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By Beth Stibal |

DHS postpones Real ID deadline for air travelers, again

Real ID
In this undated image created by Kentucky Motor Vehicle Licensing, Kentuckians will need a new driver’s license by 2020 in order to board domestic flights. A bill moving through the state legislature would update Kentucky’s licensing procedures to comply with the federal Real ID Act. The optional new license, left, would have a star surrounded by a gold circle in the top right corner. People who opt out would have a license, right, that includes the words “Not for federal identification.”

(850 WFTL) — After the 9/11 terror attacks, Congress passed the federal REAL ID Act in 2005. Florida began issuing REAL ID driver’s licenses and state ID cards 2010. But now, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has again delayed the deadline for air travelers to have a REAL ID another two years to May 7, 2025.
This is the third time the deadline has been extended.
The new identification rules mandate any flyer over 18 will need to have a REAL ID-issued driver’s license or another federally approved identification card to fly domestically.

“DHS continues to work closely with U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories to meet REAL ID requirements,” DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement about the latest delay. “This extension will give states needed time to ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card. DHS will also use this time to implement innovations to make the process more efficient and accessible. We will continue to ensure that the American public can travel safely.”