TSA proposes soft rollout of Real ID enforcement

(The Center Square) – The Transportation Security Administration is proposing a new rule that could change the way they handle travelers without a Real ID next year.

While the approaching deadline of May 7, 2025 is still in place, the TSA has proposed a plan that would delay full enforcement for another two years. The agency said the proposal stems from fears over what could happen if they must deny entry to those not complying starting in 2025.

Officials warn that travelers without a REAL ID compliant ID or another form of acceptable ID after the deadline could face delays at airport security checkpoints.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said it is important to avoid the last-minute rush and get a Real ID.

“I can’t emphasize enough that we strongly encourage residents to get real before the deadline to avoid any added headaches at our airports or our DMV facilities,” said Giannoulias.

Some worry the long history of the Department of Homeland Security setting deadlines for Real ID compliance, only to extend them as they approached, could make Americans complacent about upgrading their license.

“The deadline to get a Real ID has changed so many times that it is difficult to keep track,” said Giannoulias. “I get it.”

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 after the publication of the 9/11 Commission Report in an effort to increase security of identification documents, making them more difficult to forge or duplicate. Several of the 19 hijackers in the 2001 terrorist attacks used state-issued driver's licenses to board the planes they later crashed.

The cost of a Real ID is the same as a standard license.