April 11, 2025
No more extensions. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem reaffirms on X that May 7 remains the deadline.
Starting May 7, you will need a Real ID to travel by air or to visit federal buildings in the United States. These IDs keep our country safe because they help prevent fraud and they enhance security. Please do your part to protect our country. Go today, and don’t delay.
May 6, 2025
Noem tells members of the House Appropriations Committee that travelers who have not obtained a Real ID will still be able to fly after the May 7 deadline. However, they will be subject to additional security screenings.
Noem says, “If [a traveler’s ID is] not compliant, they may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step, but people will be allowed to fly.”
She does not indicate how long this arrangement will last.
I haven’t gotten one yet, but it sounds like I’ll be forced to if I want to visit family.
You can get a passport card instead if you want, it has the added advantage of not having your address on it if you are that paranoid about leaking information to TSA