As the May 7 deadline for implementing the REAL ID requirement approaches, many U.S. residents are scrambling to obtain compliant identification to board flights or enter federal buildings. The law, delayed for 20 years, demands stricter identity verification standards, causing an influx of appointments at DMVs across the nation, with some states experiencing severe backlogs. States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York report low compliance rates, prompting concerns over potential travel disruptions, especially as the summer travel season nears. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that a significant number of citizens may not have compliant IDs by the deadline, despite projections that up to 66% of ID holders will be compliant. State lawmakers in places like Kentucky have requested delays in enforcement, citing difficulties residents face in securing the new IDs due to limited appointments and long wait times at DMV offices.

The REAL ID Act, set to be enforced from May 7, 2025, requires U.S. residents to have a compliant ID to board flights or enter federal buildings, following a delay of 20 years since its passage in 2005.

REAL IDs are issued by state DMVs and require additional documentation like proof of state residency and a certified birth certificate, complicating the process for many residents.

Compliance rates vary widely across the U.S., with states like New Jersey showing the lowest rate at 17%, while New York and Pennsylvania are at 43% and 26% respectively, raising concerns about travel disruptions.

The Department of Homeland Security projects that 66% of ID holders might have compliant IDs by the deadline, but some states are still struggling, leading to last-minute rushes and appointment shortages at DMVs.

Lawmakers in states such as Kentucky are seeking a delay in enforcement due to the challenges faced by residents, including long wait times and limited access to DMV appointments, which could impede on summer travel plans.

The Transportation Security Administration has warned of potential long wait times and travel disruptions for those without compliant IDs, stressing the importance of obtaining a REAL ID to avoid issues at airports.

The patchwork compliance across states is attributed to the decentralized nature of DMVs, where each state has different levels of preparedness for the new federal standards.