This week, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced They’re also pushing back the deadline for travelers to obtain US state driver’s licenses or identification cards that comply with REAL ID Act security standards. DHS telling The extension is due to “the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on states’ ability to issue REAL-ID compliant documents.” Individuals now have until May 7, 2025—an additional 24 months later Last May 3, 2023 Deadline, Here’s what else you need to know about what this extended REAL ID deadline means for you.
What is Real ID?
Back in 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act after the 9/11 Commission recommended the government release sources of identification for driver’s licenses. To DHS“Each air passenger 18 years of age and older must present at airport security checkpoints a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or other TSA- Acceptable form will be required.”
This week’s DHS announcement means you have until May 7, 2025, to secure your Real ID. The requirements for obtaining a REAL ID vary from state to state, so View this interactive map from the Department of Homeland Security website, Generally, each state will require your full legal name, your date of birth, your Social Security number, two proofs of address, and documents proving your legal status.
There is no extra charge to get Real ID, but you will need to take a new photo. The only physical difference between a standard ID and a real ID is that the latter contains a little gold. Star in the upper right corner.
What does this mean for travelers?
For now, your non-REAL ID compliant driver’s license and identification card will still be accepted for domestic air travel. After May 7, 2025, you will not be able to get on a plane using your standard-issue driver’s license. Instead, you will need to show identification that complies with the document security requirements of the REAL ID Act. This means a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets actual ID requirements.
If you do not have a driver’s license or state-issued ID, there are still acceptable alternative forms Identity:
- An unexpired US or foreign passport.
- a DHS reliable traveler Card (Global Entry, Nexus, Sentry or FAST)
- a permanent resident (green) card
- USCIS Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- a DHS-designated extended driver’s license (edl)
For additional acceptable documents, see TSA’s full list,
In conclusion, it is worth noting that this deadline has been extended several times. Originally, REAL ID required states to comply by 2008. It’s almost like… a safety measure that’s constantly able to push back to get closer. 20 years…isn’t that all that important in the first place.