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Final Countdown to Real ID Enforcement as May 7 Deadline Approaches

Starting next week, Real ID or equivalent identification will be required for domestic flights and federal building access, with millions of Americans still non-compliant.

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An employee checks people in at the New York State DMV on April 28, 2025 in New York City.
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A U.S. Department of Homeland Security "Real ID" compliant driver's license sign outside the Government Center, Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Chicago.

Overview

  • The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 following 9/11 Commission recommendations, will be fully enforced starting May 7, 2025, after decades of delays.
  • Approximately 60–81% of U.S. travelers now hold Real ID-compliant identification, but millions remain non-compliant, raising concerns about potential travel disruptions.
  • Travelers without a Real ID or an alternative federally approved ID, such as a passport or military ID, will face additional TSA screening and may be denied boarding.
  • State compliance rates vary widely, with New Jersey at just 17% compared to Mississippi's 97%, straining DMV resources in low-compliance states as the deadline nears.
  • The Real ID Act aims to enhance security by standardizing ID criteria to prevent fraud, with TSA preparing for phased enforcement and no further deadline extensions planned.