Time is running out to get a Real ID ahead of May 7 deadline

[BumRushDaShow]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by Omaha Steve (a host of the Latest Breaking News forum).

Source: Axios

11 hours ago


If you have travel plans for May or beyond, check your ID to see if it meets federal requirements.

Why it matters: Starting May 7, a Real ID compliant license or identification card — or another acceptable document — is needed to board a commercial aircraft in the U.S.

The guidelines also apply when visiting military bases and secure federal buildings like courthouses.

What is a Real ID?

The big picture: A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards.

Compliant IDs are typically marked with a star in the upper right corner, though the specific design may vary by state.

When is the Real ID deadline?

Threat level: May 7 is the enforcement deadline for Real ID after years of delays.

The Department of Homeland Security estimates that 61.2% of Real IDs, relative to all driver's license and identification in circulation, will be Real ID-compliant by May 7, according to a final rule published in January.

Real ID Act of 2005

Flashback: Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, seeking to beef up security surrounding IDs used at airports.

The law was scheduled to be enforced in 2008 but has been delayed many times.

All states were compliant for issuing Real IDs in 2020 but many states were in compliance earlier.

In 2022, the enforcement deadline was extended to May 2025.

Read more: https://www.axios.com/2025/02/22/real-id-travel-requirement-date-may-2025

[JohnSJ]

1. A passport is also acceptable. I happen to have both, which I insured I had up to date before the nazis took over.

[groundloop]

2. No need to worry about this if you have a passport

I have a passport so won't waste my time worrying about getting a new driver's license until I have to renew it.

[LiberalArkie]

7. But, do you carry the passport with you when you go to the grocery? Papers please.

[Wonder Why]

12. You are not required to show an ID. If you are driving, you have to show a driver's license if stopped by police.

[a kennedy]

3. I got mine, I let my passport expire, I know not smart......so I'm set to go.

Gotta get a new passport next.

[BumRushDaShow]

5. If/when you do get a new passport

go ahead and get a passport card with that. It's the same size as a driver's license and is good for a number of travel/building entrance requirements without the need to carry around a full passport.

[a kennedy]

6. Hey, thanks.....good idea.

[BumRushDaShow]

8. I got one with my last renewal

There was a discount for it when you get it with a passport renewal - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/card.html

[Marthe48]

4. Saw a DU post the other day, only 5 states offer Real ID d.l?

I think Oh. pushed back compliance until this year, but it's been awhile since I read that.

[BumRushDaShow]

9. I know here in PA, we were late getting it set up as the state had been protesting it over the years

and I ended up getting one when it finally became available a few months after I had just renewed my license (about 6 years ago). They just used the same pic and I provided all the additional docs needed for it and got my replacement license as a Real ID version, fairly quickly.

[Marthe48]

10. I need to renew my d.l. this year

I'm thinking about reverting to my maiden name, so I can vote, if save act passes.
Learning what I need to do, basically wondering if I need a court order to change my d.l., passport.

[hunter]

11. I'm not flying anywhere while fuckwit is president.

And I'm not getting any "Real ID" until it's forced upon me, maybe not even then.

[PSPS]

13. "board a commercial aircraft" - Nobody in their right mind would want to do that now.

[Omaha Steve]

14. AFTER a review by forum hosts LOCKING

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