MIAMI – After decades of delays, Wednesday is enforcement day for Read ID’s at airports nationwide.
It’s leading to long lines at the DMV for those who still don’t have a driver’s license or ID with the gold star in the top right corner.
“I did have to make an appointment about three months ago, but it was an hour wait, give or take,” said Karolay Cabrere, who visited a Pembroke Pines DMV on Wednesday. “Now I can actually fly.”
At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Wednesday morning, travelers needed to have a Real ID or risk missing their trip.
On Tuesday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned passengers of the law going into effect.
“This law will be enforced and it will allow us to know individuals in this country of who they are and that they are authorized to travel,” said Noem.
The Real ID law was passed by congress back in 2005, the goal being to improve national security.
Signs are up at Miami International Airport and at FLL alerting passengers of the new requirement.
If you don’t have a gold star on your ID, you can’t use it, but there are other acceptable forms of identification that will grant you the same access to federal services like TSA as Real ID.
“We will be honoring passports other federally recognized IDs,” said Noem. “Tribal IDs will be recognized.”
Noem added if you do not have a Real ID, a passport or a global entry card, you may still board your domestic commercial flight, but you could be delayed.
“If it’s not compliant, they may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step but people will be allowed to fly,” said Noem.