The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) developed a federal regulation after 11-S; from June 8 , it will be mandatory to carry the Real ID to travel within the country, as well as to access federal buildings or enter military bases. Even though there are some official documents you can still use, you will only escape from identity controls if you show your Real ID. The Michigan State Department accelerated the shipping process by reaching 76% of users, which means a shipment of 200,000 Real ID in three months. It appears to be the fastest and best organized state in meeting the new federal regulations.
Real ID
Until May 7, 2025, you could travel in the United States without having to present a federal document; any official identification document was sufficient. Following the 11-S attack, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) tightened identification measures to increase safety. Thus, starting on May 8, you will be required to apply for a Real ID or other federally approved document. This has been the measure that TSA has implemented to meet its objectives.
The Real ID is the conventional identity document, but with features that reinforce its security. It is federally verified through US citizenship or legal residence certificates. They are distinguished by having stars of different colors in the upper right corner, mainly a golden star.Its importance lies in the fact that after the implementation of the new federal regulations on 8 June, it is the only identification document 100% true and with which you can get rid of the identity checks at airports.
What if I still don’t have my Real ID?
If you have not yet been able to apply for your Real ID, do not panic! Although it is true that you should put it in the list of things to do since it will become the only valid document, for now you can continue using other documents. You can still use:
- Â US passport.
- US passport card.
- Reliable DHS traveler’s card
- US Department of Defense identification.
- Green Card.
- Foreign government passport.
However, you should keep in mind that if you use one of these documents at the airport instead of the Real ID, be sure that you will have to go through more rigorous identification checks, which may even cause you to miss your flight.
A+ for Michigan
Getting the administrative processes in place in each state to meet the demands of all citizens is no easy task. Users must make an appointment to request their new Real ID, which can lead to long and endless queues and waits. However, the state of Michigan has passed the test by far. Thanks to their new policy, they have been able to meet every single scheduled appointment on a daily basis.
The Michigan State Department reported that they have served 76% of citizens, having issued 200,000 Real IDs in the last three months. The process has been smooth and fast for users. More than 90% of the scheduled appointments were attended without waiting-no more than 20 minutes.They have not only managed to be the fastest, but also the most effective. To date, they have not had any complaints or claims from users, so they can say that it has been a rather tedious process.
It is hard to believe that a department of bureaucratic procedures has done its work so quickly and effectively. I am not sure whether we should encourage other states to imitate their model of work, or better not get used to this almost unusual fact, and that it will probably happen again in 61 years, like the Halley Comet.
What else should you know about the real ID and how to obtain it? Read here to sty updated!
