WASHINGTON — Ready to take off? Currently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says come May 2025, your travel plans might come to a screeching halt without a REAL ID. But that might not be the case for long.
DHS has requested yet another extension of the deadline to fly without a REAL ID — this time to May 2027.
Why another extension? Well, DHS simply doesn't think that people believe the deadline will finally come. Because of the history of extensions —three over the past 16 years — people may not feel enough of an urgency to get a REAL ID, DHS administrator David Pekoske wrote in the request. According to the request, only about 56% of IDs in circulation nationally are REAL IDs. In 34 states, less than 60% are REAL IDs, and in 22 states less than 40% are REAL IDs.
From now until Oct. 15, DHS is accepting public comment on whether it should extend the deadline yet again. If people are interested in leaving a comment, they can do so here.
Even if the deadline is delayed, if you haven’t upgraded to a REAL ID yet, consider this your friendly reminder. After it does go into effect, you won’t be able to fly domestically without a REAL ID-compliant license or another TSA-approved form of identification.
Here's everything you need to know to avoid airport chaos.
So, what exactly is a REAL ID?
- A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets federal security standards, originally passed after the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations. You can spot a REAL ID by the little star in the top corner of your card. If your ID doesn’t have a star, it won’t get you through TSA.
Why the extension?
- The extra time is meant to help states and federal agencies prep for full enforcement and avoid chaos at airport security lines. Don't procrastinate though because you definitely don't want to be the person holding up the line, digging through your bags for a passport when you could've just gotten your new license.
What happens if you don’t have one?
- Without a REAL ID or another form of acceptable identification, such as a passport, military ID, or DHS Trusted Traveler card, you won’t be able to board domestic flights after the deadline.
How do you get one?
- Visit your local DMV with the right documents: proof of identity (like your passport or birth certificate), proof of Social Security, and two documents showing your current address. If you’re unsure, check your state’s DMV website for specific requirements.
Don’t wait until the deadline, whenever it is, to realize you’ve been putting off your REAL ID upgrade. Getting a REAL ID now means fewer headaches later. For more information and details on how to get your REAL ID, visit TSA.gov/real-id.
