The Rules for Flying Have CHANGED — Here's What You Should (and Shouldn't) Worry About When It Comes to REAL ID

Many U.S. citizens have been worried about their upcoming travel this year due to the long-delayed requirement of having a Real ID.

TSA lines at MCO

What is a Real ID? According to government officials, it’s a more secure way of identifying individuals and is usually marked by a star on the upper corner of your driver’s license. The deadline for needing a Real ID to continue flying with no changes is here, but there’s no need to panic — here’s everything you need to know.

According to ABC News, Kristi Noem, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, has stated that those who don’t have a REAL ID by this week’s deadline will absolutely still be allowed to fly. However, they “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,” but they’re working to make the transition as seamless as possible.

Orlando Sanford International Airport

81% of the United States population already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements, but security will also be accepting passports and tribal identification. Even if your ID is the only thing you have on you, but it’s not a REAL ID, you’ll still be allowed to fly with that additional questioning.

Orlando Sanford Airport

All across the country, Department of Driver Services buildings have been extending their hours to help people get their REAL ID before Wednesday’s deadline. However, what many people may not know is that the REAL ID was recommended by the 9/11 Commission and signed into law back in 2005. It was originally supposed to go into effect in 2008, but it’s been delayed time and time again, so despite how it feels, this isn’t actually a new idea.

Welcome to the Orlando International Airport

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We’ll be sure to keep you updated on this change as it goes into effect and affects how people are flying, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB.

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