REAL ID Deadline Delayed to 2025, Department of Homeland Security Says

The deadline for REAL ID has been delayed two years, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Monday.

In a press release, the DHS said the REAL ID “full enforcement date” had been moved from May 3 of next year to May 7, 2025. Following that date, various agencies—including, most notably, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)—will no longer accept licenses or other identification cards that do not meet REAL ID requirements.

“This extension will give states needed time to ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card,” Alejandro N. Mayorkas, who serves as Secretary of Homeland Security, said Monday. “DHS will also use this time to implement innovations to make the process more efficient and accessible.”

Mentioned in Monday’s update is the impact the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had on the intended REAL ID rollout, which has been met with multiple delays since initially being announced. The initiative-spurring REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 and billed as being aimed at establishing “standards for the issuance of sources of identification,” namely driver’s licenses.

While the process varies from state to state, which quite clearly adds to the general sense of confusion and frustration surrounding REAL ID’s rollout, the federal government dictates that one must provide, “at minimum,” basic information including legal name and social security number, as well as two proofs of residence.

In short, startng in May 2025, travelers will be required to show a REAL ID-enabled form of identification or an alternative, i.e. a passport.