Here’s why it took 20 years to implement REAL ID
After 20 years of delays and political pushback, Americans are finally being forced to comply with the REAL ID Act. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem recently announced that starting May 7, 2025, REAL IDs will be required to access federal facilities, enter nuclear power plants, and board commercial aircraft. This move comes after President George W. Bush signed the REAL ID Act into law in 2005 to enhance national security in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The REAL ID Act set federal standards for issuing identification cards, such as driver’s licenses, with the goal of improving security measures. However, since its passing, states and advocacy groups have rejected its implementation. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has long been an opponent of the REAL ID Act, calling it “discriminatory, expensive, burdensome, invasive, and ultimately counterproductive” in 2007.
States have cited various reasons for opposing REAL ID, including costs, states’ rights, and privacy concerns. Despite facing opposition, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has continued to push for compliance. By 2016, 23 states were fully compliant with the REAL ID Act, while 27 states and territories were granted extensions, and six were noncompliant without extensions.
Over the years, the deadline for REAL ID compliance has been extended multiple times. Originally set for May 11, 2008, the deadline was pushed back to May 11, 2011, and then further extended to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Biden administration has now set the final deadline for May 7, 2025, to give states additional time to ensure their residents have compliant IDs.
Secretary Noem emphasized the importance of REAL ID in preventing illegal immigrants from traveling within the United States. She urged Americans to obtain a REAL ID to avoid being denied boarding on flights or facing travel delays. The implementation of REAL ID has been a long and contentious process, but it is finally coming to fruition as the deadline approaches.
