REAL ID enforcement may be phased, but deadline is the same: What to know

(NEXSTAR) — In less than five months, the airport security process is set to change — at least sort of. There's a good chance you will not be impacted at all, but federal officials want you to prepare nonetheless.

The deadline for REAL ID enforcement, which has been postponed multiple times, is set to begin on May 7. Once that date arrives, you will need a REAL ID-compliant ID (which you may already have) to board a domestic flight. It will also be necessary if you are visiting certain federal facilities or entering a nuclear power plant.

Enforcement may, however, begin in a phased approach.

What does the TSA's new regulation say?

In September, the TSA proposed a rule to allow federal agencies to use such an approach because it “would provide federal agencies with necessary flexibility to begin enforcement ... in a manner that takes into account security, operational risk and public impact.”

The agency cited the low rollout of REAL IDs — only 56% of driver's license and state IDs were compliant as of January 2024 — and concerns that another deadline delay may reduce the “urgency to obtain a REAL ID.” It argued a phased enforcement approach instead of full enforcement could also prevent an overwhelming surge, backlog, and delay as Americans rush to their local DMVs to get their REAL ID.

The TSA published its final rule regarding the phased enforcement on Monday. It allows federal agencies that would check for REAL IDs to do so using methods like a "three-strikes" system that "enables agencies to begin enforcement without immediately denying access to individuals with noncompliant identification on the card-based enforcement deadline."

While the rule allows for a phased REAL ID enforcement approach, the TSA and other agencies have not yet released whether or not they will do so when the deadline arrives.

The rule does not extend the REAL ID deadline, either.

“Identity verification is foundational to security. I urge those who use a driver’s license or state-issued identity card as their primary form of identification to access federal facilities or board commercial passenger aircraft, to ensure these credentials are REAL ID-compliant," TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement.

Do I have time to get a REAL ID?

The short answer is yes, but before you start dreading a trip to your local DMV, check your wallet: you may already have a REAL ID.

If your driver's license or state-issued ID has a star — black or gold, filled in or as a cutout — your ID is a REAL ID.

If you do not have a star on your ID, you'll need to apply for one. For most, getting a REAL ID should be simple. You’ll need documentation that shows your full legal name, your date of birth, your Social Security number, two proofs of address for your principal residence, and your lawful status.

It’s best to check with your local authorities, like the Department of Motor Vehicles, to confirm what information is needed and which documents will satisfy the requirements.

Many states are warning those who need a REAL ID not to wait. In Missouri, officials say those flying on or shortly after the May 7 deadline should consider renewing their ID no later than April 1. Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles says it can take roughly two weeks for a REAL ID to be sent out.

Do I need a REAL ID?

If you want to fly domestically or enter certain federal spaces, yes.

Once the deadline passes, if you do not have a REAL ID, you may need to provide another form of identification, like a U.S. passport or military ID, to board a plane. Minors flying with an adult do not need a REAL ID, the Department of Homeland Security notes.

REAL IDs are also optional. You will not need a REAL ID to drive, vote, apply for federal benefits like Social Security, enter a federal facility that otherwise does not require an ID (like a post office), go to a hospital, or “participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations,” like jury duty.

It’s also worth noting that REAL IDs cannot be used to cross the borders of Mexico or Canada.