Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Workers at Boston’s Logan Airport are getting ready to enforce the REAL ID requirements starting Wednesday.
Under the new rules, Americans 18 years or older that are flying domestically will have to present either a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card or a passport to get through security.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said Tuesday that travelers who aren’t REAL ID compliant by the deadline will still be able to fly, but should be prepared for extra scrutiny at security.
Dan Velez, the New England spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration, also said there will be some leeway for domestic flyers who don’t have a REAL ID by the deadline.
“All of our TSO’s [Transportation Security Officers] have gotten local briefings on how they're gonna handle it, and we are gonna institute REAL ID enforcement with as little disruption to operations as possible,” said Dan Velez, the New England spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration.
While some are scrambling to secure the REAL ID, other flyers are not hard-pressed. Olivia from Boston got the REAL ID way before the deadline.
“I got it on my 21st birthday probably four years ago. When I went to renew my ID, they offered to just do the Real ID right then and there, and I said OK,” Olivia said.
Chris from Florida is also not in a rush, for a different reason.
“Until it becomes mandatory I’m not gonna get one. My passport works just fine,” Chris said.
As of April 30, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation reported that more than 3.25 million Massachusetts residents hold an active REAL ID.
WBZ’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.