Beginning May 7th U.S. travelers will be required to have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights. Travelers without one, could be delayed. Here’s Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for the AAA Auto Club Group.
“It’s really important to get your REAL ID now, especially if you’re planning on traveling this summer. The REAL ID deadline has been extended several times in the past but that likely won’t happened again, so you don’t want to wait until the last minute, otherwise you may encounter long lines at the secretary of state.”
In addition, Woodland wants state residents to know, it’s not just air travel that will be affected.
“This requirement also extends to Americans who want to access certain federal facilities such as military bases, nuclear facilities or federal buildings that require identification.”
Meantime, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says as of last week, more than 73-percent of people with a Michigan Driver’s license or ID have already upgraded to a REAL ID.
Michiganders can obtain a REAL ID, which is a license or ID marked by a star, by going to Michigan.gov/REALID to schedule an appointment at any Secretary of State office. The scheduling system will walk them through documents they will need to bring.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson encourages residents who do not have a REAL ID but may need one to apply soon, as it will take weeks to receive in the mail.
Upgrading a standard license or ID to a REAL ID is free if done during the normal renewal period. Otherwise, a card correction fee of $9 for a driver’s license or $10 for an ID is charged.
