US Proposes Delaying Full Enforcement of Stricter ID Rules Until May 2027, Reports Reuters

By David Shepardson

The Biden administration has proposed delaying the full enforcement of new identification card regulations, which would require Americans to obtain new IDs in order to board airplanes or access federal buildings. If approved, the new deadline for compliance would be pushed to May 2027, an extension of up to two additional years.

In 2005, Congress enacted stricter federal standards for issuing identification cards, but the implementation has faced multiple delays. Recently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) postponed the "REAL ID" enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025.

Immediate enforcement of these requirements could significantly affect U.S. airlines and airports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a component of DHS responsible for airport security, stated its intention to implement a "phased approach" to these requirements through May 2027, with the possibility of starting full enforcement sooner.

TSA spokesperson Carter Langston emphasized the need for travelers to obtain the new ID to avoid potential delays, urging them not to wait. DHS has expressed that without this extension, U.S. agencies might encounter operational disruptions, public safety issues, and heightened security concerns.

The law that established the new ID standards was a response to a recommendation from the Sept. 11, 2001, commission, which called for the government to standardize the issuance of identification sources, including driver’s licenses. The legislation sets minimum security benchmarks for the issuance and production of these IDs.

A significant challenge remains: over 124 million people in the U.S. do not have compliant IDs. According to DHS, approximately 162 million REAL ID-compliant IDs have been issued, representing about 56% of all state IDs.

The TSA noted that agencies might choose to issue warning notices or implement progressive consequences instead of strictly enforcing the ID requirement starting next May. Given that many Americans fly only once or twice a year, TSA indicated it may provide up to three warnings before restricting travel for those lacking a new ID.

DHS has indicated that it "expects very few agencies to adopt an enforcement strategy that tracks individual violations of compliance."

The TSA highlighted that prolonging the acceptance of older IDs could result in lengthy lines and congestion at federal facilities and airport security points. Additionally, the agency warned that confusion and frustration among individuals denied access could divert security personnel’s attention from proper procedures.