The US Transportation Security Administration, TSA, said on Friday that it would begin to enforce long-delayed stricter ID requirements at US airports starting May 7, warning that passengers could be denied access to flights.
TSA said on May 7, it will no longer accept state-issued identifications that are not REAL ID compliant.
DAILY POST reports that Congress in 2005 approved new, stricter federal standards for issuing identification cards but enforcement has been pushed back repeatedly.
According to TSA, next month passengers 18 or older without passports or the enhanced ID can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.
TSA reiterated that 81% of travelers at checkpoints are currently presenting an acceptable identification including a state-issued REAL ID, adding that it will continue with additional screening measures for those without a REAL ID until it is no longer considered a security vulnerability.
It is not yet ckear how vigorously the TSA will enforce the new rules.
US airlines are already worried about weaker demand given international tariff tensions and economic concerns.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pointed out that people also need those IDs to visit a federal building starting May 7.
TSA in December 2022 pushed back the “REAL ID” enforcement deadline until May 2025.
The 2005 law enacted the Sept. 11, 2001, commission's recommendation that the U.S. government set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.
The law sets minimum security standards for license issuance and production.
