Overview
- Starting May 7, U.S. travelers aged 18 and older must present a REAL ID or an approved alternative, such as a passport, to pass through TSA checkpoints or enter federal facilities.
- Approximately 19% of travelers remain without a compliant ID, with states like Maine reporting particularly low compliance rates and requesting phased enforcement.
- State DMVs are experiencing significant backlogs, with extended hours and additional appointment slots being introduced to meet the surge in demand.
- The TSA has confirmed there will be no further delays, advising travelers without a REAL ID to arrive early and prepare for additional screening or possible denial of entry.
- Fraud concerns have risen as scammers create fake REAL ID websites to steal sensitive personal information, prompting warnings from consumer protection groups.