No one likes another requirement to pass through security before boarding a flight to see family or friends, visit a medical specialist, attend a business meeting or, even better, take a vacation.
But the federal requirement that travelers on domestic flights must show a REAL ID, or other approved enhanced-security photo identification, will take effect on May 7.
The deadline comes 20 years after Congress approved the law. Over those two decades, the frequently criticized law has been postponed several times, same as the morning northbound flight is held in Ketchikan, waiting for the fog to burn off. Only the REAL ID deadline was postponed by politics, not weather.
But the political fog has burned off and there are no more delays. The ID requirement will land nationwide on May 7. Which means Wrangell travelers need to consider their options.
If your state-issued drivers license has the REAL ID star in the upper-right corner, you’re free to start boarding.
If not, you can use your passport, if you have one.
The enhanced-security Tlingit & Haida tribal ID is also a valid option.
And if you have none of the above, you should hurry over to the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles office in the Wrangell Public Safety Building and apply for a REAL ID drivers license. But be sure to bring the correct proof of citizenship and residency. The list is on the state website dmv.alaska.gov — just click on the “Be REAL ID Ready” link.
The Wrangell DMV office can issue only temporary cards, so you will need to wait one to three weeks for your new drivers license to arrive in the mail. Which means don’t wait until just a few weeks before your next travel date: Get your REAL ID now.
Of course, there is another option: Don’t fly. But that option is the biggest hassle of them all.
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