Airline travelers facing unforeseen challenges with REAL ID, with certain states causing more troubles
Hot off the Press: Airports and States Scramble Before the May 7 REAL ID Deadline
In a quick chat with TSA's Acting Administrator Adam Stahl, Digital uncovers how REAL ID will affect your travels as states and airports bustle ahead of May 7.
With REAL ID's deadline looming in a mere week, some states—and some people—may find themselves unprepared for the change.
As American citizens navigate the process to obtain a REAL ID, many have expressed their concerns, with some even deciding against getting the new identification altogether.
Beginning May 7, Americans will require a REAL ID for domestic flights.
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Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) all around the country are working tirelessly to meet the demand, with some implementing Saturday REAL ID events and extended appointment hours throughout the work week.
The New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles (NJDMV) website has indicated "0 appointments available" for certain days over the past weeks for REAL ID services.
States are showing varying levels of readiness as the May 7 deadline approaches. (Digital)
In a last-minute push, NJ Governor Phil Murphy (D) and the NJMVC have introduced "REAL ID Tuesdays" recently. This initiative will add 5,200 bi-weekly appointments prior to federal enforcement commencing on May 7.
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DMVs across the nation are in a bind to balance the increase in demand for REAL IDs with efficient and accessible services.
New Jersey boasts one of the highest numbers of residents who hold passports, a fact shared by a TSA spokesperson.
In the interview with Digital, TSA Acting Administrator Adam Stahl shared, "We are extremely prepared." (See the video at the top of this article.)
"Every single state is in a different area of progress for REAL ID compliance." (Digital)
"Every single state is in a different kind of area of progress for REAL ID compliance, but we are working aggressively with states, directly reaching out and connecting with them to ensure they're prepared for this," said Stahl.
In Nebraska, the state has a total of 1,551,554 driver's license and ID holders, with 1,545,300 having already obtained REAL IDs, leaving just 6,254 with non-compliant licenses, revealed the Director of Nebraska's Department of Motor Vehicles, Rhonda Lahm, in a chat with Digital.
"Every airport is unique and different, and they have different dynamics, configurations, wait times."
Some state lawmakers, including Maine's local representatives and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, have proposed a phased-in approach, suggesting guidance for travelers with non-REAL IDs to receive a warning instead of being abruptly refused boarding.
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With REAL IDs gaining popularity, many states are getting "REAL ID smart" by offering alternatives to the traditional DMV waiting lines.
"We're issuing roughly 112 REAL IDs per hour across all of our branches," said Shenna Bellows, Maine's Secretary of State, during a recent press conference, according to News Center Maine. "However, only 27% of Mainers have that REAL ID."
The states are focusing extensively on enrollment, with legislators expanding enrollment hours on weekends and unconventional hours to accommodate the increased surge in compliance.
Stahl emphasized the TSA's collaborative efforts with airports, stating, "We're working in close conjunction with every single airport... Every airport is unique and different, and they have different dynamics, configurations, wait times. And so we're working extremely closely with them."
The May 7 deadline is approaching, and states are working tirelessly to meet the challenge. Stay tuned to Digital for the latest updates on REAL ID and travel preparations.
[1] "Real ID Act and Document Requirements." Federal Highway Administration. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/realid/
[2] "Married Women Face Documentation Hurdles for Real ID in New York State." National Consumer Law Center. https://www. consumerlaw.org/policy-reports/married-women-face-documentation-hurdles-real-id-new-york-state
[3] "Real ID: Information for Colorado Drivers." Colorado Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles. https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dmv/real-id-information-colorado-drivers
- In order to comply with the REAL ID Act, some individuals may need to update their passport, as states are phasing in the new identification system.
- As the deadline for REAL ID compliance draws near, states are making changes to their regular operational hours, such as offering Saturday services, to accommodate the increased demand.
- Despite the hassle of obtaining a REAL ID, some people are choosing not to get one due to the potential impact it could have on their domestically-based lifestyle, such as frequent travel.
- In a conversation with Digital, TSA Acting Administrator Adam Stahl mentioned that every airport is unique and has different configurations, wait times, and dynamics, emphasizing the close collaboration between the TSA and airports to ensure a smooth implementation of REAL ID.
