'This is to keep all of us safe': Officials urge travelers to get Real ID before deadline

The countdown is on: In just two months, U.S. travelers will need a gold star on their driver’s license to fly domestically — the symbol of a Real ID.

Starting on May 7, anyone 18 years of age or older will need a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification to fly domestically or visit certain federal and military facilities.

Vince Gastgeb, chief government and corporate affairs officer for the Allegheny County Airport Authority, gathered with other state transportation officials Thursday in the Pittsburgh International Airport to remind people about the May 7 deadline.

“Your old driver’s license will no longer get you on a plane right here at Pittsburgh International Airport,” he said. “We really want everyone to be aware of this requirement and upgrade their ID cards.”

TSA safety

Gerardo Spero, the Transportation Security Administration’s federal security director for Pennsylvania and Delaware, said the Real ID was born out of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, also known as the 9/11 Commission.

“On Sept. 11, 2001, 19 terrorists boarded four flights, (which) ultimately ended in the death of almost 3,000 individuals,” he said. “Every one of those terrorists used fraudulent IDs to get onboard those airplanes.”

Though Spero said TSA systems have always been secure, the Real ID gold star adds an additional layer of security — a better alternative to the normal driver’s license.

“The technology that we have is pretty good at determining the authenticity of identification,” he said. “I’m not going to say any system is foolproof, but I think it’s actually a huge improvement.”

In January, TSA published a final rule providing a framework for a phased enforcement of the Real ID requirements by May 7, according to Spero.

The more people who have a Real ID by May 7, the smoother travel will be able to operate in airports around the country on May 7, Spero said.

Daily, around 2.5 to 3 million passengers travel through TSA checkpoints, according to Spero.

“Could you imagine if even a small percentage of those travelers show up without a Real ID on that day?” he said. “It could really be chaos and interfere with everybody’s travel plans.”

Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation Michael Carroll said as of now, about 25% of the 10 million drivers in the commonwealth have a Real ID.

Acquiring a Real ID

Carroll said people should get their Real ID by going to a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation driver’s license center with the necessary documents to prove identity and address — as well as paying a one-time $30 fee.

“I know it’s a bit of a hassle, and there is a bit of a change for folks,” he said, “but this is to keep all of us safe so that we know that when somebody boards a commercial flight, they are who they say they are.”

In order to receive a Real ID, people must bring original versions or certified copies of the following documents:

• Proof of identity: An original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the state office of vital records with a raised/embossed seal — issued by an authorized government agency or a valid, unexpired U.S. Passport or passport card
• Proof of Social Security Number: A Social Security card, W-2 form, SSA-1099 form, non-SSA-1099 form or pay stub (proof must display current legal name and full nine digits of the Social Security Number)
• Two proofs of current, physical Pennsylvania address: A current, unexpired state license or ID, or a PA vehicle registration, auto insurance card or utility bill with the same name and address
• Proof of all legal name changes (if applicable): A certified marriage certificate, court order or adoption decree issued by your county’s family court

A full checklist is provided online by PennDOT. Those who are undergoing a name change for reasons such as marriage or divorce should bring the necessary documentation related to the name change to the driver’s license center.

“There’s a level of unfairness there for women, especially when name changes occur,” Carroll said.

Even people who think they may never need to fly domestically should get a Real ID as well, according to Carroll.

“I’m here to tell you that day probably will come when you do have to fly,” he said. “You never know what’s gonna happen in your family or personal life … without the Real ID, you will not get on that flight.”

A valid passport, military ID or other form of federally-acceptable identification can be used in lieu of the Real ID driver’s license for domestic commercial flights.