We are less than one year from a major, nationwide event that will capture significant attention and impact millions of American travelers. The average citizen might think I’m talking about the 2020 elections, but if you are an airport director, you know I’m referring to the fast-approaching REAL ID deadline. The clock is ticking on the October 1, 2020 deadline, and we are now entering the final push to ensure all travelers are ready for this requirement in order to minimize any potential impact on their travel experience.
Signed into law in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacts the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The law requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to accept only REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses, state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses, or another acceptable form of identification – such as passports or military ID – from adult-age air travelers in order to fly domestically.
With less than one year to go, major federal, state and local efforts are already underway to ensure all Americans are aware of this requirement. Airports Council International-North America has been working closely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on initiatives to raise awareness among the traveling public.
In coordination with Airlines for America and other associations, we have also sent a joint letter to governors in all 50 states and territories, encouraging them to launch public awareness campaigns to more effectively educate residents about REAL ID requirements.
Airports have also taken the initiative to proactively educate travelers by posting signage at their airports and launching local campaigns to raise awareness about REAL ID. For example, the Indianapolis International Airport recently opened a mobile REAL ID enrollment branch in the airport for two days. Indianapolis residents and travelers alike were encouraged to visit the branch to upgrade their IDs ahead of the October 2020 deadline. Washington Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport have also set up similar satellite enrollment offices to ensure local residents and travelers have plenty of access to REAL ID compliant identification.
Finally, we are also coordinating closely with Departments of Motor Vehicles and some are even exploring the possibility of opening DMV REAL ID satellite locations, which would provide Americans even more options for obtaining a REAL ID.
Despite ongoing efforts to raise awareness, we remain concerned about the small number of travelers who have obtained a REAL ID-compliant license. According to a recent DHS press release, only 27 percent of Americans have been issued a REAL ID at this time. What concerns me the most is ensuring those who may only travel once or twice a year, like grandparents who might be traveling to visit their grand kids, are REAL ID ready. While we’ve made good progress, there is still plenty of work to be done in the coming months.
Now is the time for the aviation industry to continue working with our government and industry partners and redouble our efforts to raise awareness about REAL ID. This shift is a further enhancement to air travel security, and now it’s up to us to ensure Americans are prepared in advance of the upcoming REAL ID deadline.
While REAL ID might not yet be on every American’s mind, it is certainly a priority for airports. I look forward to working with you all on continuing our efforts, raising awareness among the public, and preparing to implement this important security protocol. The success of REAL ID will largely rely on our efforts, and I know we are ready to meet the challenge ahead.
Kevin Burke is President and CEO of Airports Council International-North America.
