REAL ID Deadline Arrives With Long DMV Lines

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REAL ID Deadline Arrives With Long DMV Lines \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ As the REAL ID deadline hits, Homeland Security confirmed travelers without the new ID can still fly—after extra identity checks. Long lines formed at DMVs nationwide as residents rushed to comply. Officials stressed that passports and other valid IDs will still be accepted at airports.

Quick Looks

REAL ID deadline arrives Wednesday, but travelers without one can still board flights.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says extra checks will be required, but flying is allowed.
81% of Americans already have a REAL ID, according to DHS.
Passports and tribal IDs accepted as alternatives at security checkpoints.
DMVs across the country extended hours, but lines remain long in many states.
TSA urges early arrival for non-REAL ID holders to allow time for extra screening.
REAL ID was first recommended by the 9/11 Commission and passed in 2005.
The rule has been delayed multiple times, with this week’s deadline the latest enforcement.
California reports only 58% REAL ID compliance, despite extended DMV hours.
REAL ID also required to access federal buildings and facilities.

Deep Look

After nearly two decades of delays, the REAL ID Act—originally passed in 2005 as part of a sweeping effort to strengthen national security—has finally entered its enforcement phase. While the federal government had long signaled that the law’s provisions would eventually take effect, the official enforcement deadline has now arrived, prompting long lines, last-minute scrambles, and a flurry of questions from travelers unsure of what to expect at the airport.

Yet despite the urgency, Homeland Security officials have confirmed that travelers who lack a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card will still be allowed to fly, provided they present alternative identification and submit to additional identity verification at airport checkpoints.

Speaking before a congressional panel on Tuesday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized a message of flexibility: “People will be allowed to fly,” she said, assuring the public that delays would be minimized and that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared to handle travelers lacking the upgraded ID.

What Is a REAL ID—and Why Now?

The REAL ID Act was born from a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission, which found that the hijackers behind the attacks exploited weaknesses in state-level ID systems to evade detection. The law mandates federal security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards, making them acceptable for access to federal buildings, military bases, and domestic flights.

To comply, IDs must meet specific documentation and authentication criteria and feature a special star or symbol (varies by state) in the top corner. While the law was passed in 2005, enforcement has been postponed multiple times due to bureaucratic hurdles, public backlash, COVID-19 disruptions, and concerns about access and implementation.

Now, nearly 20 years later, the federal government is taking the final steps to enforce it. But the rollout, like the law itself, remains uneven and imperfect.

The Rush to Comply

In the days leading up to the deadline, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices in states like California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania reported hours-long wait times. Many offices extended hours and hired extra staff, but the sheer volume of last-minute applicants outpaced their capacity.

California, for instance, reported that only 58% of eligible residents currently have a REAL ID-compliant card, well below the 81% national average touted by Secretary Noem.

“I’ve been here for three hours for a license that I thought didn’t expire until 2029,” said Renel Leggett, a college student in West Chester, Pennsylvania. “It feels like a waste of time—but you have to do it.”

In contrast, some states like Mississippi reported a much smoother experience. At the Driver Services Bureau in Jackson, lines moved swiftly, and residents like Marion Henderson said they were simply getting ahead of the requirement before traveling later this year.

Still Flying Without a REAL ID? You’re Not Grounded

A key takeaway for travelers is that you can still board a domestic flight without a REAL ID, as long as you bring an acceptable form of federally recognized identification. That includes:

A valid U.S. passport or passport card
A Department of Defense ID
A tribal identification card
A permanent resident card (Green Card)

However, TSA warns that passengers without a REAL ID may face enhanced screening procedures, and are strongly encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes earlier than usual.

“I do not believe this will cause people to miss their flights,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “But people need to take personal responsibility and allow extra time.”

Why Critics Remain Skeptical

While the federal government has framed the REAL ID law as a critical national security measure, critics argue that it represents a costly and bureaucratic burden for little practical gain. Privacy advocates have raised concerns that the act creates a de facto national ID system, which could be misused in the future. Others say it places an unfair burden on elderly, disabled, rural, and low-income populations, who often struggle to produce the multiple documents needed to obtain the compliant ID.

Even some travelers who support the goal question its real-world value.

“I’m using my passport because I don’t have a REAL ID,” said Lucas Krump, who was flying from Newark to San Francisco. “It just feels like more government overreach. We’ve been flying safely for years without this.”

Others have noted that passports are already more secure than any state-issued ID, making the requirement for an additional, upgraded ID seem redundant for many law-abiding travelers.

Why This Still Matters

Despite the criticism, DHS insists the policy is long overdue. In a recent PSA, Secretary Noem warned: “These IDs keep our country safe.” Officials also point to the fact that over 80% of travelers are already in compliance, a number that continues to rise.

From a federal policy standpoint, the REAL ID mandate is viewed not just as a matter of security, but as a baseline standardization effort—ensuring that, regardless of state, government-issued IDs meet consistent verification standards nationwide.

The policy also impacts access beyond airports: those without a REAL ID won’t be able to enter certain federal buildings, military bases, or nuclear facilities without alternative credentials. For federal employees, contractors, and frequent travelers, this could present serious logistical headaches.

What Happens Next?

The real test will come over the next few weeks, as travelers either adapt to the new system or run into bottlenecks at security checkpoints. TSA and DHS officials have vowed to monitor the rollout closely and adjust procedures as needed to prevent significant delays.

Meanwhile, states like California have already extended DMV hours into late June to help residents catch up. Officials there are reminding the public that if you already have a passport or military ID, you can wait until your license renewal date to upgrade to a REAL ID.

For most travelers, the message is simple: You can still fly. But the process might take longer if you’re not prepared.