REAL ID Deadline May Be Extended, Giving Travelers More Time
If you’re looking to travel anywhere domestically within the next year, it’s going to be very important to ensure you have the right form of identification. According to the Department of Homeland Security, all Americans will need a Real ID by May 7, 2025 to board a domestic flight. Nonetheless, a new proposal suggests pushing the deadline back, as only 56% of state-issued IDs were Real ID-compliant as of January 2024.
What do I need to fly in the U.S.?
All Americans will be required to have a REAL ID in order to fly anywhere domestically by May 7, 2025. However just recently, TSA is proposing a phased approach that could extend the enforcement of the REAL ID after the May 7, 2025 date.
What is a REAL ID?
REAL IDs are a security standard for state-issued driver’s licenses following the Congressional passing of the Real ID Act in 2005 to strengthen national security, while setting a minimum standard for proving identification across each state in the U.S.
How do I know if I have a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a federally compliant identification card that is most easily identifiable by the star in the right hand corner. Though both a REAL ID and standard license let you drive in the U.S., only a REAL ID or REAL ID-compliant documents will let you board a domestic flight or enter various federal facilities upon a certain date.
How do I get a REAL ID?
- Gather your documents: minimum documentation includes full legal name, DOB, social security number, two proofs of address and lawful status (necessary documentation may vary by state so check your local driver’s licensing agency website)
- Schedule a DMV appointment
- Submit your application at the DMV
A REAL ID takes about two weeks to come in the mail. Note that a REAL ID in New York does not cost more than the normal transaction fees that apply.
Will the REAL ID deadline be pushed back?
For now, the deadline remains at May 7, 2025. However, the proposed rule asks for “appropriate flexibility” by “permitting agencies to implement card-based enforcement in phases” in coordination with DHS.
Since 44% of Americans still need to make the switch as of January 2024, DHS fears that there will be an overwhelming demand for REAL IDs as the deadline nears that could lead to issuance delays. Thus, travelers hoping to get their REAL ID in time to travel by the May 7, 2025 deadline might be out of luck in receiving their ID on time. In that case, these individuals would be denied entry on a federally regulated aircraft.
To mitigate this and provide a “swift transition,” the proposed rule could provide agencies with an extra two years to implement REAL ID compliance in a phased approach. This would give some Americans until 2027 to get a REAL ID. If the deadline is pushed back, it would be the REAL ID’s fourth delay since Covid-19.
What are REAL ID-compliant documents?
Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) will be accepted as a REAL ID alternative if issued from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, or Vermont, shared the DHS. Passports are also another REAL ID-compliant document. TSA has listed additional acceptable forms of identification online.
What else should I know?
More info on REAL IDs can be found on the DHS website.
A similar initiative is being implemented for international travel, which will soon require all U.S. passport holders to obtain an ETIAS to enter into about 30 European countries.
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