Federal REAL ID requirement coming to TPA on May 7

Starting May 7, travelers at Tampa International Airport will need to be prepared for a new security checkpoint requirement to have identification that is compliant with the federal REAL ID Act.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is implementing a federal rule that will require passengers passing through a security screening checkpoint to provide the Transportation Security Administration a driver's license or other identification that meets the standards of the Act, which Congress passed in 2005.

Implementation of the requirement has been delayed several times over the years, but will become official on May 7.

Passengers who plan to use their driver's license as their form of identification will need to make sure that it is REAL ID-compliant. One simple way to do so is to check the driver's license for a star marking located near the top of the card. An exception to this indicator applies to holders of Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) as those licenses may not have the star. DHS says acceptable EDLs are issued by several states, including Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont.

"Travelers planning to travel May 7 and beyond must have a REAL ID-compliant license or other acceptable form of ID," said Mark Howell, TSA Regional Spokesperson. "Those that do not should expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint."

Other acceptable forms of identification include passports, passport cards and DHS Trusted Traveler cards. For more information about all acceptable forms of identification, please visit the TSA's website: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

TPA will post REAL ID reminders for travelers throughout the Main Terminal prior to security screening checkpoints, and will post reminders on social media accounts and newsletters (sign up for our newsletter here).

If you have further questions about REAL ID, check the DHS website: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs