CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — As of May 7, air travelers require a form of REAL ID or face additional scrutiny at airport security. Sheldon H. Jacobson, a professor of computer science in The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has studied aviation security for 30 years. His research on risk-based security provided the technical foundations for TSA PreCheck, a program in use at over 250 commercial airports nationwide. He talked with News Bureau biomedical sciences editor Liz Ahlberg Touchstone about what REAL ID is and how it improves airport security.
What is REAL ID? How do you get one?
REAL ID is a form of identification that provides a higher level of identity verification than a standard state issued driver’s license or identification card. The REAL ID Act of 2005 mandated that a REAL ID be required to enter federal facilities, to fly commercially, and to enter nuclear power plants.
A driver’s license or state identification card that is REAL ID compliant has a REAL ID star seal on it. To obtain a REAL ID, a person must provide proof of identity, proof of residence and their Social Security number.
In addition to obtaining a driver’s license or a state identification card that is REAL ID compliant, a passport or a Global Entry card also qualify as a REAL ID.
Why does the government want people to have REAL ID? Does it really make air travel safer?
The REAL ID Act was passed in the aftermath of September 11th, 2001. With a REAL ID, the identity of the person presenting their document has been vetted at a higher level than a standard driver’s license. For example, an undocumented immigrant would be ineligible to obtain a REAL ID.
REAL ID makes air travel more secure for everyone. Note that the air system is already very secure. Requiring all travelers to have a REAL ID enhances that security even more. It verifies that individuals are who they say they are. Given that “bad actors” would be unable to obtain or forge a REAL ID, this adds a level of security to any entity that requires REAL ID for a person to gain entry.
What is the difference between REAL ID and TSA PreCheck?
REAL ID is a form of identification. TSA PreCheck is a risk-based program that permits air travelers who voluntarily submit to a background check to undergo expedited screening at airport security checkpoints. All air travelers now must have a REAL ID to travel, while TSA PreCheck is voluntary and not a requirement for air travel.
The security value of TSA PreCheck is in the background check. It vets people and says, “These people are not likely to cause a problem to the air system.” Expedited screening of known, vetted passengers leaves more security resources for higher-risk passengers or passengers for whom limited information is available.
Can I travel by air without a REAL ID or passport?
You can, but you will be subject to more security screening and more scrutiny to confirm your identity. Obtaining a REAL ID has become straightforward in every state, provided you can provide the necessary documentation. Once you have obtained your first REAL ID, obtaining renewals is straightforward and seamless.
