Travelers at Louisville's airport without REAL ID face longer TSA screening starting Wednesday

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Starting Wednesday, if you don't have a REAL ID, you're still flying — but not without some extra steps.

While some travelers at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport beat the deadline, many others are still trying to get a REAL ID.

“I got mine because I fly for work every two weeks, and it’s the easiest way to get through security and the airport,” traveler Scott Dean said.

Dr. Valerie Smith is using her passport to travel because getting a REAL ID has been a challenge due to where she lives.

“Because you can’t go to your local office and get your driver’s license, the REAL ID is not available there. They put it in district offices,” Smith said.

TSA says it won’t be turning people away — at least not immediately.

"You will be able to travel, as long as we're able to verify your identity. The additional screening as you're going through may take you a little bit of time," said Mark Howell, regional spokesperson for TSA.

TSA isn’t saying exactly what the additional screening involves, or how long it might take, but it will likely mean longer lines.

"We want people to know that you're not going to get turned away unless we're not able to verify your identity," Howell said.

Meanwhile, at license branch offices across the state, people are still lining up to get a REAL ID. For anyone who is unsure if they have the new ID:

"Take a look at the top right side — you'll see a star," Howell said. "If you have a star on your license, then you're going to be OK. If you don't, you need to go in and get it taken care of."

For this trip, Smith’s passport will do the job, but she hopes to have a REAL ID for the next one.

“I have another appointment to go get it," Smith said. "I actually made two appointments this time in case I missed one, because they’re so far out in advance and I never know if I’m going to be home or in the state to do that.”

REAL ID licenses are available for $24 for a four-year ID, and $48 for an eight-year ID.

To make an appointment at one of the state's regional licensing offices, click here. Walk-in customers are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

All Kentucky regional Driver Licensing Offices are equipped to issue REAL ID versions of licenses or identification. Kentucky residents who already have a Real ID can renew online or by mail, but first-time applicants have to apply in-person with required documents. A list of acceptable documents is available at RealIDKy.com.

To learn more about the transition to REAL ID in Kentucky, click here.

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