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Deadline Approaching for Real ID Compliance in U.S. Air Travel
As of May 7, travelers within the United States will be required to possess a Real ID to board domestic flights. This regulation also impacts access to certain federal facilities and nuclear power plants.
To determine whether your driver’s license or state ID is Real ID-compliant, look for a star symbol located in the upper right corner of the card.
The Real ID Act, established in 2005, aimed to enhance air travel security in response to the September 11 attacks. Although the Department of Homeland Security initially set a compliance deadline for 2008, that date has been postponed multiple times. However, experts predict that the May 7 deadline is likely to be enforced without further delays.
According to Nick Ewen, senior editorial director at The Points Guy, this is a critical time for potential travelers. “Anyone planning to fly in the U.S. in the upcoming months should ensure they obtain a Real ID-compliant card by May 7, or alternatively, they should consider traveling with their passport, even for domestic flights,” he advises.
If you haven’t secured a Real ID yet, you may encounter challenges as the deadline nears. Ewen notes that manyDMVs are currently experiencing high volumes of requests for Real ID appointments.
“We’ve received reports of limited appointment availability and increased wait times,” he adds, highlighting the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s online scheduling system, which indicates no available appointments for individuals not due for license renewal in the near future.
When you manage to book an appointment, it’s essential to arrive prepared. Each state has specific document requirements, which can vary significantly. To assist with this, the Department of Homeland Security provides a useful map that links to the DMV websites for all U.S. states and territories to help you schedule an appointment.
Most states do not charge extra for obtaining a Real ID, though some jurisdictions may impose additional fees. For instance, Pennsylvania mandates an extra, one-time fee of $30 for obtaining a Real ID.
For further information regarding fees, visit your local DMV’s website.
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