LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – In a few months Nevadans standing in the airport security line will be asked to provide their ticket and Real ID, but what will happen if you don’t have one?
The countdown clock on the Department of Homeland Security website to May 7 may seem stark, but the deadline for having a REAL ID has some challenges.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported a low rollout of REAL IDs in Jan. 2024 citing only 56% of driver’s licenses and state IDs were compliant. Nevada residents have been rolling into their neighborhood Department of Motor Vehicle locations, and staff expect to see an uptick before the deadline.
“When people see that, they want to try and rush in all at once,” Hailey Foster, an NV DMV spokesperson, said. “We really encourage people, when you have a free day free time, make that appointment come in, because it is super easy to do, very convenient to have as well.”
Foster said the REAL ID is optional and the May 7 deadline is not a strict cutoff. The REAL ID will be required by the deadline for commercial air travel, and access to secure federal buildings, and nuclear power plants, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The TSA, which would enforce the REAL ID rule, proposed in Sept. 2024 that the enforcement date be delayed until 2027, but published a final rule of enforcing the May deadline.
“Identity verification is foundational to security. I urge those who use a driver’s license or state-issued identity card as their primary form of identification to access federal facilities or board commercial passenger aircraft, to ensure these credentials are REAL ID-compliant,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske wrote in a statement.
Do I need it?
The REAL ID is optional as a passport or military ID or other documents can be used for federal purposes, according to the NV DMV. The TSA also has a list of acceptable identification.
The bad news is you will have to go to your local NV DMV to get REAL ID and set up an appointment, but the good news is renewals can be done online, according to Foster.
“It’s like a typical, standard license,” she said. “It’s the same type of deal. They’ll give you that temporary ID or driver’s license holder but then as soon as you see that little gold star, you’re compliant, which is great.”
One more bit of good news, Foster said the REAL ID does give you an opportunity to retake your photo for identification.
“If you like your picture from before, I’m sure that you can just transfer that over as well,” she said. “So get geared up for picture day.”
You can make an appointment for your REAL ID or other needs through the NV DMV portal online.
