For literally my entire adult life, the US government has been saying that the REAL ID requirement for travel would be implemented imminently. However, it kept getting pushed back. We’re now just under a month from the implementation date, and the government insists it’s really, actually, finally, truly, happening, this time around.
In this post:
REAL ID enforcement starts May 7, 2025
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) insists that REAL ID enforcement will begin as of May 7, 2025. Once this policy is implemented, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will be prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet these federal standards.
REAL ID is intended to establish minimum security standards, including incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be.
All 50 US states, the District of Columbia, and five US territories covered by the REAL ID Act, are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. However, the TSA claims that currently REAL ID compliance at security checkpoints is 81%, meaning that’s the percentage of people showing up with a REAL ID or their passport.
So 19% of travelers aren’t using REAL IDs?! What am I missing here? Is this primarily accounting for foreign visitors, who are using passports that might not be REAL ID complaint? Because surely 19% of the US traveling public isn’t without a REAL ID option, no?
The TSA claims that there’s going to be a phased approach to enforcement, so come May 7, those who don’t have a REAL ID may still be able to travel, but will experience travel delays.
If you’re not sure if your ID is a REAL ID, you can identify a REAL ID by the star on the top right corner. You can obtain a REAL ID by going to the DMV, and you’ll need to bring a valid ID, passport, or birthday certificate, proof of your social security number, proof of your date of birth, and two items that show residence.
Why was the REAL ID deadline extended so often?
For context, the REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, following a 9/11 Commission recommendation. The REAL ID requirements were initially supposed to be implemented as of 2008. The initial delays were because many state governments refused to enact these requirements. States started consistently becoming compliant in 2012, and enforcement began in 2014 for certain federal facilities.
However, we then saw several more delays, and ultimately the pandemic delayed implementation several additional years, due to the pandemic, and the backlog that created for state driver’s licensing agencies. Most recently, the deadline was extended by two years, from May 2023 to May 2025.
It’s kind of unbelievable to think how often this has now been delayed. As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, this requirement was supposed to be implemented when I was 18 years old, and I’m now nearly twice that age. If nothing else, think of how much money has been spent on airport signage related to upcoming REAL ID deadlines.
Bottom line
The REAL ID deadline is expected to be implemented as of May 7, 2025, two decades after the REAL ID Act was first passed, and 17 years after it was supposed to be implemented. Apparently only 81% of people are passing through checkpoints with REAL ID compliant IDs.
Honestly, it’s going to almost be confusing to pass through a US airport and not see the REAL ID signage, since it has been around for as long as I can remember.
Can you believe the REAL ID requirement is finally being implemented?!
Sux for McLovin.
My guess is that of that 19%, many have compliant forms of ID (e.g. passports) that they simply don't bring for domestic travel, and that once it's an expectation, they will.
Not saying that's the ENTIRE set of folks, but I expect it's a significant portion of them.
I’m one of the 19th not using Real ID compliant documents. I refuse to go to the DMV (and can’t get an appointment for 6 months anyway). Have been using my non-compliant DL but as of May 7 will start traveling w my passport.
Lucky may need to amend wording. The additional info on residence etc are only needed if only present a broth certificate but the way you have it you included passport...
I’m one of the 19th not using Real ID compliant documents. I refuse to go to the DMV (and can’t get an appointment for 6 months anyway). Have been using my non-compliant DL but as of May 7 will start traveling w my passport.
Lucky may need to amend wording. The additional info on residence etc are only needed if only present a broth certificate but the way you have it you included passport as needing all that as well
Passport is definitive proof of citizenship issued by Federal Government and much storing than any “Real ID” DL issued by a state.
REAL ID simply isn't available to everyone in some parts of the country.
For example, Washington state will only issue REAL ID licenses and ID cards to US citizens (permanent residents do not qualify). With the large technical presence in Seattle and foreign nationals employed by those companies, it's not surprising.
Permanent residents presumably have passports from their country of citizenship.
The permanent resident card is also acceptable ID (and permanent residents are required to carry it anyway).
There's lots of reasons that 19% of people might be using a non-Real ID compliant ID. My driver's license was last renewed in 2019, which is before Oregon issued Real ID compliant IDs. I've no particular desire to go through the hassle of getting a new license. My husband got his driver's license more recently, and had the option of getting a non-compliant license, which would be valid for 8 years, or a a Real...
