Biden Administration Proposes Delay on REAL ID Enforcement

The Biden administration proposed a two-year delay in enforcing REAL ID regulations, pushing the deadline to May 2027. The Department of Homeland Security aims to avoid significant impact on U.S. airlines and airports by implementing a phased approach. Over 124 million Americans still lack compliant IDs.

The Biden administration on Thursday proposed delaying full enforcement of new regulations requiring Americans to obtain new identification cards to board airplanes or enter federal buildings by another two years, now set for May 2027.

Originally approved by Congress in 2005, the federal standards for issuing identification cards have faced repeated delays. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pushed back the 'REAL ID' enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025, last December.

Immediate enforcement could severely impact U.S. airlines and airports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a DHS division overseeing airport security checkpoints, announced its intention for a 'phased approach' to the requirements through May 2027.

DHS warns that without the postponement, U.S. agencies could encounter significant operational disruptions, negative public fallout, and potential security risks. The 2005 law originated from the Sept. 11 commission's recommendation that the U.S. government set standards for issuing identification sources, like driver's licenses. This law established minimum security standards for license issuance and production.

A major concern is that more than 124 million Americans still don't possess compliant IDs. DHS estimates that roughly 162 million REAL ID-compliant licenses or IDs have been issued, covering only 56% of the population. TSA suggested using warning notices or progressive consequences instead of immediately enforcing the ID requirement starting in May.

(With inputs from agencies.)