of their flight, due to likely delays in airport security lines as enforcement gets underway, Breyault said.

What does the Real ID act entail?

Congress passed the Real ID Act In 2005, the legislation established basic security requirements for driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by states.

Starting from May 7, the federal government will mandate that all Americans visiting federal buildings must possess a Real ID. This requirement also applies to individuals passing through TSA airport security and boarding domestic commercial flights.

This regulation affects every traveler aged 18 and above, encompassing those enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program as well.

Ways to navigate the Real ID regulation

Visitors can avoid needing to show a Real ID card if they possess another form of accepted identification.

Specialists mentioned that the most frequently used ones include: a passport or passport card; a Global Entry card; an enhanced driver’s license provided by Washington State, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, or Vermont; or a permanent resident card, commonly referred to as a green card.

Here's a list of all acceptable alternatives as stated by the TSA:

• State-issued enhanced driver's license
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• Homeland Security Department-authorized reliable traveler documents (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, which encompasses those issued to family members as well
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• A valid photograph identification provided by a federally acknowledged Tribal Nation or Indian Tribe, which includes Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or an Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Work Permit Card (Form I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC)

'Get that Real ID'

Traveling with an alternate ID like a passport for domestic trips might be slightly more risky according to Sally French, a travel expert from NerdWallet.

Replacing a passport is far more complex and costly compared to getting a new driver’s license," French stated. "Make sure you obtain that Real ID.

A traditional passport book costs $130 to renew Real ID costs differ from one state to another but tend to be relatively inexpensive, according to experts. These fees usually do not exceed those of a regular driver’s license.

For instance, in California, it costs Renewing a standard driver's license costs $45, whereas an ordinary ID card renewal is $39; additionally, in Virginia, the cost for this service is $10 extra. one-time Real ID fee , along with a driver's license fee, typically $32.

Desperate travelers can also gamble by showing up at the airport without a Real ID-compliant form of identification on May 7 and beyond, and hope airport agents show some mercy, French said.

The screening process is significantly lengthier and not assured, according to French. She described it as a “last-ditch effort.”