The Department of Homeland Security pushing back the deadline for REAL ID enforcement in the United States.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the enforcement for REAL IDs has been extended to May 3, 2023.
The most recent enforcement deadline had been set for October 1 of this year.
“Protecting the health, safety, and security of our communities is our top priority,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “As our country continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, extending the REAL ID full enforcement deadline will give states needed time to reopen their driver’s licensing operations and ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card.”
Once the enforcement of REAL IDs goes into effect, all air travelers ages 18 or older will be required to have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, a state-issued enhanced driver's license or another form of identification that is acceptable by the TSA.