(WJAR) — A deadline is approaching and travelers need to keep an eye on it.
“If passengers do not have a Real ID, passport or other TSA-approved document,” said Daniel Velez, TSA’s public affairs officer for the New England region, “they will not be able to board a flight here at TF Green or at any other airport across the country starting May 7, 2025.”
A Real ID is an additional verification for passengers aged 18 and over.
Getting a Real ID star on your driver’s license starts at the DMV.
“You will need an ID or birth certificate or passport, two proofs of residency, and you will also need to provide your social security number,” said Budd Craddock of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles.
This requirement dates back to the attacks of September 11th and is intended to make flying safer by verifying identity. Some travelers are already one step ahead of this development.
“I think it makes a lot of sense and is not an inconvenience. It just works well and makes the whole travel process easier,” said Alice Wilson, who flew to Rhode Island for a week.
“We travel a lot, so it was very important to me to get it done as quickly as possible so I don’t get in trouble,” said Rob Rutten, who is also traveling to Rhode Island.
Other people flying to TF Green International Airport still have some questions.
“I don’t really know the background and why it seems a little strange, but if that’s what they want to do, it wouldn’t hurt me to do it,” said Una Darlington, who flew to Cape Cod for a week to travel with TF Green.
Even though May still seems a long way away, authorities are urging people to get vaccinated sooner rather than later.
“It is also important to note that it takes approximately two weeks to receive your Real ID credentials,” Craddock continued.
