Biden Administration Proposes Delay on REAL ID Enforcement

The Biden administration proposed delaying the enforcement of the REAL ID regulations until May 2027. These regulations, approved by Congress in 2005, mandate new identification cards for boarding airplanes or entering federal buildings. Without the delay, significant operational disruptions and security vulnerabilities could arise.

The Biden administration on Thursday proposed delaying the full enforcement of new regulations requiring Americans to obtain new identification cards for boarding airplanes or entering federal buildings by up to another two years, setting a new deadline in May 2027. Initially approved by Congress in 2005, these stricter federal standards, known as REAL ID, have faced multiple delays in enforcement.

In December 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. Immediate enforcement could significantly impact U.S. airlines and airports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), part of DHS, announced Thursday it plans a 'phased approach' to the requirements through May 2027, with the potential for earlier full enforcement. TSA spokesperson Carter Langston urged travelers to obtain the new ID to avoid delays.

DHS warns that without the postponement, U.S. agencies could experience severe operational disruptions, negative public impacts, and potential security vulnerabilities. Despite the 2005 law setting minimum security standards for license issuance and production, over 124 million individuals still lack compliant IDs. TSA noted states and territories have only issued about 162 million REAL ID-compliant IDs, representing 56% of all state IDs. The agency indicated it might issue warnings or impose progressive consequences before fully enforcing the ID requirement.

Many Americans travel by air infrequently, and TSA may provide up to three warnings before barring travelers from future flights for noncompliant IDs. DHS emphasized that rejecting older IDs for an extended period could cause long lines, crowding, and confusion, potentially disrupting security personnel's procedures.

(With inputs from agencies.)