TSA proposes REAL ID enforcement flexibilities

On Thursday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) proposed new rules that would provide federal agencies with the flexibility to enforce REAL ID regulations.

The proposed rule would ensure that federal agencies, including TSA, can enforce REAL ID requirements starting May 7, 2025. Officials said the proposed rule doesn’t extend the REAL ID deadline, but would allow TSA and other agencies to consider a phased enforcement approach to the identification cards’ implantation. Travelers without a REAL ID compliant ID or other forms of acceptable ID after the implementation deadline could face travel delays at airport security checkpoints, officials said.

“TSA is engaging with the public, licensing jurisdictions and states to facilitate a smooth transition to REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said. “REAL ID provides an important security enhancement, and this rule allows us to plan for a range of scenarios to help minimize the potential impact to travelers, industry stakeholders and states during implementation.”

The REAL ID Act, enacted after the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation, established stricter security standards for state-issued drivers’ licenses and identification cards to be used when boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft, accessing certain federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants. Officials said enforcing the REAL ID Act and verifying travelers’ identities is foundation to national security. Regulations surrounding the REAL ID Act would enhance TSA’s ability to accurately verify a traveler’s identity document, the agency said.

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