The May 7th deadline for REAL ID-compliant identification for domestic flights has arrived, causing significant disruption at airports across the US. While 81% of travelers reportedly have compliant identification, the remaining 19% face potential delays and disruptions due to the enforcement of the long-delayed mandate.
Passed in 2005, the REAL ID Act aimed to improve national security but faced numerous delays due to concerns over privacy, cost, and implementation challenges. The law's opponents, including the ACLU and Electronic Frontier Foundation, argue it enhances government surveillance and functions as a de facto national identification card, potentially infringing on civil liberties.
Compliance rates vary widely across states, with some achieving near-total compliance, while others, like New Jersey and Illinois, struggle to meet the demand. The lack of preparedness is leading to significant lines at DMVs and resulting airport delays. The article highlights examples of states with high compliance and those with significantly low compliance, noting the immense effort people are taking to obtain REAL ID compliant documents.
Although the deadline is in place, travelers without REAL ID still have options:
The article concludes by predicting substantial delays and confusion at TSA checkpoints in the coming months as the full impact of the REAL ID enforcement becomes apparent.