News Summary
As the May 7 deadline for REAL ID compliance approaches, Texas travelers, especially those flying from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, are urged to verify their IDs. Only REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards will be accepted at airport security checkpoints, potentially affecting thousands of passengers. Airport officials recommend arriving earlier to manage possible delays caused by non-compliant IDs. It’s crucial for adult travelers to ensure they have the appropriate identification, as children under 18 are exempt from ID requirements.
Austin, Texas
What Happened
The deadline for obtaining a REAL ID is rapidly approaching, with May 7 marking the day when only state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards that meet REAL ID standards will be accepted at airport security checkpoints nationwide. This change comes as a part of the enforcement of the REAL ID Act, which was established by Congress in 2005 to enhance security standards for identification.
Background of REAL ID
The enforcement of REAL ID has seen several delays since its conception in response to post-9/11 security concerns. Although it was intended to begin implementation in 2008, several postponements have led to the upcoming deadline. Currently, approximately 20% of travelers across the nation still lack a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, raising alarms among airport staff and security agencies.
Who Is Affected
This requirement impacts a significant number of travelers in Texas, particularly those using Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Passengers using the airport are urged to check their identification for REAL ID compliance to avoid potential delays. Travelers who have renewed their driver’s licenses since the implementation of REAL IDs in Texas in 2016 are likely compliant. However, individuals from other states or those who have never obtained a REAL ID should confirm their status immediately.
Children under 18 years old are exempt from presenting an ID when traveling through TSA security, but it is essential for adult travelers to ensure they have the appropriate form of identification.
Official Response
Airport officials at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport are proactively urging members of the public to verify their IDs against the REAL ID requirements. They advise anyone who may not possess a compliant ID to arrive at the airport up to four hours early to manage additional processing time potentially required at security checkpoints. This extra allowance is crucial, especially for travelers needing to validate their identities without a REAL ID.
Identification Types
A compliant REAL ID will feature a star symbol in the upper right corner of the card. In addition to driver’s licenses, there are various forms of identification recognized as REAL ID compliant, including U.S. passports, passport cards, military IDs, and federally recognized tribal IDs. For those who are newly moved to Texas, verifying whether their previous state issued a voluntary REAL ID could facilitate a smoother transition to compliance.
Impact of Non-Compliance
If travelers arrive without a REAL ID after May 7, they will have to undergo additional security checks that could lead to significant delays. It is estimated that this could involve anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 passengers daily needing to validate their identification. In such cases, the existing identification requirements could overwhelm airport security lines, prompting long wait times for passengers.
What’s Next
As the deadline approaches, it is crucial for travelers to prioritize obtaining their REAL ID if they have not done so already. While REAL IDs are essential for domestic travel, it is important to note that they are not valid for international flights, meaning traveling outside the U.S. will still require a valid passport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expected to release an updated list of acceptable forms of identification for those traveling during this transition period.
As May 7 draws near, Texas travelers are advised to act promptly to avoid potential travel disruptions and ensure a smooth airport experience.
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Additional Resources
- Statesman News
- Wikipedia: REAL ID Act
- CBS Austin
- Google Search: REAL ID Texas Deadline
- KVUE
- Google Scholar: REAL ID Act
- KXAN News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: REAL ID Act
- FOX 26 Houston
- Google News: REAL ID Texas Deadline
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
