The federal government has given notice that beginning February 5, 2018, residents of American Samoa will no longer be able to use territory-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards to fly domestically, or enter federal buildings and military installations.
On that date, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin enforcing compliance with the Real ID Act to better protect the American people.
A press release issued over the weekend by the US Department of Homeland Security explains that American Samoa formerly had an extension that allowed federal agencies to continue to accept its driver’s licenses and identification cards.
However, that extension expired on October 10, 2017, triggering a three month grace period before enforcement would begin on February 5, 2018.
“American Samoa has subsequently not been able to demonstrate a clear achievable plan for compliance as needed to receive a new extension,” says the statement.
DHS continues to work with American Samoa on what actions it can take to receive a new extension.
The department has provided grants and offers technical assistance to support compliance with the REAL ID security requirements.
What impact will this have on American Samoa residents?
As a result of the decision, a driver’s license or ID issued by American Samoa (AS) will no longer be an acceptable document to board a federally-regulated commercial aircraft.
KHJ News understands that American Samoa Certificates of Identity will no longer be accepted for travel into the United States,
American Samoa is the only state or territory that has not reached compliance or received an extension.
As a result, starting February 5, 2018, American Samoan residents should bring to the airport an identity document acceptable to TSA. TSA provides a list of acceptable documents here<http://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.> http://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.%3E .
To allow for a smooth transition, between February 5, 2018 and May 6, 2018, TSA will provide assistance<https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questionshttps://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions > to American Samoans who arrive at an airport without an acceptable identification document.
For federal buildings and military bases, REAL ID only affects locations where individuals are required to present an identification document for access. It does not require individuals to present identification where it is not otherwise required.
When planning a visit to a Federal facility or military base, residents of American Samoa should contact the facility to determine what, if any, identification is needed for access.
The US Department of Homeland Security advises if you need to obtain a new form of ID, please allow sufficient processing time before you travel.
For example, the current processing times for U.S. passports are 6-8 weeks for routine service and 2-3 weeks for expedited service.
