Travelers: New REAL ID Requirement Affects Domestic Flights and Federal Building Access

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Starting from May 7, travelers will be required to show a REAL ID when they board any domestic flight or enter specific federal facilities.

Lengthy queues have turned into a frequent occurrence at Department of Motor Vehicles offices due to numerous individuals seeking REAL ID cards. Nonetheless, pedestrian activity stays typical in Laredo.

Patricia Mancha from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mentioned that 98% of Texans already possess a REAL ID. She explained, "The REAL ID serves as a method for confirming that travelers are indeed whom they claim to be at security checkpoints."

To check if your ID meets the requirements, search for a star symbol in the top-right corner. If you spot it, then everything is in order.

When we spoke to Delia Espinoza at the Laredo International Airport, she mentioned that she meets the REAL ID standards since she was getting ready for her journey to Las Vegas. She commented, "It seems great because it enhances everybody's security, and implementing this is beneficial."

Beginning May 7, passengers will be required to present their REAL ID for boarding any domestic flights or entering federal facilities.

Espinoza sees this requirement as an additional step for enhancing both safety and efficiency, noting, "This protection ensures the security of all passengers in the event that someone attempts to breach a flight."

Mancha stresses that travelers can continue to journey beyond May 7 even without a REAL ID. She stated, "Individuals might opt for a passport, an ID issued by a federally acknowledged tribe, or their Department of Defense ID instead."

Furthermore, individuals who are younger than 18 years old are exempt from presenting a REAL ID. Mancha highlighted that this form of identification is different from a passport. "Should you travel outside the United States, you will still need to present a passport to re-enter the country as was previously necessary," she stated.

She recommends staying calm if you don't have your REAL ID just yet; rather, arrange an appointment at your nearby DMV.

To see a complete list of documents you can utilize if you lack the ID by May 7, please click here .

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