Key Takeaways
• REAL ID enforcement began May 7, 2025, requiring compliant IDs for domestic flights and federal access.
• At least 16 states had under 50% REAL ID compliance before the 2025 deadline, per CBS News report.
• Government officials state there will be no further deadline extensions beyond May 7, 2025.
The following FAQ addresses key questions about the history, requirements, and impact of the REAL ID Act, including its connection to the 9/11 Commission, effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and details about state and federal compliance. This information will help travelers, residents, and anyone interested in U.S. identification laws clearly understand this subject and what they must do. The FAQ also explains what has changed over time and how to find more help.
Most Popular Questions
What is the REAL ID and why was it created?
The REAL ID is a type of driver’s license or identification card that meets higher security standards set by the federal government. The law that created the REAL ID came from a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission. The 9/11 Commission was a group formed after the September 11, 2001 attacks to study what happened and give advice on how to stop future attacks. One of their key suggestions was to make state IDs more secure, so it would be harder for people to use fake IDs to enter planes or federal buildings.
When did the REAL ID Act become law and what did it require?
The REAL ID Act was signed into law in 2005. The main goal of the law was to make sure every state in the United States 🇺🇸 follows the same basic rules for how they issue driver’s licenses and ID cards. To be REAL ID compliant, a state must follow certain steps, such as:
- Checking that people are who they say they are before giving them a license or ID
- Making sure each ID card has certain security features that make them hard to copy or fake
- Keeping records and verifying information provided by anyone who applies for an ID
Why has the REAL ID deadline been postponed so many times?
Since the REAL ID Act was passed in 2005, its deadline was postponed many times, for reasons such as:
- State Implementation Challenges: Many states found it hard to update their systems and change their procedures to meet federal rules. Some states had to change computer systems or retrain workers, which took a lot of time and money.
- Public Pushback: Some people and groups did not like the idea of new federal standards for ID cards. They were worried about privacy and possible problems with data security.
- The COVID-19 Pandemic: The global pandemic starting in 2020 forced many government offices to close or limit hours. This made it much harder for people to go in person to renew or apply for new IDs, which added to the delays.
Because of these problems, the government chose several times to push back the date when everyone would need a REAL ID for certain activities, such as flying inside the United States 🇺🇸.
What was the original deadline for REAL ID, and how has that changed?
The law was supposed to start going into effect in 2008. However, after the law passed, it was clear that states would need more time. The government gave extensions several times. Here is a simple breakdown:
- 2005: REAL ID Act signed into law.
- 2008: First planned start, but delayed because states weren’t ready.
- Later Deadlines: Dates kept moving back as states worked to upgrade systems and more delays happened.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: Many states shut down or limited DMV services during the pandemic, leading to another big delay.
- Final Deadline: The most recent big deadline became May 7, 2025.
How compliant were states as the May 2025 deadline approached?
As the May 7, 2025 deadline got closer, many states had not fully reached REAL ID compliance. According to a CBS News report from April 2025:
- At least 16 states had less than 50% of their population with a REAL ID-compliant license or ID.
- 28 states had less than 70% compliance.
This means millions of people would not have had the right type of ID to board a plane or enter certain federal buildings after the deadline.
Did officials say there would be any more extensions after 2025?
No. Unlike previous times, government officials clearly said they would not postpone the deadline again. Dan Velez, a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), said the agency did not plan to give more time. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also used many different ways, like letters and public speeches, to warn people the deadline was coming and would not change.
What happened when the REAL ID rules finally took effect?
On May 7, 2025, REAL ID enforcement started. From that date on, all airline passengers in the United States 🇺🇸 aged 18 and older have been required to show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, ID card, or another form of valid federal identification (like a passport) at TSA security checkpoints before flying.
If you do not have a REAL ID or another accepted form of identification, TSA officers cannot let you go through security for your flight. Other accepted IDs include U.S. passports or certain military IDs.
What does a REAL ID look like, and how can I tell if I have one?
A REAL ID usually has a special mark in the upper right corner, such as a gold or black star. States might use a slightly different design, but the star is the main sign that your card is REAL ID-compliant.
If you see just a regular driver’s license with no star or any other mark, and you received it after 2005, it probably is not a REAL ID.
How do I apply for a REAL ID if I still need one?
To get a REAL ID, you must go in person to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or similar office. You will need to bring several documents, usually including:
- Proof of who you are (like a birth certificate or passport)
- Your Social Security number (or proof that you have one)
- Two documents that show where you live (like a utility bill or rental agreement)
Bring these documents with you for the DMV to check. The exact list of documents may be a little different in each state, so check your local DMV’s official website for full details.
Do I need a REAL ID to fly if I have a passport?
