American Military News by Karen Garcia - Los Angeles Times May 01, 2025
Despite the multiple extensions for the Real ID deadline, there are still many Americans who don’t have one and face the final deadline next month.
If you are among those who don’t have the new identification or have yet to apply for one, here’s what you need to know about getting it as soon as possible and being able to travel domestically until you do.
The Real ID Act, approved by Congress in 2005, was meant to improve security and minimize fraud in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks by a establishing a nationwide standard for identification.
The original deadline to have a Real ID to allow Americans to travel domestically or enter federal facilities such as military bases or federal courthouses was May 2008. The new deadline is May 7.
Funding challenges, concerns over travel interruptions and the pandemic delayed the government from implementing the Real ID requirement for almost two decades.
Even though people have had plenty of time to apply for their Real ID, a recent CBS News data analysis conducted from April 7 to 18 found that at least 30 states are less than 70% compliant. That means in more than half of the country, about three in every 10 travelers may not be able to pass through an airport checkpoint starting May 7.
More:
https://americanmilitarynews.com/2025/05/the-real-id-deadline-is-may-7-what-to-do-if-you-dont-have-yours-yet/