There's lots of reasons that 19% of people might be using a non-Real ID compliant ID. My driver's license was last renewed in 2019, which is before Oregon issued Real ID compliant IDs. I've no particular desire to go through the hassle of getting a new license. My husband got his driver's license more recently, and had the option of getting a non-compliant license, which would be valid for 8 years, or a a Real ID compliant license, which would expire when his Green Card needed to be renewed in less than two years.
Both of us have other options (passports, Global Entry, passport cards) that we can use starting May 7th... but no particular need to bring them with us on domestic trips before then.
Would've switched to real ID years ago if they allowed having a po box on the card, but they require residence address to be printed on it.
“So 19% of travelers aren’t using REAL IDs?! What am I missing here?”
Real ID isn’t as easy to get as you think it is. Particularly for rural communities or non-green card visa holders.
To the question of how 19 percent of travelers don't use a REAL ID -- I'm a frequent flyer who has my driver's license from a state in which I no longer live. I can't get a REAL ID from that state without going to a DMV there in person (whereas they permitted renewal of my non-REAL ID license online), and the other option is to go get a new license where I live now....
To the question of how 19 percent of travelers don't use a REAL ID -- I'm a frequent flyer who has my driver's license from a state in which I no longer live. I can't get a REAL ID from that state without going to a DMV there in person (whereas they permitted renewal of my non-REAL ID license online), and the other option is to go get a new license where I live now. Obviously I'm going to go do the latter eventually, but not at the top of my priority list -- I didn't expect enforcement would actually occur, and if it actually does (would not be shocked to see a change between now and May 7), I'll just bring my passport till I get my new license.
My husband started trying to get his license (NC) converted to a REAL ID 5-6 years ago. He took the correct documents to the DMV multiple times and each time his license came back without a star. He'd call and they'd say that his application didn't have the documents attached and state that the DMV employee must not have scanned and/or attached them correctly (he saw them scan them). They'd tell him that he needs...
My husband started trying to get his license (NC) converted to a REAL ID 5-6 years ago. He took the correct documents to the DMV multiple times and each time his license came back without a star. He'd call and they'd say that his application didn't have the documents attached and state that the DMV employee must not have scanned and/or attached them correctly (he saw them scan them). They'd tell him that he needs to go back the DMV and reapply (and repay). He's even reported the issue to state representative. He holds a CDL and we've wondered if perhaps there is/was a software programming error with the CDL REAL ID application in NC. That's just us pondering for an explanation. I had no trouble converting my standard driver's license. Because of the cost involved in taking off work to spend several hours at the DMV and having to repay to reapply, he decided that he wasn't going to try again until his current license needs to be renewed. Despite presenting the correct documents, paying and applying for a REAL ID Driver's License multiple times, he will not have one in time.
He has Global Entry so he does have access to a complaint ID and will start using that in May. I don't think 19% of the traveling population is without a complaint ID. Some, like my husband, are just using the ID that is most convenient for them to use but will start using their complaint ID when they must. It is hard to guess how many of those 19% don't actually have a complaint ID, though I'm sure there are a decent number. I am not about to judge them for that. I've witnessed myself how obtaining a REAL ID can be simple for one person (myself) and an absolute hassle and mess for another (my husband), even when living in the very same state and going to the very same DMV.
Just realized my autocorrect changed compliant to complaint every single time. *Compliant ID.... not complaint ID...lol
Hey, "Never in Doubt": Aw, C'mon! You ruined it for me. You mean this deadline might not be for real?
In my state, adding Real ID to my driver license at renewal was a piece of cake and incurred no additional cost. As for privacy, you are already compromised. Every cellphone app has embedded code that scrapes personal and financial from other apps and your browser. They use and sell that data. Don't kid yourself.
You're breaking the state law by not updating your residency within a certain timeframe.
And I quote myself from another topic.
"If it's one thing you can be certain, you already broke some law along the way, realize or not."
Depending on your status.
Under this ICE age, that should be enough to revoke your visa and deport you. Since this involves residency, your green card could also be revoked.
Matter of...
You're breaking the state law by not updating your residency within a certain timeframe.
And I quote myself from another topic.
