US 'Real ID' deadline is now May 2023 because of COVID-19

The Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline to get a Real ID.

News 12 Staff

Apr 27, 2021, 8:37 PM

Updated 1,316 days ago

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The Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline to get a Real ID.
The deadline for the new identification was supposed to be Oct. 1, 2021, but has been delayed to May 3, 2023.
DHS officials say that the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for people to get the Real ID with many state Motor Vehicle offices closed or at limited capacity.
Only about 43% of Americans have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card.
Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. The updated cards will be required for airport check-in and to enter federal facilities.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.