Beginning May 7, the Transportation Security Administration will no longer accept state-issued identifications that are not REAL ID compliant at TSA security checkpoints. All airline passengers 18 years and older, including TSA PreCheck® members, must present REAL ID-compliant identification or another acceptable ID, such as a passport, at TSA security checkpoints.
Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative (e.g., passport) can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.
Travel between Honolulu and Pago Pago is considered international, and the REAL ID cannot be used for travel on this route. Travelers must have a passport. The REAL ID can be used for interstate travel and also for purposes of entering federal buildings.
The Governor’s Office issued a reminder on April 14 that TSA will not accept ASG-issued Certificates of Identity and old driver’s licenses as REAL ID-compliant identification for the purpose of travel.
Governor Nikolao Pula said that he was informed by Homeland Security Secretary Noem that the REAL ID adoption rate for American Samoa at the time was 16 percent, which is low.
The Office of Motor Vehicles resumed processing REAL IDs on April 14 after a hiatus of more than six months due to a lack of supplies caused by non-payment of bills.
