Noem says travelers without REAL ID by Wednesday deadline can still fly but may have extra step

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday that travelers without REAL ID can still fly but may have an extra step to complete.

Noem told a congressional committee that 81% of travelers already have identification that complies with the REAL ID requirements and that security checkpoints will also accept passports and tribal ID when the deadline comes on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported.

Anyone without a REAL ID “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,” she said.

“But people will be allowed to fly,” Noem also said. “We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible.”

REAL ID implementation has been repeatedly delayed since the law was passed for it in 2005.