BALTIMORE — Starting on May 7, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept state-issued identifications that are not REAL ID compliant at TSA security checkpoints. All airline passengers 18 years and older, including TSA PreCheck® members, must present REAL ID-compliant identification or another acceptable ID, such as a passport, at TSA security checkpoints
Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative (i.e., a passport) can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.
“We will implement REAL ID effectively and efficiently, continuing to ensure the safety and security of passengers while also working to minimize operational disruptions at airports,” said Christopher Murgia TSA’s Federal Security Director for Maryland. “However, per longstanding TSA policy, passengers traveling without an acceptable form of ID may face significant wait times at airports or could be denied access through the airport checkpoint.”
If a traveler’s driver’s license is not REAL ID-compliant, they will need another form of approved identification, such as a passport to board their flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base. The Maryland REAL ID driver’s license has a small star on it to indicate that it meets federal regulations that establish minimum security standards.
“REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver licenses and identification cards,” Murgia said. “The improvements are intended to inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification."
Maryland residents have the option to upgrade to a REAL ID or they can stick with a standard driver’s license. However, a standard credential—without the star—will not be valid to board a domestic flight or to access secure federal facilities, including military bases and some federal offices.
The process to obtain a REAL ID is simple. To get a REAL ID compliant license in Maryland, individuals can visit the Maryland Department of Transportation MVA web site where they can review the process for getting a REAL ID license.
Required documents include one proof of identity (i.e., passport or U.S. birth certificate), proof of legal presence for non-U.S. citizens, two proofs of Maryland residency, proof of social security number and a current driver’s license if you are applying to exchange one issued by another U.S. state. If someone has had a name change (i.e. a marriage or divorce), they will need to bring proof of that name change as well.
TSA officers who staff the ticket document checking podium at airports will be checking for a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of acceptable ID starting May 7, because of a federal law (The REAL ID Act of 2005) that mandates that a REAL ID is needed for federal identification purposes.
For more information and details about how to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card in Maryland, visit https://mva.maryland.gov/Pages/realid.aspx.