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Internet Travel Monitor - Marketing, Research & Tech

January 04, 2017

Airports Warn Passengers About New ID Requirements

Travelers can expect to see some unfamiliar signs at airports across the country starting this week aimed at a new security measure.
If you're like most Americans, you've used a drivers license to get through security at the airport. But now, the rules on what makes that license valid are changing.

"People that come from states that do not meet the real Id criteria, their drivers license for example wouldn't be identified as a viable piece of identification when trying to get through the security checkpoint," said Rick Piccolo, President and CEO of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

In 2005, Congress passed the Real ID Act setting stricter requirements when it comes to state driver's licenses and ID cards.

While a majority of states comply with what is required on that ID, some states do not.

For residents of Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Washington, come this time next year, their license will not be accepted.

"You'll have to find another kind of identification, obviously a passport would be a suitable form of that," Piccolo said.

Some passengers say it's a safe bet to have multiple forms of identification.

"It really shouldn't be an issue, everyone should have at least two forms of ID anyways," said Sheri and Eric Thorne.

When it comes to what ID's need to comply with the Real ID Act, they must include your full legal name, birth date, gender, address, signature, an ID number, photo and a security feature such as a bar code or hologram.

Florida driver's licenses do comply with the requirements.

Piccolo says despite people's complaints of the upcoming screening process, the increased security measures are aimed at keeping passengers safe.

"When you look at the level of security we've enjoyed in the system since 9/11, I think all the participants are doing a very good job of trying to ensure people's safety."

The new ID act does not go into effect until January 1st of 2018.

Copyright 2017 WWSB ABC 7. All rights reserved. From http://www.mysuncoast.com. By Jacqueline Matter.

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