Biden administration proposes 2-year delay in implementing Real ID rules for air travel

The Biden administration has proposed a two-year delay in implementing Real ID rules for travel on domestic airlines and entering federal facilities.

Fox News reported that Biden wants to stick to the May 7, 2025, deadline for Americans to get a Real ID, but wants the deadline for federal agencies to fully implement the rule to be extended to May 7, 2027.

The statement came a day after the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.

The Transportation Security Administration released a “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” on Thursday, emphasizing that “the proposed regulations do not extend the effective date of Real ID.”

That announcement sought to ensure that federal agencies “have appropriate flexibility to implement the card-based enforcement provisions under the Real ID regulations after the May 7, 2025 enforcement deadline by expressly permitting agencies to implement card-based enforcement in phases,” according to the proposal summary. “This rulemaking proposes that agencies may implement the card-based enforcement provisions through a phased enforcement plan if they determine it is appropriate after considering relevant factors, including security, operational feasibility, and public impact.”

“The proposed regulations would also require agencies to coordinate their plans with (the Department of Homeland Security), make them publicly available, and be fully enforceable by May 5, 2027,” the executive summary reads.

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, implemented a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission that the federal government set standards for issuing identification documents, such as driver’s licenses and ID cards, for domestic flights as well as for access to certain federal facilities.

The act established minimum security standards for the issuance and production of driver’s licenses and prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-conforming official driver’s licenses and identification cards for certain purposes.

But enforcement has been extended multiple times, with the latest delay coming in December 2022 due to a backlog at the state Department of Motor Vehicles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the new rules, travelers 18 and older must have a Real ID driver’s license or national ID card to fly domestically, enter a federal courthouse or fort, or enter nuclear facilities.

Here’s how you can get a Real ID driving license or ID card.

Below is a list of other forms of ID accepted for air travel if you do not have a Real ID.

Here’s how to avoid the most common mistakes when applying for a Real ID.