Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) – Be prepared for delays boarding your flight out of Albuquerque or any airport across the country starting this Sunday if you do not have a REAL ID identification. Beginning Sunday February 1st, if you plan to travel out of the Sunport and you don’t have a REAL ID, you may have to pay $45 to confirm your identity before boarding your flight. Now, a new alternative I.D. process is available through TSA called ConfirmID.
ConfirmID is optional, however travelers will not be allowed through security if they do not have some way to verify their identity. The fee was initially covered by taxpayers but now travelers will be responsible for paying the $45 if you are without proper identification. ConfirmID is good for 10 days of travel and TSA officials are asking you to go to their website ahead of flying to expedite the process.
What is REAL ID?
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. These purposes are:
- Accessing certain federal facilities
- Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
- Entering nuclear power plants
For more information go to the TSA link below:
