DHS Postpones REAL ID Deadline to May 2023

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced that the Department of Homeland Security is extending REAL ID requirements to May 3, 2023 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and prohibits federal agencies from accepting state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet the Act’s minimum standards. The purposes covered by the Act include accessing federal buildings and boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft. 

Beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board a domestic commercial flight. Other TSA-compliant identification documents such as an active passport will still be acceptable.