Dept. of Homeland Security extends enforcement date of 'Real IDs' to May 3, 2023

WASHINGTON (7News) — Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced Tuesday that the department will be extending its enforcement date of obtaining a Real ID by 19 months.

Originally, the enforcement date was set for October 1, 2021, and has been extended to May 3, 2023 "due to circumstances resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," the department says.

The department said the pandemic has "significantly" impacted the ability of states to issue the Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards as many driver's licensing departments continue to operate at limited capacities.

An interim final rule is expected to be announced for the official enforcement change of date.

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Protecting the health, safety, and security of our communities is our top priority,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “As our country continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, extending the REAL ID full enforcement deadline will give states needed time to reopen their driver’s licensing operations and ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card.

Every air traveler will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, a state-issued driver's, or another TSA-accepted form of ID at airport security starting on May 3, 2023.

All 50 states, D.C. and four of the five U.S. territories are issuing the Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards.

Click here for more information about the Real IDs.