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The Real ID deadline is approaching, with the requirement set to commence on May 7. Travelers and airport officials are preparing for potential challenges. According to Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst, "there will be long lines and a lot of confusion" as individuals attempt to comply with the new standards.
Real ID is a government-approved identity document establishing enhanced security for driver's licenses and state identification cards, effective for federal purposes, including airport security. Travelers will need identification cards meeting these new federal standards to pass through security checkpoints. However, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reports that "81 percent of travelers at TSA checkpoints nationwide present an acceptable identification including a state-issued REAL ID." This still leaves many travelers without compliant IDs, potentially leading to increased delays and confusion at airports.
Despite this, there is a grace period until 2027, allowing for some flexibility in ID verification. Harteveldt warns of "confusion and potential chaos, even if you have a Real ID," emphasizing that "TSA estimates nearly one in five passengers currently does not have a compliant form of identification." Therefore, travelers are advised to allow additional time at airports starting May 7.
