In less than a month, U.S. travelers and permanent residents will need Real ID-compliant identification to board flights or enter federal buildings. This looming requirement has sparked anxiety across the country, as numerous states remain behind schedule.
The law, originally passed in 2005, aims to strengthen security for state-issued IDs, making them more difficult to forge or misuse. However, recent data shows that at least 17 states remain below 50% compliance, leaving a substantial number of travelers at risk of inconvenience or denied entry at airport checkpoints.
Understanding the Real ID requirements and the reasons behind widespread non-compliance
Obtaining a Real ID involves providing a valid identification document, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing state residency. Although states have had nearly 20 years to meet these standards, several have faced administrative backlogs and processing delays. Have you noticed long lines at your local DMV? This situation is increasingly common as last-minute applicants rush to get compliant licenses.
So far, 30 states are still below 70% compliance, prompting worries that many individuals may not have their new IDs in time. In fact, some travelers are concerned they will face extra screening on May 7 or miss flights altogether if they cannot verify their identity.
How specific states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania are handling these deadlines
Recent figures reveal that New Jersey has the lowest national compliance rate, at just 17%. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania reports 26%, and Washington and Maine are both at 27%. Officials note that high demand, pandemic-related delays, and limited staffing have slowed the process in many driver’s license agencies. Below is a brief table showing current compliance percentages in selected states:
| State | Compliance Percentage |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | 17% |
| Pennsylvania | 26% |
| Washington | 27% |
| Maine | 27% |
| New York | 43% |
New York stands at 43% compliance, and California has reached almost 55%. Both states have expanded office hours and urged residents to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute headaches.
What to expect at airport security and other federal checkpoints come May 7
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says it will enforce additional screening for anyone attempting to travel with a legacy ID after the Real ID deadline. That process could be time-consuming, so officials recommend arriving at least three hours before domestic flights if you lack a compliant license. In some cases, travelers who fail secondary identity checks may be denied access to security lines altogether.
Experts suggest that anyone needing a Real ID act now. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just planning a summer getaway, it’s worth taking a close look at your current license. Who wants to face extra hassles at the airport?
With the May 7 deadline fast approaching, the most critical step is to verify if your license meets Real ID standards. If not, gather the required documents and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Doing so can spare you stress on travel day and ensure you’re fully prepared for the new rules.