The deadline for Alaskan residents to obtain their REAL ID is right around the corner. The date in which REAL ID procedures will be in place nationwide is May 7. This deadline signifies when REAL IDs will be required for those traveling by plane. As the deadline nears, the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has been seeing a surge in demand for appointments, leaving many residents scrambling to secure a slot.
In addition to the increased demand for appointments, the walk-in wait times have been higher than they usually are. The REAL ID requirements come from the REAL ID Act passed in 2005. The act implemented the REAL ID federal policy under the Department of Homeland Security.
What is the identification form for?
REAL IDs will be required for air travel, entry to federal buildings, and access to military bases starting May 7. Without a REAL ID, individuals will need to present additional identification, such as a passport, in these situations. While people without the REAL ID will still be able to board domestic flights, they will need a passport to do so. This additional step could cause inconvenience, especially for frequent travelers or those who may not have a passport readily available.
The federal government have postponed the REAL ID requirement/enforcement a number of times since the law passed in 2005. However now, 20 years later, the REAL ID will be required. If the REAL ID is not present at times it is necessary, such as entering a federal building or boarding a domestic flight, then an acceptable alternative form of identification must be presented.
It is important to remember that you can still travel without a REAL ID.
However, if you do not have a REAL ID nor a passport, you will not be eligible to fly even on a domestic flight. The REAL ID is nationally recognized and will be important and helpful for those traveling after May 7.
If you attempt to fly with only a regular ID card, not one with the REAL ID stamp, starting May 7, you may be denied entry to your flight by the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA.
In Alaska, it is important to know that recent year ID renewals do not automatically have the REAL ID stamp.
In some states, ID renewals in the last few years automatically came as REAL IDs. In others, such as Alaska and California, they do not. This goes for renewals due to expiration or updates to your account too. In these states, in order to get a REAL ID, you have to ask for the REAL ID.
As the May 7 deadline approaches, it is important to remember that while the REAL ID is crucial for specific activities like air travel, residents who do not secure one in time can still navigate most daily tasks, albeit with extra documentation. Those hoping to get their REAL ID should take advantage of the extended hours and plan accordingly.
