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Flying without a Real ID? Here’s what happens after the May 7 deadline

Recent TSA data shows that only 80% of travelers have an acceptable form of ID.
Real ID
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BOISE AIRPORT, Idaho — Nearly two decades after Congress passed the Real ID Act, the law is finally set to be enforced.

RELATED: ITD offers star card pop-up services as enforcement nears

Starting Wednesday, the Transportation Security Administration will begin checking for Real ID-compliant identification at airport checkpoints.

At the Boise Airport, many people either had their Star Card or a passport in tow, a day before the law goes into effect.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Congress on Tuesday that the government understands not everyone has been able to obtain a Real ID. Those travelers will still be allowed to fly but will be directed to a separate line for additional screening, she said.

Recent TSA data shows that only 80% of travelers have an acceptable form of ID.

How to tell if an ID is Real ID-compliant

Travelers can check the top of a driver's license or state-issued ID card. If it has a star, the ID meets federal Real ID requirements.

Other types of IDs that TSA will accept

  • State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. passport card
  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
  • Permanent resident card
  • Border crossing card
  • An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
  • HSPD-12 PIV card
  • Foreign government-issued passport
  • Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
  • Transportation worker identification credential
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
  • Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

What about children?

Children under 18 are not required to show identification when traveling domestically, according to the TSA.