"If it's one thing you can be certain, you already broke some law along the way, realize or not."
Depending on your status.
Under this ICE age, that should be enough to revoke your visa and deport you. Since this involves residency, your green card could also be revoked.
Matter of time before they find some law in 1800s that might allow them to revoke naturalized citizenship.
Let your TDS go.
LOL whos the one with TDS?
Didnt even have a single reference to Trump.
Ya MAGA snowflake.
A Real ID driver's license is much harder to get than non-Real ID for immigrants without a green card as more documents are needed, specifically proving your legal status in the US, and the ID's expiration date is tied to when that status expires. So even if you can get one it might only be valid for a few years. That may explain a part of the 19% figure.
And I wouldn't be surprised if...
A Real ID driver's license is much harder to get than non-Real ID for immigrants without a green card as more documents are needed, specifically proving your legal status in the US, and the ID's expiration date is tied to when that status expires. So even if you can get one it might only be valid for a few years. That may explain a part of the 19% figure.
And I wouldn't be surprised if the deadline is not extended this time because a Real ID poses an obstacle for undocumented immigrants to travel.
Even with a green card, you can only use the Real ID for domestic travel. If you fly internationally, you’re back to using your foreign-issued passport.
My bets are on it getting delayed again. IMO there's no legitimate reason for REAL ID. People flying without REAL ID-compliant IDs hasn't caused an incident yet, it's highly unlikely it will in the future. DHS and TSA would be better served using that money to fast-track the new liquid scanners so we can finally bring sunscreen, toothpaste, etc. in our carry-ons.
When I went to the DMV last spring to change my New York REAL driver's license to our new state, the young woman working the counter had no idea what I was talking about when I asked if it would still be a REAL ID. I think she said something like, "why wouldn't it be a real license?" Her colleague had to clarify what the REAL ID initiative was.
So yeah, I think this will be pushed back once again.
I don't use a real id now. But I have both a nexxus card and a passport. When the time comes I will carry those.
I would be surprised if the high number is due to foreign nationals travelling without their passports. In general, if I'm a "significant" distance from my hotel/home of family member/friend I'm visting I will always take my passport with me just in case. I would imagine any distance that I'm flying rather than driving would count and others would follow suit.
Might be different for Green Card holders i guess but I doubt all...
I would be surprised if the high number is due to foreign nationals travelling without their passports. In general, if I'm a "significant" distance from my hotel/home of family member/friend I'm visting I will always take my passport with me just in case. I would imagine any distance that I'm flying rather than driving would count and others would follow suit.
Might be different for Green Card holders i guess but I doubt all but the longest staying would be that comfortable.
I would concurr with others who've said that they've just not renewed their drivers license since the Real ID standard have come through
“So 19% of travelers aren’t using REAL IDs?! What am I missing here?”
You do realize getting a new ID costs money right? I travel domestically with my non-REAL drivers license all the time. Once the deadline kicks in, I’ll bring my passport on those domestic flights. Eventually I’ll get a REAL drivers license when it’s time to renew, but not before then. Why waste money?
Oh the major hypocrisy of modern times.
Only shows how effective brainwashing propaganda works.
Calling out people without REAL ID.
Didn't you also criticized China for their mass surveillance?
How about Google, Meta, Wikipedia, etc. in China.
Now do you know what PRISM is?
This stuff goes beyond the smoke and mirror of politics.
What the f*** is wrong with you?
He didn't call people out, he was just confused how there would be such a high proportion who didn't have one yet, 17 years after the standard was introduced and 13 years after the states agreed to switch over.
I don't know who hurt you, but please go and get some help.
Read the comments.
Ask the DMV.
Talk to TSA.
Not even talking about Ben.
The world doesn't exist in a travel blog, unless maybe you're Tim's alter ego?
So stupid, the ID check does absolutely nothing for security. Just adds more lines and bureaucrats. If you go through screening, what’s the risk?
Meanwhile in Europe I routinely fly between countries without showing anybody any ID. Just scan my boarding pass when going through security and at the gate.
How is demanding ID when travelling by plane in the USA helping security when it's not needed if driving or travelling by train/bus?
It's for real this time only because this cobgress has too many Maga and they won't do anything. Or they might poison pill a simple bill.
Some states don't require it. I renewed my license and still don't have a star on it. It's more common than you think.
