Enforcement of REAL ID regulations postponed for one year

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule in the Federal Register April 27 postponing enforcement of REAL ID regulations until October 1, 2021.

According to the final rule, beginning on that date, federal agencies may not accept a state issued driver's license or identification card for official purposes from any individual unless such license or card is a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card issued by a state that DHS has determined is in full compliance with REAL ID requirements.

Previously, the Transportation Security Administration, a division of DHS, had announced that, beginning October 1 of this year, every air traveler 18 years of age and older would need identification compliant with REAL ID requirements to fly within the United States. As noted above, the enforcement date has been postponed until October 1, 2021.

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and the U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential are listed by the TSA among the acceptable forms of REAL ID identification.

A listing of acceptable forms of identification is available on the TSA website. More information about REAL ID is also available on the TSA website.