Homeland Security to introduce REAL ID Act identification provisions

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released an update on how it’s enforcing the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, an act that establishes a procedure and standards for identification that can be used for official purposes at the federal level; the law’s enforcement started being implemented in stages last year, and the DHS has promised updates on the process throughout.

The DHS has announced that, as of this month, visitors seeking access to military bases and almost all federal facilities using their state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards must present proper identification issued by REAL ID compliant states or a state that has received an extension. When planning a visit to a federal facility or military base, visitors should contact the facility to determine what identification will be accepted.

So far, most U.S. states and territories have federally approved IDs or have asked for an extension on complying with the new rules for logistical reasons. New York, New Hampshire, Minnesota and Louisiana have not complied with the new regulations.

The DHS continues to work with noncompliant states to determine whether they will be eligible to receive REAL ID compliance extensions. Homeland Security will allow a three month grace period before the expiration of current extensions become effective. During this period, federal agencies may continue to accept driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by states whose extension has expired.

This update only affects what ID is acceptable at federal facilities and military bases and does not affect what identification is allowed to be shown at airports in the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will continue to accept valid driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by all states until the DHS announces the schedule for any changes to air travel requirements.