But hey, Florida is all that and more. So who knows. Maybe DeSantis and his health advisor who denies vaccines really run Florida perfectly
Passports issued by foreign governments that the US recognizes will continue to be acceptable IDs past May 7, so I presume those are not included in the 19% figure. I am not sure that any foreign government is particularly interested in complying with the US government’s standards for ID issuance beyond global standards for passport security, which I imagine are sufficient for the TSA to be confident about their integrity.
81% of travelers or 81% of travelers who are US citizens?
There are (1) foreign visitors passing though those checkpoints who for obvious reasons don’t have Real ID-compliant docs, (2) green card holders who can get Real ID and use it for domestic travel but not international travel, (3) people who live in the US and have a work or other visa which may not entitle them to get a Real ID or at best put them in category 2 above.
There's a 4th group of Americans without real ID. Some states offer Real ID but let you renew your existing license as is online. People are incentivized to do the latter so they don't have to visit the DMV and get a new photograph. The old non-Real ID one just comes in the mail with a new expiration.
Another option is to renew your passport and pay the extra fee for a passport card. That's...
There's a 4th group of Americans without real ID. Some states offer Real ID but let you renew your existing license as is online. People are incentivized to do the latter so they don't have to visit the DMV and get a new photograph. The old non-Real ID one just comes in the mail with a new expiration.
Another option is to renew your passport and pay the extra fee for a passport card. That's a Real ID, easy to carry, and lasts 10 years, longer than a driver's license.
Not quite true. I just renewed my DL online. I received the new Real ID DL.
Who wants to go to the DMV if one can avoid it. Let technology work the way it is intended to...
I always carried my Global Entry card as a RealID compliant backup to my non RealID driver license.
"So 19% of travelers aren’t using REAL IDs?! What am I missing here? Is this primarily accounting for foreign visitors, who are using passports that might not be REAL ID complaint? Because surely 19% of the US traveling public isn’t without a REAL ID option, no?"
For one, I think undocumented immigrants can have driver licenses in some states, but not the READ ID one. Left the states 4 years ago. Maybe things have changed since then.
Many states offer both a Real ID and a not-Real-ID drivers license, with the latter being easier to renew relative to converting to the former. It's easy to see how infrequent flyers (remember that the median passenger only does one round trip per year) might not opt for a Real ID drivers license and only get a passport when needed.
This is the right. WSJ did an article on it last month. https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/a-looming-real-id-deadline-is-creating-a-real-headache-for-fliers-f35bd268
Spoiler alert: It’s not for real this time.
I often use a non-“REAL ID” driver’s license to deal with the TSA’s privacy-eroding travel document/ID checks at the passenger screening checkpoints.
I will continue to try to do so in the latter half of May and thereafter even if it means they want to waste their time asking me all sorts of questions and get their jollies groping me.
Faux privacy sticklers amuse me.
This is the hill you choose to waste your time on?
lol
GUW, I have never been able to understand why honest, law abiding citizens of any nation, would feel the need to thwart the authorities and those charged to protect them.
Please enlighten the readers as to why you feel this need to waste your time and that of others by what some might consider to be a pedantic attitude?
Checking passenger ID is not required to protect common carrier flights. Such checking is a waste of resources. They should focus and execute on what protects the flights: focusing on and interdicting prohibited weapons, explosives, incendiaries.
Free people should be able to fly around domestically without being hassled by the government for ID.
Hopefully they'll just deny to entrance and keep it moving for those who don't engage in petty shenanigans. Enjoy your ride on the hound.
This regime is rather lawless nowadays, but if they stick to what they are legally allowed to do without running up legal liability risk for the government, they are to not deny passenger transport for mere failure to present photo ID. This is why they have the alternative identification approach for those who don’t have current or sub-1 year-expired government-issued photo ID when showing up at the passenger screening checkpoints with a valid boarding pass...
This regime is rather lawless nowadays, but if they stick to what they are legally allowed to do without running up legal liability risk for the government, they are to not deny passenger transport for mere failure to present photo ID. This is why they have the alternative identification approach for those who don’t have current or sub-1 year-expired government-issued photo ID when showing up at the passenger screening checkpoints with a valid boarding pass but not “acceptable” government-issued photo ID.