May Deadline Approaching For New ID Requirements At Airports

Summer travel season is just around the corner for millions of Texans, and Americans, as the end of school approaches for families. That always bring forth plenty of flights either to Cancun, or New York, wherever the wind might take you. But there is a new requirement coming for travelers heading out this summer, and most people are not aware it is coming.

A May 7th deadline is approaching for travelers to present REAL ID. That being state-level ID cards, that are official and in compliance with both state law, and TSA rules. For most people, there will not be much of a change, but for those with outdated ID's, or no ID at all, this deadline might present some challenges.

Patricia Mancha of the TSA says upon getting to the lines, you will have to submit an ID card that is in compliance.

"That includes a state driver's license, enhanced DL, a passport...military ID," she says.

Some states vary in how they identify REAL ID cards. In Texas, it is pretty simple to check and see if you are in compliance. In the top right corner of your driver's license, there should be a golden star present. If that is there, you are good to go this travel season. She also adds that tribal ID's from federally recognized tribes will work.

If you are unsure about being in compliance, you can always contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to make sure, their website has plenty of helpful pages to navigate the checking.

"If you renewed or got a driver's license in Texas since 2016, you are more than likely compliant," says Mancha. "As a reminder, you must make an appointment with your DMV, you cannot just walk in and get your document same day."

Of course, going to the DMV is everyone's nightmare in Texas, because the waits are so long.

But getting ahead of the curve now, because of the slowness of the process, will help you avoid travel headaches later.

"In large cities like Houston, there is a wait for days, weeks, or months to even get an appointment, that does not include getting the document itself," Mancha says.

There will likely be a rush of people trying to get in compliance before May 7th, so now is the time to start checking and making your appointment for travel season.

Mancha adds that using a fake ID will get you nowhere except jail. The TSA will arrest anyone who uses a false ID, as they take the new procedures very seriously.