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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed delaying the REAL ID requirement until May 2027. The May 2025 deadline is still a bit away, but the agencies feel that it’s not enough time and are proposing a further push.
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 (in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks). This was originally set to take effect in 2008, but enforcement has been repeatedly delayed (due to the pandemic and other issues) with the latest push to May 2027. A REAL ID (or passport) will be required to board domestic flights and access some federal facilities. A REAL ID is identified with a gold star in the top right corner and it being “enhanced.”
The TSA reports that only 56% of IDs are Real ID-compliant as of January 2024. This gradual rollout is the culprit behind the additional delay. The process is more intensive and requires more documentation to obtain a REAL ID. When my driver’s license was up for renewal in June 2024, I stood in line to get a replacement. I did not have my social security card with me and was denied for a REAL ID (I did get a new license). I’m sure that many people have had similar situations.
Given that the deadline has been pushed almost 20 years past the original date, I would not be surprised to see it slip again. The filing of the proposed rule in The Federal Register says that the agencies need more time for coordination and then people need to actually adopt it.
Anthony’s Take: The deadline has been pushed so many times. We’ll see if May 2027 actually sticks.
(Image Credits: Department of Homeland Security.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
