Tampa International Airport reminds passengers of REAL ID alternatives ahead of deadline
The time to obtain a REAL ID is closing fast. Here is what you need to know about the looming deadline.
The Department of Homeland Security will start enforcing REAL IDs on May 7 as part of a nationwide effort to fight terrorism and reduce identity fraud.
To be REAL ID-certified, people must have a new state-issued ID with a star in the upper right corner.
Those who are not REAL ID compliant by the deadline won’t be able to board domestic flights or visit federal facilities.
If you already have a trip planned and can’t get a REAL ID in time, Josh Gillan from Tampa International Airport said there are a few alternatives.
Travelers can show a variety of identification at the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, including a passport, a traveler card, a permanent resident card and a transportation worker identification credential.
“There’s a big, long list of them [documents] that are actually allowed,” Gillan said. “But generally, if you have a passport, you can use that.”
Gillan said TPA has “worked very hard” to keep an awareness campaign regarding getting REAL IDs.
“If you come to the airport, you’re going to see signs before that [TSA],” he said. “If you talk to one of our guest services representatives, they will make sure that you have the proper identification.”
TPA representatives have been contacting travel agents and conducting interviews to emphasize the importance of issuing a REAL ID.
But Gillan said he is primarily concerned about people traveling before the May 7 deadline.
This is because they might come back to the airport and not have proper identification.
“We want people to be aware of that and be careful of that,” he said. “Have all the documentation taken care of so you have the best experience when you come to the checkpoints here at TPA.”
This federal act went into effect nationwide in 2008 with a four-phase plan to make the entire country REAL ID ready, and Florida began issuing the new cards in 2010.
The REAL ID was enacted after the 9/11 commission recommended improving the security of state IDs by making them harder to counterfeit.
REAL IDs can be acquired at any driver’s license service center or tax collector’s office.
However, with the May 7 deadline quickly approaching, these centers see long lines and wait times.
Applicants are recommended to take all proper documentation, including a valid passport, birth certificate and other government-issued documents with the applicant’s full name.
REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses cost around $48, and state IDs cost around $25.
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