Real ID is set to launch on May 7, with an enforcement plan that will be implemented gradually.

This is not just a trial run; it's happening for real.

Real ID is on its way. Now is the time to ensure your identification is current and compliant.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation have issued a notice in the Federal Register about the new security requirements that driver's licenses and state ID cards must fulfill to be accepted for federal purposes, such as clearing airport security, starting in the spring of 2025.

However, the full enforcement will not be implemented until 2027.

After several postponements, DHS has now confirmed that the new deadline of May 7, 2025, is set for the official implementation of the Real ID requirement for domestic air travel. This rule will be finalized following a public comment period.

Starting May 7, 2025, travelers presenting a state-issued driver's license or ID at the airport must show a Real ID-compliant card. Those without a compliant ID might experience delays during identity verification; however, they can still access secure areas under certain conditions during the phased rollout, as stated by a DHS spokesperson to TPG.

The newly suggested regulations provide some leeway in the complete implementation, according to a TSA spokesperson. "... [T]his proposal would grant federal agencies the flexibility to enforce REAL ID" and "... ensure that travelers (especially) aren’t turned away."

According to the fine print endorsed by TSA Administrator David P. Pekoske, local authorities will have up to two years to fully adopt the new requirements:

"This proposed regulation acknowledges these concerns and offers flexibility by allowing agencies to enforce REAL ID card requirements over a period of up to 2 years, using a phased strategy that suits their unique operations."

This implies that certain states might provide individuals with a bit more time to obtain the necessary documentation for accessing government offices and for security checks at airports.

Are you compliant with Real ID regulations?

The positive news is that you may already meet the compliance requirements. You can verify if your driver's license or ID is Real ID-compliant by checking for a star in the upper right or left corner, as illustrated in the photo below.

Here are some examples of symbols that indicate ID compliance.

If your ID lacks a star or includes fine print stating "Not for federal identification" or "Not for federal purposes," then it is not approved under Real ID regulations.

You can use this tool to check your compliance. It will pose a series of questions to assess your eligibility for travel. Keep in mind that a U.S. passport is accepted as Real ID in all instances.

If you need to obtain a new state-issued license or identification card that is Real ID-approved, the process might be as straightforward as renewing your existing ID. Just ensure you specify that you want the Real ID-approved version. Some states still offer standard licenses or IDs that do not meet Real ID requirements.

It's important to note that even if you have Clear or TSA PreCheck, you will still require an ID that complies with the new Real ID standards.

Once the Real ID Act is fully enforced, entry through TSA checkpoints will not be permitted without a Real ID-compliant identification.

Here are alternatives to a state-issued Real ID-compliant driver's license or ID card:

• U.S. passport or passport card
• DHS Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, Nexus, SENTRI, FAST)
• Permanent resident card
• U.S. Department of Defense ID
• Border-crossing card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license
• Federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employment authorization card (I-766)
• U.S. merchant mariner credential

In summary

The federal government is maintaining a deadline of May 7, 2025, for implementing new ID requirements for security at airports and other government facilities, following years of delays. However, the new regulations will provide some flexibility to allow local authorities additional time for full compliance.

It's essential to verify whether your state-issued ID is Real ID-compliant now and to make arrangements for any necessary updates. It appears that the government is finally taking the implementation of a law established after the 9/11 terrorist attacks seriously, which occurred 23 years ago this week.