Security Policy Alert: DHS Announces That All 50 States Now Compliant with REAL ID Act
September 10, 2020
In a press release, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today all 50 states are now in full compliance with the REAL ID Act, which was passed into law in 2005, and are now issuing REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards. To date, the 50 states have issued more than 105 million REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards, representing 38 percent of all driver's licenses and identification card holders.
In March, Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf Wolf extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline by one year from October 1, 2020 to October 1, 2021 due to the COVID-19 related closure of many state DMVs. In addition, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economy Security Act (CARES Act), which passed shortly after DHS announced the year extension, included language that directed DHS to extend the REAL ID enforcement deadline to no earlier than September 30, 2021.
On October 1, 2021 - less than 13 months away - full enforcement of REAL ID will take effect at all federally regulated airports, which means that every adult passenger must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid U.S. passport or Global Entry card, to fly within the United States.
DHS continues to urge Americans to obtain a REAL ID-compliant card or acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or passport card prior to the October 1, 2021 enforcement deadline. AAAE continues to work with our airport members, airlines, the broader travel industry, state licensing authorities, members of Congress and DHS to educate the traveling public about the need for a REAL ID-compliant license before the new deadline and support additional legislative or regulatory efforts to make applying for and receiving a REAL ID-compliant driver's license easier, without jeopardizing security. At the same time, AAAE continues to raise concerns with members of Congress and DHS that even with the one-year extension, the traveling public may not be ready for this significant change on October 1, 2021.
In a press release, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today all 50 states are now in full compliance with the REAL ID Act, which was passed into law in 2005, and are now issuing REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards. To date, the 50 states have issued more than 105 million REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards, representing 38 percent of all driver's licenses and identification card holders.
In March, Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf Wolf extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline by one year from October 1, 2020 to October 1, 2021 due to the COVID-19 related closure of many state DMVs. In addition, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economy Security Act (CARES Act), which passed shortly after DHS announced the year extension, included language that directed DHS to extend the REAL ID enforcement deadline to no earlier than September 30, 2021.
On October 1, 2021 - less than 13 months away - full enforcement of REAL ID will take effect at all federally regulated airports, which means that every adult passenger must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid U.S. passport or Global Entry card, to fly within the United States.
DHS continues to urge Americans to obtain a REAL ID-compliant card or acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or passport card prior to the October 1, 2021 enforcement deadline. AAAE continues to work with our airport members, airlines, the broader travel industry, state licensing authorities, members of Congress and DHS to educate the traveling public about the need for a REAL ID-compliant license before the new deadline and support additional legislative or regulatory efforts to make applying for and receiving a REAL ID-compliant driver's license easier, without jeopardizing security. At the same time, AAAE continues to raise concerns with members of Congress and DHS that even with the one-year extension, the traveling public may not be ready for this significant change on October 1, 2021.
