SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – You’ll have a bit longer to get your REAL ID in case you don’t have one already.
The Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday announced the extension for people to have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification from the original deadline of Oct. 1 to 19 months later – May 3, 2023.
The original deadline was scheduled for Oct. 1.
DHS said the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic was the biggest factor behind the delay, with many driver’s licensing agencies still operating at limited capacity.
Beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel.
According to DHS, 43% of all state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards are currently REAL ID-compliant.