Need a Real ID in Massachusetts? Here's what to do, even if you need to fly soon.
The Real ID deadline has officially passed. If you don't have one yet, you will still be allowed to fly in the United States, but it will likely take longer to get through security at the airport.
The Department of Homeland Security said if you're over the age of 18 taking a domestic flight soon without a Real ID, you may be diverted to a different line. A TSA spokesperson at Logan Airport in Boston said it has a plan in place, but the agency has not said what will be included in the extra screening.
Can you fly without a Real ID?
If you don't have Real ID by the time of your next flight, you should bring any one of these acceptable forms of identification with you to the airport:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- Homeland Security trusted traveler cards (Global Entry)
- Military ID
- Permanent resident card
- Tribal Nation ID
You can see the full list from the TSA here.
Get a Real ID in Massachusetts
If you need to get a Real ID, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles says you have to make an appointment. There's been a surge at branches recently with people hoping to beat the May 7 deadline.
Owen Gallagher went to the Watertown RMV Tuesday and waited for a half-hour before being turned away.
"They were saying we can only help you on, I think it's two weeks from now," he said.
"We have extremely high demand, so if you're not up for renewal and you have no travel planned or you have an active passport, wait," said Massachusetts Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie.
The wait for an appointment at the American Automobile Association (AAA) is also long. A WBZ-TV reporter was put on hold for more than 45 minutes to get through to someone on the phone. A spokesperson said there's no reason to panic.
"Unless you're going to get on a plane in the next couple of weeks, you can wait a little while and get your Real ID when it's more convenient for you," said AAA Northeast spokesman Mark Schieldrop.
He noted that there's some confusion out there when it comes to the driver's license part of all this. If you don't have a Real ID and your Massachusetts driver's license is not expired, you're fine, because the change only applies to air travel.
Real ID documents needed in Massachusetts
Ogilvie said once you get an appointment, make sure you have all the right documents because it's a little more complicated than getting a driver's license.
"We have to take in lawful presence proof of you being in the United States. Typically, people meet that by a U.S. active passport or a birth certificate, as well as we need two forms of residency to confirm that you are a Massachusetts resident. And we also need to see a document with your full Social Security number on it."
What does a Real ID look like in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, a Real-ID compliant driver's license will have a star in a gold circle the top right corner.
This is a sample, provided by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
What is Real ID?
The Real ID Act passed in 2005 after the 9/11 Commission recommended the changes to increase airport security.
It was originally supposed to start in May 2008 but it took years for all 50 states to reach compliance.