The federal government is considering delaying the full implementation of Real ID again for two more years from its scheduled due date. The idea is to minimize disruption by phasing in the program over two years, rather than a full implementation starting next May.
On Saturday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a “phased enforcement approach to Real ID Implementation” and said it will accept public comments until October 15. “The proposed rule would provide agencies the flexibility to determine that a phased approach to card-based enforcement is appropriate,” said TSA.
According to the notice, implementation of the Real ID enforcement will begin on May 7, 2025, as scheduled, but will be phased in over two years ending May 5, 2027. Starting next May, people will be required to present a driver’s license, passport, or federally recognized identification to enter airports and federal government offices, but will not be denied access for not having a Real ID until May 5, 2027.
Real ID is a personal identification card and driver’s license that meets federal standards, including full name, date of birth, and address, as well as anti-counterfeiting and facial recognition features.
The Real ID Act of 2005 was enacted after the September 11, 2001 attacks to strengthen the process of verifying identity when boarding airplanes and entering federal buildings. It was scheduled to be implemented nationwide in January 2018 originally, but some states delayed implementation and then was delayed several times during the pandemic.
BY EUNBYUL KIM, HOONSIK WOO [kim.eb@koreadailyny.com]
