REAL ID – Deadline EXTENDED

Given the circumstances of the past 18 months, the deadline to comply with the READ ID requirements is extended to May 3, 2023.

In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”

 The Act established minimum security standards for license issuance and production. It also prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards.



The REAL ID enforcement date is May 3, 2023 (extended from October 1, 2021). On this date, Federal agencies may only accept state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards required for access into federal facilities (including TSA airport security checkpoints) if the license or card was issued by a REAL ID compliant state. This means, an ID must include the REAL ID compliant star marking.

As of March 26, 2021, 55 states and territories are fully compliant with REAL ID requirements, and all states are on track to begin issuing compliant licenses and IDs by the new enforcement deadline.

Visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID. States may impose additional requirements, so check with your state’s licensing agency prior to visiting them in person.

For more information and easy access to your state’s licensing authority, click here.