Washington – As many Americans across the country are in a hurry to get an actual ID license, some Americans have opted out.
Actual ID requirements take effect on May 7th, when Americans must have a new form of identification to fly domestically.
The cost of obtaining identification varies from state to state. The cost also varies depending on whether the traveler is getting his first real ID or trying to renew an existing license.
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Other forms of identification accepted in place of an actual ID include a valid US passport or passport card. DHS is a trusted traveler card such as Global Entry. Department of Defense ID; Permanent Resident Card; and Border Crossing Card.
With the deadline approaching, Fox News Digital spoke with travelers this week to ask if they hadn’t gotten their actual ID and why they quickly made that decision.
With the actual ID deadline for May 7th approaching, many Americans have either chosen to use their passports or are waiting until the time comes to renew their license. (Ashley J. Dimera/Fox News Digital)
At the Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, DC, Lisa of Oregon said it was a “financial decision” at the moment.
Lisa (the last name is not shared) said she has yet to receive her real ID so far, saying, “I knew I was going to spend money on my passport because it was an extra cost.”
She said she might decide to obtain her actual ID at a later date.
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“When I travel later, I have to bring my passport, so I might not want to do it for a state trip,” she said.
Other forms of identification accepted in place of an actual ID include a valid US passport or passport card. DHS is a trusted traveler card such as Global Entry. Department of Defense ID; Permanent Resident Card; and Border Crossing Card.
The cost of obtaining identification varies from state to state. (Fox News)
Some states have lowered prices for actual IDs, such as in California.
The Golden State DMV website states, “In certain circumstances, fees may be waived or reduced.”
“If you meet the income requirements of your selected government or non-profit support program, you may be entitled to reduce your application fee for your original or renewal ID card.”
He also notes that “homeless people” may be eligible for unpaid ID cards.
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According to the California DMV, “You must be at least 62 years old to qualify for an unpaid senior ID card.”
Kelsey, a native of Bloomington, Illinois, said she had just arrived in DC, where she didn’t have an actual ID.
“I don’t have an actual ID yet, because I haven’t reached the DMV and the trip will be over by May 7th, so I didn’t feel the urgency to do so,” she said.
Paper Flyers were handed out to DCA travelers using QR codes and were able to raise the list of acceptable IDs to use at TSA checkpoints. (Fox News Digital)
She said she already has a passport and feels it makes more economical sense to use it at this time.
“My ID will expire in November, so I plan on doing it all at once when I have to get it anyway,” she said.
“I didn’t feel urgency to do that.”
“I usually don’t use my ID because I travel with my passport,” the man named Nick, from Bloomington, Illinois, told Fox News Digital.
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“I want to look into more (the real ID) and I don’t know enough about it,” he said when asked if he could get it.
The countdown appears at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, and reminds travelers of the looming Real ID deadline. (Ashley J. Dimera/Fox News Digital)
This week at DCA’s South Security Checkpoint, a countdown was displayed on a monitor that reminded travelers of their deadline.
Paper handouts were also given to travelers who encouraged travelers to obtain new identifications.
Victoria, Phoenix, Arizona, said she doesn’t have an actual ID.
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“I haven’t traveled enough,” she said.
She said she had a passport and would get it if it saved more time at the airport.
Some travelers told Fox News Digital this week why they were skipping the skip to get a new ID right now. (Fox News Digital)
When asked if she knew someone who didn’t have a passport or an actual ID, she said her parents wouldn’t.
She said she wanted her parents to get their real IDs so that “they can travel and enjoy retirement.”
She doesn’t think they are considering booking DMVs like they do now.
“DMVs are always pretty packed.”
Leslie of California commented that she had a real ID, but a colleague who had no documents shared that she needed to hurry up for a work trip.
“She didn’t have a real ID, so she had to go and see her (DMV) and get her real ID.
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She added, “DMVS is always pretty packed.”
While some states have extended special Saturday or weekday hours to accommodate actual ID requests, many motorbikes are not open on weekends.
