New Hampshire’s REAL ID Implementation Faces TSA Verification Issues
With the REAL ID requirement set to commence on May 7, New Hampshire residents have raised concerns over the state’s new driver’s license, which reportedly is not being verified by TSA’s credential authentication system at airport security checkpoints. The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reassured the public that the issue originates from TSA’s scanning technology, not the design of the IDs themselves.
DMV Director John Marasco emphasized the validity and compliance of the new identification, which has received approval from multiple stakeholders, including the Department of Homeland Security. Many individuals with the new design have experienced delays during manual ID checks at airports. In response, TSA New England spokesperson Daniel Velez confirmed that alternate measures exist for validating IDs when the system fails.
This incident coincides with Maine officials advocating for a phased approach to REAL ID, citing a low compliance rate among residents. Currently, just over 27% of Mainers possess a REAL ID, raising concerns about potential congestion at security checkpoints as tourist season approaches. Maine legislators have requested that TSA allow non-compliant travelers to fly with warnings instead of being barred.
In Massachusetts, Boston Logan Airport is proactively preparing for the deadline, with nearly 90% of travelers already showing REAL IDs. Those without compliant IDs will face extra screening delays, encouraging passengers to arrive an hour early. As the government moves toward stricter ID verification, emphasis on traveler preparedness remains critical.
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