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2w ago

States Expand Efforts as Real ID Deadline Nears

With less than a month until the May 7, 2025 enforcement date, millions struggle to secure Real IDs amid DMV backlogs and limited appointments.

Travelers move through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.
This California license is an example of how REAL ID will adjust the look of identification for citizens, with all states implementing similar measures designed with stars and images that show a deviation from standard licenses.
REAL ID day is finally here.

Overview

  • Starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID or an acceptable alternative will be required for domestic flights and access to federal facilities, affecting millions of travelers.
  • DMV appointment shortages, especially in New Jersey, are causing frustration as residents rush to meet the deadline, with many reporting long delays and limited availability.
  • States like Virginia and California are extending DMV hours and hosting special Real ID-focused events to help residents obtain compliant identification in time.
  • Alternative forms of identification, such as U.S. passports, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, and DHS-trusted traveler cards, remain valid for domestic travel and federal access.
  • The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 to enhance security, has faced multiple delays, but the May 7 deadline is now set as the final enforcement date.