Vidostream | News, sport and opinion from the Vidostream's US Edition

https://vidostream.com

REAL ID took 20 years to become reality. What took so long?

For nearly twenty years, the U.S. government has been telling Americans that their state-issued driver's license or nondriver identification will not be enough to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, only to have the deadline repeatedly pushed back. But starting May 7, no more delays—or excuses.

In just under two weeks, the Department of Homeland Security will begin enforcing a 2005 law requiring all passengers over the age of 18 to show a security-enhanced REAL ID issued by their state or another federally recognized document, including a U.S. passport.

With the enforcement deadline looming, here's what you should know about the REAL ID Act and why it took so long to implement.

 

Department of Homeland Security promotional photo encouraging U.S. residents to get a REAL ID before May 7, 2025
Department of Homeland Security promotional photo encouraging U.S. residents to get a REAL ID before May 7, 2025. U.S. Department Of Homeland Security Handout

 

What is the REAL ID Act? And why did it take 20 years to implement?

In 2004, Congress passed a law requiring a national digital identification system, intended to improve security for state-issued driver's licenses and personal identification cards after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

The security measure, known as the REAL ID Act, was signed into law by former President George W. Bush a year later.

Under the law, people who want a state-issued driver's license or identification card must verify their full legal name, Social Security number, and proof of residency and lawful status to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The state would then connect its license databases to a national electronic network.

 

3 essential tips to get your REAL ID

REAL ID is becoming the nationwide standard for state-issued identification. Don't wait. Learn how to get yours.

But, according to Reuters, federal law did not provide states with funds to make the changes. In 2007, at least 13 states opposed the ID card, saying it would cost billions of dollars to administer and increase risks to privacy.

Enforcement was repeatedly delayed due to widespread opposition and refusal by state governments to implement, but by 2012, states began to comply. After numerous extensions by 2020, most states were in compliance, but COVID-19 halted all efforts until December 2022.

The federal agency said that state motor vehicle departments need more time to clear the backlog of applications created by the pandemic, and allowed the deadline to continue until May 2025.

Real ID Act, enforcement timeline

Here are some key dates tied to the Real ID Act and the delayed rollout:

  • July 2004: 9/11 Commission releases report recommending the establishment of secure identification standards
  • Jan. 26, 2005: The Real ID Act of 2005 was introduced to the House by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI)
  • Feb. 10, 2005: The House passes the bill
  •  April 21, 2005: The Senate passes the bill
  • May 11, 2005: Former President George W. Bush signs The REAL ID Act into law
  • Jan. 29, 2008: The Department of Homeland Security published a final rule with an original deadline for compliance on May 11, 2008.
  • Oct. 9, 2013: DHS announces phased-in implementation for REAL ID slated to begin Jan. 20, 2014.
  • March 2017: Twenty-five states were out of compliance with the REAL ID Act, and twenty-one of those states were granted an extension to comply with the law.
  • March 2020: DHS extends card-based enforcement deadline to Oct. 1, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • December 2022: The Department of Homeland Security said that state motor vehicle departments need more time to clear the backlog of applications created by the pandemic, and allowed the deadline to continue until May 2025.
  • May 7, 2025: REAL ID enforcement scheduled to begin.

Author: Amaris Encinas USA TODAY

Source: USA Today

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy.
You did not use the site, Click here to remain logged. Timeout: 60 second