May 7 might be a rough travel day if many passengers show up at the airport without a Real ID or passport. The new requirement goes into effect nationwide on that date, making a basic driver's license a relic at airports set up for Real IDs.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is upgrading its tech in anticipation, specifically the machines that scan licenses at security. These machines, called CAT-2, contain the TSA's "credential authentication technology" and began rolling out at airports in early 2022. Eventually, they will also "support the phased rollout of digital IDs, including mobile driver’s licenses," the TSA says.

When a TSA agent runs a passenger's ID through a CAT-2, it "reads" the license, which "lets the TSA officer know that the person is ticketed to fly out of that airport on that day," TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein tells us. "It confirms that the face of the person standing in front the CAT-2 unit (these are the units with cameras) matches the face on the ID; and now the unit can determine whether the license is REAL ID compliant."

Not every airport has installed CAT-2 machines yet, but they will eventually. The TSA declined to confirm how many have them, though we found sources ranging form 80 to 160 airports.

Each state has its own requirements for what makes an ID "Real." It could be a hologram, tactile features, or barcodes, Farbstein says. Most also have a star or a flag icon, depending on the state, which also indicates Real ID compliance.

If you present a state-issued ID that is not a Real ID, and don't bring another acceptable alternative like a passport, you can expect to "face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint," Farbstein says. "Real ID helps ensure that travelers are who they say they are and thwarts fraud by criminals and terrorists."

There is no exception process, and no plans to push back the May 7 deadline. Expect "full enforcement" to start on that date. If you don't have a Real ID or passport, you'll want to head to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to get one. It requires proof of identity, evidence of US citizenship or lawful status, proof of a Social Security number, proof of residency, and potentially a small fee. See the TSA's FAQ page for more details.

Farbstein says the TSA is not expecting Real ID-related delays. "The way we see it, more and more people will get their Real IDs or have an alternative acceptable form of ID as each day goes by," she says

By: DocMemory
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