Real ID deadline: What to know about flying if you don't have a compliant ID
Travelers without Real ID can still fly but extra identification verification is needed
Starting on May 7 the Real ID goes into effect meaning all people flying domestically will need a gold star on their license.
DETROIT (FOX 2) - Beginning Wednesday, a Real ID-compliant identification is required to fly in the United States.
If you don't have one, you may still be able to fly, but there are extra steps that must be taken at the airport.
What is a Real ID?
The backstory:
The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 in response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the act set security standards for identification that is used to board domestic flights, access federal facilities, such as miliary bases, and access nuclear power plants.
Michigan's Real ID can be either driver's license example with a star in the top right corner.
Types of Real IDs:
Several forms of identification fall into the Real ID category. Here are some examples:
- A driver's license with Real ID designation or an enhanced license - In Michigan, this means your license will have a star inside a gold circle or a star inside a gold Michigan. If your license does not have this, you may need to get a new ID. More on that below.
- A United States passport
- A United States passport card
- A foreign government-issued passport
- A Veteran Health Identification Card
- A U.S. Department of Defense ID
For a full list of Real ID-compliant identification, click here.
Flying without a Real ID
If you don't have a Real ID-compliant identification, you may still be able to board a flight, but there will be extra steps to verify your identity that could lead to delays at the airport. This applies to all passengers, including those with TSA PreCheck.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), travelers who do not have an acceptable form of identification may be referred to a verification process, which can include collecting information such as your name and address.
Once your identity is confirmed and you are allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, you may have to undergo additional screening.
If TSA agents are unable to verify your identity or you do not comply with the verification process, you will not be allowed to proceed.
Real ID deadline: New identification requirements begin tomorrow
The Real ID deadline is almost here. Is your identification compliant? Here's what to know:
How to get a Real ID license in Michigan
To have your license or identification changed to a Real ID, you will need to visit a Secretary of State office and bring:
- Your current Michigan driver’s license or ID
- A valid, unexpired U.S. passport or birth certificate
If your name doesn't match the name on your birth certificate, you also need to bring certified documents, such as a marriage license, that shows each time your name has changed.
Price:
If you are renewing your license or ID, there is no additional fee for a Real ID.
However, if you are updating your identification outside of renewal time, you will have to pay $9 to update a license or $10 to update an ID.
The Source: Information from the Michigan Secretary of State, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Transportation Security Administration was used to write this story.