Travelers are feeling the pressure as new ID requirements take effect this Wednesday. Airports are gearing up for potential chaos, and many Americans are rushing to secure compliant identification ahead of time.
As of May 7, the Department of Transportation Security will stop accepting state-issued driver’s licenses or IDs that don’t meet the “actual ID” standards for domestic flights in the U.S.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been warning travelers for months about possible denials at airport security if they lack compliant IDs in several states.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed on Tuesday that those without the correct ID can still board flights, but they’ll face extra security measures at airports nationwide.
“If it’s non-compliant, travelers may be redirected to different lines and go through more steps, but they can still fly,” Noem stated at a U.S. House hearing just before the deadline.
Noem mentioned that security checkpoints will also accept passports and tribal IDs once the new rules take effect. Interestingly, about 81% of travelers already possess IDs that satisfy the actual ID criteria.
She assured that they aim for a smooth rollout as summer travel picks up.
The TSA has a strategy in place to ease confusion regarding the new rules.
“TSA plans to keep wait times and screening operations unaffected,” said Lisa Farbstein, a TSA spokesperson. “You can show a state ID that isn’t compliant, but you’ll be informed about non-compliance, redirected, and subjected to additional checks.”
Farbstein added that they intend to implement the actual ID requirements with minimal disruption, especially for those with proper IDs, passports, or other acceptable forms of identification.
Governor Kathy Hochul indicated last week that the state is collaborating with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to manage the transition smoothly, including adding staff and refining security checkpoint operations.
She advised New Yorkers to give themselves extra travel time, particularly at JFK and LaGuardia airports, and to carry passports for domestic flights when possible.
Despite assurances of a seamless transition, travelers and airlines are bracing for possible turmoil in terminals, especially considering past experiences.
As the deadline loomed, many trying to obtain new IDs reported long lines spilling out of several DMV locations.
Others faced difficulties with reservations at the Motor Vehicle office and encountered delays in receiving new ID cards by mail.
This update is part of an ongoing delay for the Real ID program—a federally compliant identification law initiated in 2008, aimed at increasing the safety of ID verification.
In December 2022, the TSA extended the enforcement deadline to May 2025.
