The clock is ticking for domestic air travelers.
There is a May 7, 2025, deadline for Transportation Security Administration officers to require domestic air travelers to present identification that meets the federal Real ID act security standards.
That means many people will have to get new Real ID driver’s licenses within the next year if they use their licenses as identification to fly. (Other Real ID options are listed below.)
The TSA has stepped up reminding travelers about the deadline if they present non-Real ID licenses and ID cards to security officers, said Lisa Farbstein, a TSA spokesperson.
“If you don’t currently have a Real ID compliant driver’s license, put it on your summer to do list because the closer that we come to the deadline, the more challenging it will be to get a Real ID at a Motor Vehicle Commission Office because appointments will fill quickly,” she said.
A TSA flier about the deadline has a QR code directing travelers to a website with a list of other identification that will be accepted after May 7, 2025, instead of a state issued Real ID license or ID card.
While state motor vehicle departments are bracing for a crush of an unknown number of drivers seeking Real ID licenses and ID cards as the deadline gets closer, a number of people may opt for other accepted forms of identification — including passports and Global Entry Cards.
As of July 29, 7.33 million licenses and ID cards were issued by New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission that meet the basic federal security standards adopted in the 2005 legislation passed in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Of those, 942,120 are Real ID-compliant licenses and ID cards, which can be identified by the star at top right corner, said William Connelly, state Motor Vehicle Commission spokesperson.
“The MVC has seen an uptick in Real ID issuance over the past few months, a 30% monthly average increase since March, which was anticipated as enforcement draws nearer,” he said. “While getting a Real ID is voluntary, we encourage all New Jerseyans to consider upgrading their standard licenses and to be prepared for federal Real ID enforcement in May 2025.”
Passports and passport ID cards
The next most readily available form of identification that will be accepted for domestic travel and comply with federal Real ID requirements is a U.S passport and passport ID card.
Foreign government-issued passports also are accepted, according to TSA. The MVC found that New Jersey has a high rate of passport holders, based on U.S. Department of State data.
While it’s not part of the Real ID effort, the U.S. Department of State is holding passport fairs across the country, including 15 in New Jersey at municipal buildings or libraries this month and 11 fairs in September.
Those fairs are for first time applicants and children who are applying with Form DS-11. Applicants need to bring a photo and proofs of identity and citizenship specified on the Department of State website. Passport renewals are done by mail.
Global Entry cards
The next option that meets Real ID standards is the Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Card, also known as Global Entry. Each traveler must have their own Trusted Traveler Account.
The application process includes filling out a form, paying a $100 non-refundable fee and scheduling an interview at a Global Entry enrollment center, if the application is conditionally approved. Each applicant is interviewed separately. New Jersey’s enrollment center is in Terminal B at Newark Airport.
Applicants must bring a valid passport and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card, to the interview. Lawful permanent residents must present a machine readable permanent resident card.
Global Entry cards are issued to Global Entry members who are U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and Mexican nationals, according to the state Department of Homeland Security. A bonus is holders of Global Entry cards are eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck program for expedited screening.
Specialized identification cards
Other accepted identification cards for domestic air travel in lieu of Real ID are more specialized.
They include U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents, Veteran Health Identification Cards, permanent resident border crossing cards, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Cards.
Canadian provincial driver’s licenses or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada cards, U.S. Merchant Mariner Credentials, transportation worker identification credentials, and photo ID cards issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe are also accepted in lieu of a Real ID license, according to the TSA.
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Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @CommutingLarry
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Publish date : 2024-08-11 14:07:00
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