Careful! TSA is making sure you are in possession of the Real ID. Every American citizen will be asked to show their documents and one of those compulsory ones is the Real ID.
The Memorial Day long weekend is here and I am sure you will be one of those who will take advantage of it and visit another state. If this Real ID sounds unfamiliar to you, don’t worry.
In this article you will know everything you need so that you don’t have any trouble with the TSA.
New Identification document, the Real ID
You already may have it because it is the same identity card or driving license you already have, but this new Real ID has a star in the corner, which means that the document is safe and matches the United States government laws.
So, as you can see, this is an important document to have as if you don’t have it, you won’t have an identification document according to what the law says.
This decision was made after the 11th of September of 2001 attack in the country. The American government saw in the Real ID an opportunity to improve national security by making every 18 year olds person and older to have this document. Make sure you have it because with this document you could fly and access official buildings.
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Are you planning a trip and you don’t have the Real ID? Well, you should do it as soon as possible because the set day for the implementation was the 7th of May of 2025! Avoid any trouble with the TSA and fly safe.
Go and get yours!
If you are travelling or not is not the issue, you must have the Real ID just in case. It is not a difficult process, here is a brief and clear explanation of the steps to follow:
First, you need to group all the documents you will be asked to hand over (identity proof, Social Security number, legal status in the U.S.A, etc) because we don’t want to waste any time looking for documents. Once this is done, you need to request an appointment with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to verify your original documents. After everything is approved, you just have to pay for the Real ID whose cost varies depending on the state. That’s it! The last step is to wait for it to arrive through mail.
As you can see, it is not a difficult process, but if you have any doubt about it do not hesitate and ask for aid at any of your DMV offices!
The role of the TSA
First of all, who is the TSA? This is the Transportation Security Administration which makes sure the security system at airports, so they will be the people searching your luggage and verifying your identification documents are valid.
Now that American citizens will have a long weekend for Memorial Day on this 26th of May, there are more possibilities of increasing the number of flights. So, the TSA is notifying travellers the importance of taking the Real ID with them so that they don’t get any delays or problems on their flights.
We all know that every document process is so boring and stressful, but this Real ID is crucial for national security as the American government says.
Also, it is compulsory for travelling as the TSA will make sure you have one and that it is valid according to the American government laws. What do you think about this new identification document? We’ll see how this new document works among American citizens and if it meets the expectations for national security. Let’s hope so!
