Travelers without REAL ID should expect extra screening, longer wait times starting Wednesday
Nia Hinson
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Those without a REAL ID on Wednesday can still board a plane, but a TSA spokesman says it may take longer.
The federal government will require travelers 18 years and older to present a REAL ID or passport when boarding a plane or visiting certain federal offices or facilities.
Transportation and Security Regional spokesperson Mark Howell said the TSA is recommending people who have not yet obtained their REAL ID arrive at the airport three hours before their flight. Howell said those who haven’t yet received a REAL ID will experience extra screening at checkpoints to have their identity verified.
“It’s going to be random and unpredictable, but they’re going to check your ID,” Howell said. “They’re going to ask you for other forms to try and verify your identity.”
Howell said people who aren’t able to present a real ID at the ticket counter will be given a red card and moved to a separate area for additional screening. Delay times will depend on how long it takes agents to verify each person’s identity.
If agents are able to verify your identity, there will be additional random screening done at the check point and people will be able to proceed as normal, Howell said. According to Howell, people with a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification, such as a passport should expect to fly as usual.
Howell said there is a possibility people wont be able to fly if TSA is unable to verify their identity, which is rare.
“We’re going to work with you as best we can,” Howell said. “Bring something that will help us verify your identity in addition to your legacy drivers license. Bring some other documents with you that will help us kind of put those pieces together to verify your identity.”
According to Howell, that can include any other photo ID– even if it’s not on the acceptable list– or any other personal document.
CNN reported that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also said Tuesday those without a REAL ID will still be allowed to fly, but did not clarify how long passengers without a REAL ID will still be allowed to fly. Howell also did not provide a timeline to ABC 17 News.
Dozens of people flocked inside and outside of Columbia license offices on Tuesday, as the deadline to obtain a REAL ID winded down. Some like University of Missouri sophomore Habi Mugisha said he learned about the deadline on Monday from a friend, and decided it would be a good idea to get one.
“I plan on traveling this summer so that’s really the only reason why. I just wanted to get it over with,” Mugisha said.
Alicia Molina said she frequently travels and knew she needed a REAL ID to be able to continue doing so. Molina said she tried to apply for the new identification on Monday, but ran into problems with paperwork.
She said she waited in line for 45 minutes, only to be told she would have to come back, but knew she needed to get one as soon as possible.
“My sister passed away and the funeral arrangements had been arranged so I had to get this (a REAL ID) and get ready for the trip,” Molina said.
According to Howell, 81% of people across the nation have a Real ID or acceptable form of identification.
As of April 24, roughly 45% of Missourians had a REAL ID, according to a press release from the governor’s office.