The United States Homeland Security Department announced on Monday that the legislation forcing citizens to acquire new identification cards will be postponed for two more years, coming into force in May 2025.
The decision was partially made due to the "lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic," the agency said. "This extension will give states needed time to ensure their residents can obtain a Real ID-compliant license or identification card," Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated, adding that the delay will make the process more efficient and accessible.
The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 in response to September 11 attacks to up the security standards and had been planned to come into effect in 2023. The new IDs will be required to gain access to a variety of services, including boarding domestic flights in the US.