No. If you have a current U.S. passport, that is also acceptable at airport security. You do not have to get a REAL ID just for flying, as long as you are willing to use your passport each time you fly inside the United States 🇺🇸.
Has the REAL ID been required for other things besides flying?
Yes. The REAL ID is required for entering certain federal buildings, like military bases or some government offices, if you want to go beyond the public areas. However, it is not needed to:
- Drive a car
- Vote
- Access hospitals
- Enter a post office or other regular public space
How does the REAL ID connect to immigration and border security?
Because the REAL ID Act came from a 9/11 Commission recommendation, its main purpose was to help prevent identity fraud and improve national security. It was not designed specifically for immigrants, but the law does affect immigrants in a few ways:
- Non-U.S. citizens living in the United States 🇺🇸 can get a REAL ID if they have valid immigration status and the right documents.
- Undocumented immigrants cannot get a REAL ID in most states because they cannot show legal presence in the country.
This means that immigrants should pay special attention to what documents their state needs, and bring proof of their status when applying for a REAL ID.
What if I recently became a citizen or permanent resident?
If you have become a lawful permanent resident (got your “green card”) or a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a REAL ID just like others, using your government documents. Make sure you have:
- Your permanent resident card or naturalization certificate
- Social Security card or proof of your number
- Documents that show your home address
Did the COVID-19 pandemic change anything about the REAL ID process?
Yes. The COVID-19 pandemic caused big problems for getting new IDs. Many DMV offices were either closed or only open part-time for months. This made it hard for people to gather the documents and make appointments. Many people also delayed renewing their IDs, leading to a backup of appointments once offices opened again.
Because of these problems, the government delayed the deadline yet again during the pandemic, shifting it from October 2020 to May 2025.
What are common myths about REAL ID?
There are a few things that people sometimes get wrong about the law:
- Myth: You need a REAL ID to drive.
Fact: Regular driver’s licenses still let you drive, even if they are not REAL ID-compliant. - Myth: Everyone must get a REAL ID.
Fact: You only need one if you want to fly inside the United States 🇺🇸 or go into secured federal areas. If you use a passport or do not fly, you may not need a REAL ID. - Myth: REAL ID is a national ID card.
Fact: Each state still issues its own ID cards and licenses. The REAL ID is not a single nationwide document.
What should I do if my state is still not fully compliant?
Even though states had a long time to make changes, not all managed to get enough of their population compliant before the deadline. If you are in a state where compliance is low, do not wait. Make an appointment as soon as possible, and check your DMV’s website for updates.
What will happen in the future with REAL ID enforcement?
Once the government set the May 7, 2025 date, officials made clear there would be no more delays. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, the strict enforcement went into effect as planned, and people who do not have a REAL ID or other valid ID are now being turned away at airport security checkpoints. This marks a change from the years of delays and extensions before, as both federal and state officials are now fully enforcing the rules.
Where can I find more information or get help?
For more on what documents you need, or to check the latest government guidance, visit the official Department of Homeland Security REAL ID page. You can also contact your state DMV for questions about local requirements or to make an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- The REAL ID law was put in place to follow the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations and improve security for state IDs.
- There have been many deadline changes, with the COVID-19 pandemic causing the biggest recent delay.
- Compliance rates varied greatly among states even up to the final deadline.
- Officials said there would be no more delays after May 7, 2025.
- You only need REAL ID (or another accepted federal ID) to fly domestically or enter secured federal areas, not for driving or voting.
- U.S. citizens and lawful immigrants with proper documents can get a REAL ID, but you must apply in person.
- For the most current updates, check your state DMV and the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID webpage.
For more details, always refer to official government sources or trusted platforms like VisaVerge.com. This will help ensure you have the correct and latest information about REAL ID and other identification laws in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
REAL ID → A driver’s license or ID card meeting federal security standards required for flights and federal facility access after May 7, 2025.
9/11 Commission → A panel formed after September 11, 2001 to recommend security improvements, including better state ID issuance procedures.
Compliance → A state or individual’s fulfillment of REAL ID’s federal requirements for issuing secure identification documents.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) → State agencies that issue driver’s licenses, ID cards, vehicle registration, and are central for obtaining a REAL ID.
Homeland Security → The U.S. department overseeing REAL ID enforcement and general national security, including air travel requirements.
This Article in a Nutshell
After years of delays, REAL ID laws now require special identification for domestic flights and secure federal facilities in the U.S. Implementation faced major setbacks, especially from the COVID-19 pandemic. States have struggled with compliance, so citizens should check their ID now to avoid disrupted travel or access after May 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com
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• You can fly with a Global Entry card after REAL ID deadline in 2025
• REAL ID deadline set for May 7, 2025 with no further extensions
