REAL ID: States request more time, question rollout days before deadline

The Trump administration has made it clear that there will be no exceptions for REAL ID compliance, despite a request for an extension from Kentucky lawmakers. The deadline for compliance is set for May 7, and states will need to adhere to this deadline or face consequences.

Passengers will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or military ID, to fly starting on May 7. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has stated that they are committed to enforcing this law as directed by Congress. Non-compliant passengers may face longer wait times or additional measures at airports, and illegal aliens without a REAL ID will only be permitted to fly if they are self-deporting.

Kentucky lawmakers, led by Senate Transportation Committee Chair Jimmy Higdon, had requested a delay in REAL ID enforcement due to concerns about limited appointment availability and long lines at driver’s licensing services. However, the Trump administration has rejected this request, stating that Kentucky and other states must comply by the May 7 deadline.

Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island also expressed concerns about potential delays at TSA security checkpoints and the number of travelers who still do not have a compliant form of identification. Despite these concerns, the Trump administration has signaled that the deadline will not be extended.

Since the REAL ID Act was signed into law in 2005, states and advocacy groups have pushed back against its implementation citing costs, states’ rights, and privacy concerns. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has been a vocal opponent of REAL ID, calling it discriminatory, expensive, burdensome, invasive, and ultimately counterproductive.

As the deadline for REAL ID compliance approaches, states like Kentucky are scrambling to ensure that their residents have the necessary identification. While opposition to REAL ID implementation has been strong over the years, the Trump administration is making it clear that compliance is non-negotiable. Americans are advised to make sure they have a REAL ID or other compliant identification before the May 7 deadline to avoid any travel disruptions.