People looking to fly domestically but still haven’t upgraded to Real ID might have some more time before they have to worry.
A proposed rule change by the TSA would still be required beginning on May 7 but would allow federal agencies more flexibility and a phased enforcement policy with full enforcement required by May 5, 2027 instead.
It would be up to TSA to come up with a phased enforcement plan for implementing the Real ID requirements. The proposed rule change suggests the agency would “begin enforcement by issuing warning notices or through progressive consequences” like a three-strike system, depending on what they think would work best.
The flexibility and the fact that people have been slow to make the change throughout the country are necessary because “DHS believes federal agencies could face a serious risk of operational disruption, negative public impact, and potential security vulnerabilities.”
According to the proposal, as of January 2024, only about 56% of the licenses and government issued identification cards in use around the country comply with Real ID. In 34 states that number is less than 60% and in 22 states is less than 40%.
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The agencies are aware that the public might not take the deadline seriously as well and noted that “because of the history of extensions related to Real ID enforcement, DHS believes that the public may continue to expect that additional extensions are likely and not feel urgency to obtain a Real ID.”
Real ID in New Jersey
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has an appointment system at agency locations for residents interested in upgrading as well as mobile unit events.
In order to get a Real ID, residents should check REALID.nj.gov to make sure they bring all the required documents -- two proofs of residential address, one verifiable Social Security number, and identity documents that add up to six Real ID Points -- to their appointment.
The state started issuing the Real ID in September 2019. The deadline was initially October 2020 but was pushed back to October 2021 due to the pandemic. The federal government opted to push it back again to May 2023, as new COVID-19 variants continued to wreak havoc on motor vehicle agencies throughout the country. In 2022, officials delayed it a third time, to May 2025.
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After the deadline, standard driver's licenses or non-driver identification cards can no longer be used to fly within the U.S. A passport is also a valid form of identification for domestic travel.
No one is required to get Real ID. A standard driver's license or non-driver identification card can still be used to drive in New Jersey, but it will no longer be a valid form of federal identification.
Why will Real ID be required?
The REAL ID Act, which was enacted following the 9/11 Commission's recommendation, established minimum security standards for state-issued drivers’ licenses and identification cards for the purpose of boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft, accessing certain federal facilities and entering nuclear power plants.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Real ID deadline may be delayed (again) with proposed phased enforcement
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