CHARLOTTE — The head of Homeland Security says travelers who aren’t REAL ID compliant by the upcoming deadline this week will still be able to fly but should be prepared for extra scrutiny.
Kristi Noem told a congressional panel that 81% of travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements.
She says security checkpoints will also be accepting passports and tribal identification when the deadline hits Wednesday. She says those who still lack an identification that complies with the Real ID law “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step.” But they will still be allowed to fly.
Sure! Here’s a reworded version that keeps it clear and professional:
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is already one of the nation’s busiest — and now it’s preparing for a challenge facing airports across the country: the rollout of Real ID.
Officials at Charlotte Douglas said they are in communication with the TSA and its airline partners to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Airport officials say they screen an average of 35,000 people a day.
The first thing you need to do is arrive early and be prepared to wait as long as 30 minutes more.
Beginning Wednesday, everyone is supposed to have a Real ID, which is a driver’s license with a star that verifies your identity.
Those without should bring an old license and either a birth certificate, passport, or military ID.
Channel 9 spoke with TSA officials who said you can still board without those things, but you will likely be pulled out of line for additional screening. And times can vary from airport to airport.
VIDEO: Charlotte Douglas Airport sees fewer travelers in early 2025
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
©2025 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
