Is Real ID Required Yet?

is real id required yet

Is Real ID Required Yet?

After 9/11, lawmakers passed the REAL ID Act. This requires states to meet minimum security standards when issuing licenses and prohibits federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and ID cards issued by states not complying with it. Critics allege this legislation amounts to an attempt at creating a national ID system while simultaneously collecting more data on residents from each state while placing more burden on state governments.

As a response to COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security has postponed full enforcement of REAL ID until May 3, 2023 – this means current Illinois drivers’ licenses and ID cards as well as passports will still be valid forms of ID for domestic air travel as well.

The agency cites an extension as necessary, given many DMV offices were closed during the early months of pandemic and now require time to catch up on renewing credentials of customers who need it. Furthermore, it gives more people time to receive their new cards before domestic flights end on May 3.

These new cards will differ slightly from traditional driver’s licenses in that they require people to verify their identity and legal status within the country, in addition to providing their Social Security number. Furthermore, these new cards feature a machine-readable zone so border patrol officers could scan them quickly to detect anyone attempting to illegally cross into another country.