Kent staff warned residents that beginning May 7 the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require a REAL ID-compliant credential or a passport to travel by air, and that standard driver’s licenses and ID cards will no longer be accepted at TSA checkpoints.

“Kent Mayer, a city staff member, said, ‘Beginning May 7, TSA will be requiring that you have real ID or compliant ID in order to travel by air.’”

The city’s update said travelers can use a U.S. passport or passport card at security checkpoints, or apply for a REAL ID through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). Obtaining a REAL ID typically requires additional documentation and a fee; the city referenced the DOL’s information page at dol.wa.gov/real-id for details and required documents.

The reminder is intended to give residents time to secure compliant identification before the federal enforcement date. For more information about REAL ID requirements and acceptable documents, the city pointed residents to the DOL website listed above.

The remarks occurred during the City of Kent’s weekly update.