HONOLULU (KHON2) — Calling all Hawaiʻi residents. If you haven’t updated to a REAL ID yet, now is the time to do so because you only have one week left.
Starting May 7, all travelers will need a REAL ID to fly within the United States and to enter certain federal facilities.
Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen said this is the final extension given by the Department of Homeland Security for residents to become REAL ID compliant.
Officials said that out of over one million residents with driver’s licenses or state IDs, only about 60,000 do not have a real ID-compliant ID.
“That’s a significant number of people that we got into the program and of those 60,000, only about 30,000 don’t have a state complaint ID. The great thing is, we’ve been working really hard with TSA, who’s helping us out to ensure that anybody who isn’t REAL ID compliant has other alternative means to get through these airport facilities,” Sniffen said.
Those who are not REAL ID compliant after May 7 can still choose from 15 other acceptable forms of identification. The full list can be found on TSA’s website.
“If you don’t have one of those items, please make sure you allow yourself plenty of extra time to arrive at the airport, as you may have to undergo additional screening,” explained Nanea Vasta, TSA Federal Security Director for Pacific Airports.
The screening process would be done over the phone with the National Vetting Center, where travelers will be asked questions to verify their identity.
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Officials said those unable to pass that process would not be able to travel.
You can tell if you have a REAL ID by looking for a star in the upper right corner of your driver’s license or state ID.