Real ID era begins: Travelers urged to arrive early for airport security
Photo from DMV
LOS ANGELES – The long-awaited Real ID requirement took effect at airports across the country Wednesday, but while authorities urged passengers to anticipate some security-screening delays and arrive early for their flights, there were no reports of any excessively long lines or impacts at Los Angeles International Airport.
Jason Pantages, the Transportation Security Administration federal security director at LAX, told reporters Wednesday morning there had been “no operational impacts” at the airport caused by the requirement being implemented.
“No excessive wait times,” Pantages said. “We’re continuing to educate the public that moving forward if you’re going to travel on an aircraft throughout the United States, you have to have Real ID-compliant identification. And if you do not have Real ID-compliant identification, you may be subject to additional screening measures. We’ll ask that you get to the airport a little bit early so that you’re not delayed to much on your travel out.
“This isn’t something new. Today is the drop-dead date that we’re starting to enforce that.”
As of Wednesday morning, passengers were required to present a Real ID or other acceptable form of identification to board a flight. The requirement was initially approved in 2005 as part of the response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, but its implementation was repeatedly delayed from the original 2008 deadline.
To determine if a California driver’s license is Real ID-compliant, travelers are advised to look for a golden bear with a star in the top right corner. Those who aren’t sure can check with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Other acceptable forms of identification include US and foreign passports and passport cards, Department of Defense identification — including those issued to dependents — a permanent resident card, border crossing card, or photo ID from a federally recognized Tribal Nation, among others.
A full list can be found here.
US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, speaking at a congressional hearing Tuesday, said the agency was hoping for a smooth transition to the Real ID requirement.
“What will happen (Wednesday) is folks will come through the line and… show (their ID) and if it’s not compliant they may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step. But people will be allowed to fly,” she said. “… We will make sure that it is as seamless as possible and that travelers will get to stay on their intended itinerary.”
For people who still need to obtain a Real ID, 18 state Department of Motor Vehicle offices will open one hour early, four days a week through June 7 to serve appointment-only customers seeking the federally mandated cards.
That includes eight DMV offices in Los Angeles and Orange counties, which will open at 7 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and devote the early hour exclusively to patrons with Real ID appointments. (CNS)
