Delay in REAL ID Enforcement Proposed Until 2027
The Biden administration has proposed a two-year delay in the full enforcement of REAL ID regulations, moving the deadline to May 2027. This decision comes as many Americans still lack compliant identification necessary for air travel and access to federal facilities.
| Score | Value |
|---|---|
Scale | 9 |
Novelty | 5 |
Positivity | 6 |
Reliability | 8 |
Actionability | 7 |
Society | 7 |
Journalism | 3 |
Highlights
- The Biden administration proposed delaying full enforcement of REAL ID regulations until May 2027.
- The current deadline for REAL ID compliance is May 7, 2025.
- Only 56% of issued IDs are REAL ID-compliant as of January 2024.
- The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 following the 9/11 Commission's recommendations.
- More than 124 million people in the U.S. do not have compliant IDs.
Perspectives
- There are significant concerns that many travelers will not have REAL ID-compliant identification by the current deadline, leading to potential disruptions at airports and federal facilities. Officials worry that a lack of compliance could result in long lines and operational challenges for federal agencies. [8][9][12]
- The TSA advocates for a phased enforcement approach to allow for a smoother transition to REAL ID requirements, suggesting that agencies could issue warnings before fully denying access to individuals without compliant IDs. This approach aims to mitigate confusion and operational risks as the deadline approaches. [4][5][11]