The Department of Homeland Security announced in early
December the extension of the REAL ID enforcement date from May 2023 to
May 7, 2025. This gives those that have yet to update their drivers
license another two years before their license must be compliant to
travel. The REAL ID program has faced several delays and was supposed to
be rolled out in 2008. To get a REAL ID, you will need to present
documents at your local DMV office proving your age and identity, social
security number, and address.
The REAL ID law was first passed by Congress in 2005 following a
recommendation from the 9/11 Commission with the REAL ID Act
establishing minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s
licenses and identification cards. These security standards include
anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using
documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they
claim to be. Every traveler aged 18 years or older will need a REAL
ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, state-issues enhanced driver’s
license, at airport security checkpoints, certain government
facilities, and military bases. If the traveler or person does not have a
REAL ID compliant ID, other approved documents can be used including
passports, passport cards, U.S. military ID, Enhanced ID, or an ID from
the federal government’s Trusted Traveler Program such as Global
Entry.