The real deadline for the REAL ID is rapidly approaching.
The REAL ID law was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005 at the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. It was put in place to help prevent any types of similar terror attacks in the future.
“The hijackers back on 911 had more than 30 false ID cards”, said Dan Velez, TSA spokesperson for New England. “So with the REAL ID Act, what they’re trying to do is to make it so that people aren’t just using fraudulent IDs anytime they’re traveling, especially by plane.”
Valez said that while the implementation of the REAL ID has been delayed multiple times, this time, it’s for real.
“It will not be delayed again,” Valez said.
The REAL ID looks like your current driver’s license. The only difference is a star in the upper right corner. You will need the REAL ID if you use your license to travel by airplane. Travelers won’t get through security and possibly won’t get on a plane without the Real ID. The deadline is May 7th, 2025, just six months away.