Starting May 7, state-level IDs will no longer be accepted at airport checkpoints unless they are a REAL ID.
HASTINGS, Florida — Very soon, millions of people around the United States will be required to have a REAL ID.
Starting May 7, state-level IDs will no longer be accepted at airport checkpoints unless they are a REAL ID.
Susan Dameron tells First Coast News she has been struggling to secure her new REAL ID driver’s license.
She was born at a military hospital located on a base in Japan. Both of her parents have passed away more than eight years ago, and their official documents can no longer be retrieved.
“My parents and I returned to the United States from Japan, and as of now, my passport would be 70 years old,” Dameron mentioned. “The DMV stated they would accept an expired passport, but unfortunately, it’s not accessible anymore.”
To get a REAL ID, individuals need to present multiple documents, such as a valid and current U.S. passport, an original or certified birth certificate, and if born overseas, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad is necessary.
Dameron tells First Coast News she feels defeated with hopes of getting approved for a REAL ID.
“I had applied to the Department of State Tuesday. They said it would take up to 15 days, so at this point, I don’t know whether they’ve accepted it or not so I’m just in a waiting state at the moment,” said Dameron.
If residents have had a license renewal since 2010 in the state of Florida, they are REAL ID compliant.
Dameron is urging people not to wait until the last minute.
“I’m having a hard time, you know I don’t mind research and you know I’m OK with the computer, but there are gonna be folks out there who’re not gonna know where to start,” she said.
According to TSA, if you are not real ID compliant or present another acceptable form of identification, then you can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being allowed to board your flight.
