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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Transportation have finalized a rule concerning Real ID security standards, which will be mandatory for driver's licenses and state identification cards used for federal purposes starting in spring 2025. Despite the publication of this rule in the Federal Register, full enforcement has been postponed until 2027.
The Real ID requirement will become effective on May 7, 2025, marking an important date for domestic air travel as passengers will need a compliant card to pass through airport security checkpoints. A DHS spokesperson stated that although there is a phased implementation allowing certain flexibilities during the rollout, the deadline remains firm.
A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spokesperson explained that "[T]his proposal would give federal agencies the flexibility to enforce Real ID," adding it aims to "prevent travelers (in particular) from being turned away." The rule allows local authorities up to two years to fully implement these requirements using a phased approach specific to their operations.
