How strictly is REAL-ID being enforced at DFW?
Posted by Brett_Makes_Music@reddit | askdfw | View on Reddit | 17 comments
For context, I am an inexperienced traveler going from one of the least REAL-ID compliant states (Maine, 27%) to Texas, which is near 100%. My state driver’s license from 2020 is non-REAL.
Traveling from Maine to Texas, there was no issue for me. Since this has been rolled out so poorly in Maine (I hadn’t even heard of REAL ID), I got a paper warning and that’s all. I’m much more worried about my return flight from Dallas.
Has anyone been to DFW lately and experienced/observed the TSA process for non-REAL-ID? Beyond arriving early, are there any recommendations for what I can do to help?
ndngroomer@reddit
IDK if you have already made your trip or not, but I was just almost just denied permission to board my plane because my current Texas DL is a non REAL-ID drivers license.
I had no idea and had never heard of this new requirement and was so confused. This is especially embarrassing because I do consider myself pretty current with news, etc. At least I did until now.
Thank God I had my US passport with me.
Things are getting crazy.
jjmoreta@reddit
They will probably put you through the same procedure as the last flight. But you cannot be certain this will be allowed for long. Upgrade your driver's license ASAP.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.
Don’t Have Your Acceptable ID? The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.
You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed.
Brett_Makes_Music@reddit (OP)
Thank you for the help. So far reading the official TSA statements has made me more optimistic, but hearing anecdotes make me more nervous. Will definitely get there earlier.
Accurate_Hat_2446@reddit
I’ll be flying there soon without a real id how did it go
BradJohnson774@reddit
I'm sure they have a process for handling this, and it will just take some extra time. I had to fly from LGA to DAL a few months ago after my wallet was stolen with all my ID, credit cards, etc. -- I literally had nothing to verify my ID, except my wife who they said didn't matter at all. It was a whole identify-verification process and thorough TSA searching, probably added 45 minutes to the routine. TSA said they had that situation about once a day.
foreverstudent91@reddit
My mom forgot her real ID and had zero issues at DFW today
TeeBrownie@reddit
What did she present as ID?
foreverstudent91@reddit
Her regular, non-real ID license
Primary_Excuse_7183@reddit
It’s going to essentially be the difference between a federal ID vs. State ID.
I would expect that the same way they turn you around at the DMV for not having the required docs…. They’ll either do that or make it a painstaking process to get on a flight without real ID here soon. I don’t play games about time sensitive travel especially since it’s so expensive
Brett_Makes_Music@reddit (OP)
Agreed. Fortunately my flight is at 10AM, so I have plenty of time to arrive early for extra screening. I was more anxious about getting turned away completely.
Kyaumi@reddit
Seems like it depends on your luck, my dad flew out on mother’s day, and didn’t have an issue w his driver’s license (doesn’t have real ID).
dionisfake@reddit
DFW was extremely strict on it, my FIL just flew out of there two days ago and they were checking everybody and making some leave. If you get lucky and beg and are very polite they might let you through but good luck.
all2neat@reddit
There is a process to deal with it. It’s a bit of an extra hassle but luck has nothing to do with it.
edrobster@reddit
Bring a passport with you.
Brett_Makes_Music@reddit (OP)
Unfortunately I do not have one and am already in Dallas. I take full responsibility, but also genuinely hadn’t heard of REAL-ID until this trip sadly (2nd time flying).
edrobster@reddit
My bad. I missed that part. Sounds like other folks have some good input, though. Maybe call the airline and see what guidance they have to offer?
TXWayne@reddit
Too late, OP is already here.