by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Tue January 14, 2025
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a
final rule that provided a framework for the federal agency's phased
enforcement of REAL ID requirements.
Federal agencies, including the TSA, will begin REAL ID
enforcement on the deadline, which is May 7, 2025. Starting that day, only
state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security
requirements established by the REAL ID Act will be permitted for official
purposes, including boarding commercial aircraft.
The United States government said the final rule provides
the necessary flexibility for federal agencies to begin enforcement in a
“manner that takes into account security, operational risk and public impact.”
“Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to enhance security
standards for identification, directly in response to the security
vulnerabilities highlighted by the 9/11 attacks,” said TSA Administrator David
Pekoske.
“Identity verification is foundational to security. I urge
those who use a driver’s license or state-issued identity card as their primary
form of identification to access federal facilities or board commercial
passenger aircraft, to ensure these credentials are REAL ID-compliant,” Pekoske
continued. “We are committed to engaging with the public, licensing
jurisdictions and states to facilitate a smooth transition to REAL ID
enforcement beginning May 7, 2025, which this rule supports.”
To help travelers with the change, the TSA and other agencies
will use a phased enforcement approach that will be explained in detail on government
websites. All states are currently issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses
and identification cards.
The TSA continues to urge travelers to obtain a REAL
ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, state-issued identification card or
another form of acceptable ID before May 7 to avoid delays at airport security
checkpoints.
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