AUSTIN (KXAN) — The clock is ticking as the United States prepares to require a “REAL ID” from those looking to travel by plane or visit federal facilities after May 7.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 following the September 11 terrorist attacks.
“The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards,” according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.
The federal agency said that to know if you have a Texas REAL ID-compliant card, you’ll have a golden star marking in the upper top portion of your card.
Kieran Flynn, TSA federal security director for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, said the airport will require REAL IDs to fly after the May 7 deadline.
He encourages travelers to get their REAL ID as soon as possible to avoid any complications while they travel. Flynn stressed that this is a measure that will improve security for all flights in and out of AUS.
“We want to know if a person is a high-threat passenger. I think every passenger who flies today would like to know that the person sitting next to them is who they say they are,” Flynn said.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is facilitating REAL ID services for the state. Click here to see if you qualify to update your drivers license online.
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