The Department of Homeland Security announced in early December the extension of the REAL ID enforcement date from May 2023 to May 7, 2025. This gives those that have yet to update their drivers license another two years before their license must be compliant to travel. The REAL ID program has faced several delays and was supposed to be rolled out in 2008. To get a REAL ID, you will need to present documents at your local DMV office proving your age and identity, social security number, and address.
The REAL ID law was first passed by Congress in 2005 following a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission with the REAL ID Act establishing minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. These security standards include anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be. Every traveler aged 18 years or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, state-issues enhanced driver’s license, at airport security checkpoints, certain government facilities, and military bases. If the traveler or person does not have a REAL ID compliant ID, other approved documents can be used including passports, passport cards, U.S. military ID, Enhanced ID, or an ID from the federal government’s Trusted Traveler Program such as Global Entry.