The Real ID deadline is Wednesday, May 7. Travelers flying within the United States will need the compliant identification to pass through airport checkpoints, marking a significant shift in security requirements.
What is Real ID?
A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license in Massachusetts is marked by a star in the top right corner. As of the deadline, this ID, or an acceptable alternative, will be required for domestic air travel and access to certain federal buildings.
“It sets the standards by which motor vehicle departments have to meet regarding security features on the documents. The identity requirements and protocols and verifications we do, as well as physical, planned security around facilities that do these type of transactions and manufacture them,” said Massachusetts Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie.
Massachusetts RMV
Do I need a Real ID?
The Transportation Security Administration is emphasizing that travelers without a REAL ID won’t necessarily be turned away, if they are carrying another form of valid identification.
“You may not have that star on your driver’s license, but you may already have a passport, a passport card, a military DOD card, a DHS Trusted Traveler card. We have a whole list of acceptable identification you can use in lieu of a Real ID,” said Dan Velez, the TSA representative at Logan Airport in Boston.
TSA also assured travelers that the change won’t result in increased wait times for those who have the Real ID. But if you don’t have it, be prepared to wait because you’ll need the extra time.
No Real ID? Expect delays
“We have a plan in place. We’re going to be pulling aside and identifying individuals who do not have a REAL ID compliant ID and pulling them out of line, so that those who do have it are going to be able to go through the line and keep going,” Velez said.
According to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, 58% of state residents were already REAL ID compliant as of Monday.
Mary Atwell was at Logan Airport Monday, headed to South Carolina. She said she got her REAL ID a couple of years ago.
“I think it would be very stressful,” Atwell said of not having a REAL ID. “Although I do have a passport at home. I almost brought it just to be on the safe side.”
How to get a Real ID
For more information about getting a Real ID in Massachusetts, click here.
