Due to slow rollout progress, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed delaying REAL ID enforcement until May 5, 2027. If finalized, this would be the fourth extension of the REAL ID deadline since the pandemic began. TSA emphasized that the deadline is being postponed, not canceled. Even so, travelers should not wait until the last minute to update their identification. Under the proposed rule, after May 7, 2025, travelers without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license would receive a written warning.
It has been nearly 20 years since Congress passed the REAL ID Act, but implementation has still been challenging. The latest update shows that in some states, only 56% of IDs are actually compliant. Under current rules, by May 7, 2025, all travelers flying within the U.S. will need identification that meets REAL ID standards.
We previously shared a guide to REAL ID and driver’s license application steps. If you still have not updated yours, it may be worth doing it sooner to avoid hassles later.
