The Government Finally Says You’ll Need a REAL ID Soon — Maybe

After years of delays and extensions, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized new requirements for REAL ID compliance.

The final rule aims to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. These changes will take effect in a phased approach starting May 7, 2025.

REAL ID-compliant identification will soon be mandatory for accessing certain federal facilities, boarding commercial domestic flights, and entering nuclear power plants. This phased rollout is designed to ensure a smooth transition while minimizing disruption for individuals and state agencies alike. However, it also means full enforcement won’t be required by all government agencies on the date this new rule takes effect.

Now that the delays are over and the implementation phase will soon begin, here’s what you should know.

The Government Issues a Final Rule for REAL ID Implementation

The new rule solidifies DHS’s commitment to enforcing the REAL ID Act, initially passed in 2005 as a response to security concerns. The rule mandates that all state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards meet uniform security standards to be accepted for federal purposes. These standards include stringent identity verification processes and the integration of advanced security features into the physical ID cards to deter counterfeiting and fraud.

According to DHS, this final rule is necessary to eliminate vulnerabilities in the identity verification process. Despite earlier pushback from states and citizens over privacy and cost concerns, most states are now compliant — or at least making significant progress toward meeting these requirements.

What Is the Phased Approach for REAL ID Deadlines?

To ease the transition, DHS has adopted a phased approach to implementing the new REAL ID requirements. This timeline gives individuals and states additional time to comply without immediate disruptions to essential activities like air travel.

Here’s how the rollout will work:

• May 7, 2025: Starting on this date, individuals will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights and access federal facilities.
• After May 2025: Additional deadlines may apply for specific sectors, with the government closely monitoring compliance levels to adjust timelines if necessary. Agencies wanting extra implementation time will need to provide plans to DHS and may have up to 2 years to complete their REAL ID enforcement.

If you don’t yet have a REAL ID-compliant card, there are several alternative documents you can use to meet federal requirements. These would allow you to fly or visit a federal building:

• U.S. passport or passport card
• DHS Trusted Traveler cards (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI)
• Permanent resident card (Green Card)
• Department of Defense ID card (for military personnel and their dependents)
• Federally recognized tribal ID card

These alternatives provide flexibility for individuals who may face delays in obtaining a REAL ID-compliant card before the May 7, 2025, deadline.

Final Thoughts

The phased implementation of the REAL ID Act begins soon, following years of delays. However, the May 7, 2025, deadline comes with an asterisk because you may still be able to use a non-compliant ID with some government agencies over a phased, 2-year rollout. By allowing additional time for compliance and offering alternative identification options, DHS aims to minimize disruption for travelers and agencies alike.

If you haven’t already obtained a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, now is the time to start the process. With the May 2025 deadline quickly approaching, proactive planning will ensure you’re prepared for this new era of identification requirements. That’s especially true as other people may also be seeking appointments to get a new ID, and that can lead to long lines at the DMV and slower processing times.