REAL ID’s have finally been implemented. What to know
JACKSON, Tenn. — After over 20 years of delays, REAL ID’s have become mandatory for flying in the U.S.
The Transportation Security Administration has been urging residents to secure their Real ID’s and the deadline has finally approached.
Starting Wednesday, travelers will need a REAL ID to fly domestically.
According to Kevin McCarthy, TSA Deputy Federal Security Director for the state of Tennessee, REAL ID’s are a more secure form of identification. It helps security agents accurately identify a person’s identity.
This form of identification features a star in the top right-hand corner.
Across West Tennessee for the last several months, it has been a hassle to get your REAL ID. There were long wait lines at DMV’s and specific documentation residents had to provide.
According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, 81% of U.S travelers already have REAL ID’s.
In Tennessee, roughly 70% of residents have their updated ID, but there are still a few who do not.
If you do not have your REAL ID and are planning to travel, you can expect longer wait times and extra identification steps. McCarthy tells us that across the state, TSA checkpoints have been running smoothly.
Travelers with non-compliant ID’s may be diverted to another line, but the overall wait time has not been drastic.
Nashville International Airport reported a 20 minute or less wait time on Wednesday morning.
To learn more about Real ID’s and non-compliant identification, click here.
For more news across the State, click here.
