The REAL ID full enforcement date has been set for May 7, 2025, since December 5, 2022. On that date, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a 24-month extension, shifting the deadline from May 3, 2023, to May 7, 2025. This extension was supposedly intended to give states more time to ensure residents’ driver’s licenses and IDs meet the REAL ID Act’s security standards.
It’s possible the May 7, 2025, deadline was chosen to let the incoming president address the issue after taking office in January 2025.
Why was the REAL ID deadline moved to May 7, 2025? Is it truly just about giving states time to update licenses, or could it be a strategic move to pass the issue to the next president? Share your thoughts below!