Where the most people may need Real IDs to fly
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Nearly half the country may need Real IDs to board domestic flights starting Wednesday.
Why it matters: After years of delays, the Real ID deadline looks set to be finally, actually happening — and it could cause chaos at airports this week even after tons of warnings from the government, airlines, etc.
The big picture: Congress passed the Real ID Act back in 2005 to beef up aviation security post-9/11, but the deadline for actually requiring compliant ID cards has been repeatedly delayed.
- Now that it's happening, Americans without a passport or a handful of other acceptable documents will need a Real ID to board domestic flights.
By the numbers: Nearly 47% of Americans lack a valid passport as of fiscal 2024, per estimates from the Center for American Progress, a think tank.
- That's a decent measure of potential demand for Real IDs — though there are alternatives, including "enhanced" driver's licenses meant for international land or sea crossings. (See a full list of options here).
Zoom in: West Virginia (79.3%), Mississippi (77.9%) and Alabama (72.3%) have the greatest shares of citizens lacking a passport.
- New Jersey (20.1%), California (28.2%) and Massachusetts (28.8%) have the smallest.
State of play: States' levels of Real ID adoption vary widely, per a CBS News analysis.
- In New Jersey, for example, only 17% of IDs are Real ID compliant as of April.
Yes, but: Given that so many Garden State residents have a passport, they may not feel a huge need to upgrade their driver's license. (Why deal with the DMV if you don't have to?)
- And many Americans don't fly regularly or at all — so may have no immediate need for a Real ID.
What's next: Passengers without a Real ID or viable alternative may still be allowed to fly once the rule takes effect, but "will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening," per a Transportation Security Administration info page.
