Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — If you don’t have REAL ID yet — make plans to get one before May 7, 2025. That date is about 2 weeks away. And be prepared for a long wait at the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) to attain one.

Also make sure you have all the necessary paperwork needed, which for a REAL ID includes a birth certificate, proof of US citizenship, Election ID card, etc. The Office of Motor Vehicles does have the list for what is needed.

Seen here is a scene at the OMV in Tafuna last week — according to the person who took the photo, these people have been waiting since 5:30am, with some having returned 2- 3 times because OMV can serve only 30 people a day. The line goes around the building.

Samoa News was told that supposedly there is only one “machine”.

Eventually an officer did come out and give the best explanation he could to everyone in the long line, speaking respectfully. He also noted that they have been requesting machines for months.

This has been going on for weeks or since ASG announced that the REAL ID would be enforced starting May 7, 2025.

There are some in line that say they have had their ‘receipts’ for months. Unfortunately, a receipt is not a substitute for the REAL ID, you need the actual card to travel!

The REAL ID enforcement deadline was announced in an Important Advisory Notice on April 14, 2025 by the ASG.

The Notice stated that enforcement begins May 7, 2025.

This means that starting on that date, American Samoa-issued Certificates of Identity and old driver's licenses will no longer be accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

In addition, to travel domestically within the U.S., individuals will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport.

For a comprehensive list of acceptable forms of identification, you may find them online at: www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

In the advisory notice, Governor Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula said that he had been informed “by Homeland Security Secretary Noem that the REAL ID adoption rate for our Territory is 16 percent, which is low.

“Because US Passports have been part of our usual travel history in the Territory, I am hopeful that most of us have our passports.

“However, if you do not have your US Passport or a REAL ID card issued by ASG or any other state, you are advised to apply for either of them as soon as possible in light of this advisory.”