Real ID hack: Clear offering a workaround for those who miss the May 7 deadline

As we've been reporting, the Real ID deadline is almost upon us. Unfortunately, a surge of folks are trying to get their approved IDs at the last minute at DMVs across the country, leading to long lines and impossible-to-find appointments. That said, there may still be ways for you to temporarily get around the deadline.

The new security standards for driver's licenses and state identification cards will go into effect May 7. You'll need a Real ID-approved identification (most commonly a state driver's license) or one of several other federally approved identification documents, like a passport, to go through airport security checkpoints.

There will be some wiggle room with airports allowing passengers through on a case-by-case basis, but even if you don't get your new ID by the deadline, you may be able to avoid having to carry your passport "just in case."

If you have a membership in the expedited security program Clear Plus, you can now upload your passport to use the Clear lanes, even after the Real ID deadline goes into effect. Clear uses member data, including fingerprint and iris scans, to automate most users' identity verification for Transportation Security Administration screenings.

"Clear's feature to upload your passport to the app gives travelers an easy way to get Real ID ready," Clear told TPG.

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Clear Real ID notification. CLEAR

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The feature allows members to upgrade their identity credentials without needing to update their account at the airport. By having their ID on file, members can keep it in their pockets.

It's easy to use the Clear mobile app to scan and upload your passport data from home. In the app, use your phone to upload a photo of your passport and scan the chip inside the passport to verify. I was able to do the whole process in just a few minutes.

As you can see in the gallery below, the app walks you through it step by step.

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Clear add your passport feature. CLEAR

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"The technology that we've built to authenticate your passport means that now you can leave that passport at home," Kyle McLaughlin, executive vice president of travel and aviation at Clear, told TPG in an interview last week. "And when you get to the airport, you're going right through the verification lane again, so it's as if you have a Real ID if you're a Clear member and you've done the leg work ahead of time."

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Even better news: As Real ID rolls out, Clear is also getting easier to sign up for. New members can now enroll in Clear from home using the Clear mobile app and skip having to go to an enrollment center.

"For those travelers who are sitting here concerned about the news they're hearing and what the airport is going to look like, [with a] a simple Clear enrollment that can now be done entirely remotely ... you'll be on your way straight to the checkpoint," McLaughlin said.

It's yet another potential reason to get Clear if you don't already have it.

I would have another form of ID just in case during the transition to Real IDs at airports, but hopefully Clear is all you will need.

In fact, the Clear folks told me they also recommend bringing a backup ID in the event there's ever a TSA equipment outage, random ID check generally, or traveling where there's no CLEAR lane present, like at airports like Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ).

Related reading:

• 8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
• Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both
• How to sign up for Clear for expedited security at airports and stadiums
• Why your family may want to get Clear before your next flight
• Clear launches new paid option for curb-to-gate service
• Best airline credit cards