‘No workaround.’ TSA begins enforcing REAL ID at Tri-Cities Airport on May 7
There will be no workaround after May 7 for air travelers who arrive at the airport without a Real ID or passport.
Airline passengers who show up without approved ID may find themselves seriously delayed at security checkpoints at the Tri-Cities and other airports.
Buck Taft, manager of the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco, had hoped there would be a clear way to accommodate travelers who haven’t secured the federally approved IDs.
“There is no workaround,” he said. Travelers without proper ID could be subject to extra screening, a process that could take time and cause passengers to miss flights.
The Transportation Security Administration has advised that in effect that REAL ID means REAL ID.
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 in response to the 9-11 attacks. TSA is charged with enforcing the identification requirements.
Passengers can present an “enhanced driver license” — in Washington, they’re denoted by a U.S. flag emblem on the holder’s picture and words at the top of the license. Valid U.S. passports and military ID are also acceptable forms of identification.
Standard Washington state driver licenses and ID cards are not REAL ID.
With the deadline looming, it could take a month to schedule an appointment with the Washington Department of Licensing to apply for an enhanced driver license or REAL ID.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, provide a Social Security number, proof of citizenship, proof if identity and proof of Washington state residence. Married individuals who changed their names may be required to show a marriage license.
Go to dol.wa.gov for more information and to scheduled an appointment at a Department of Licensing office.
Learn more about the Port of Pasco-operated Tri-Cities Airport at flytricities.com.