DHS WANTS NEW TECHNOLOGY TO STREAMLINE REAL ID BACKLOG
December 20, 2019
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are preparing for a key statutory deadline that will have significant impacts for the U.S. traveling public in less than one year. On October 1, 2020, TSA airport checkpoints will no longer permit travelers to present identification cards that are not REAL ID Act-compliant. Concerns are growing because it is estimated that only around 27% of Americans have upgraded to REAL ID Act-compliant cards. TSA Deputy Administrator Patricia Cogswell testified before Congress in October that her agency needs to continue to educate the public about the need to update old drivers’ licenses. The U.S. Travel Association recently asked Congress to permit alternative screening procedures next year to prevent travelers from being turned away at the airport.
In light of the above TSA, on November 7, 2019, published a Request for Information in the Federal Register seeking ideas on how to ease the backlog in getting REAL IDs to Americans. Interested parties can submit responses to the request through December 9, 2019 in Docket No. DHS-2019-0056. The request, Automated Solutions for the Submission of REAL ID Source Documents, seeks input on “how the development and deployment of additional capabilities or technologies can assist in streamlining the process for individuals to submit the required documentation and information when applying for a [REAL ID].” Key questions being asked by TSA center on the readiness, costs, security, and management of such solutions.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6622); Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6665).
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