TSA launches Real ID campaign
With little more than year to go, the Transportation Security Administration is ramping up public awareness for Real ID.
A new campaign is reminding travelers not to leave it to the last moment to apply for the TSA compliant state issued driver’s licenses and IDs.
From October 1, 2020, only a Real ID or an equivalent ID such as a passport will be allowed in order to fly.
"We want the public to make sure that they’re aware. It’s just another layer of security," said Tomas Cuellar, TSA transportation safety manager.
"If you don’t get it done as early as possible, everybody’s going to be rushing at the last minute. And we don’t want somebody to get in a situation where they come to the airport ready to fly on vacation and then suddenly they can’t get through."
The Real ID program dates back more than a decade and deadlines have been pushed back multiple times.
However, the October 2020 deadline is the final one with no further extensions.
After numerous exemptions over the years, most states have begun issuing compliant IDs.
Oregon, Oklahoma, New Jersey, and Maine were given further extensions but are expected to start issuing Real IDs later this year well in advance of the deadline.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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