05/07/2025

DHS Chief Says Travelers with No REAL ID Can Still Fly

However, there will likely be extra steps they must take

Travelers who have yet to obtain a REAL ID by this week's deadline received assurances from Kristi Noem, the head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), that they will be able to fly after additional identity checks. Her comments came Tuesday as people were waiting in long lines outside of government buildings from California to Chicago trying to update their IDs before the long-delayed deadline.

Noem told a congressional panel that 81 percent of travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements. She said security checkpoints will also be accepting passports and tribal identification when the deadline hits Wednesday.

Those who still lack an identification that complies with the REAL ID law "may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step," Noem said. "But people will be allowed to fly. We will make sure it's as seamless as possible."

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Associated Press.