Despite two decades of past deadlines and tough talk, the U.S. government estimates only 56% of driver’s licenses are considered REAL ID compliant. In Louisiana, Office of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Dan Casey says only 30% of Louisiana citizens are in compliance. That helps explain why the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) proposed, in September 2024, a softer rollout of REAL ID enforcement.
Officially, those who do not have a REAL ID before the deadline of May 7, 2025, will not be able to board domestic flights, for air travelers 18 years of age and older. The TSA’s September statement insists the agency is not extending the REAL ID deadline. “Instead, it would allow TSA to consider a phased enforcement approach,” so that after May 7 travelers without REAL ID could face delays at airport security checkpoints.” As Brooke Thorington with Louisiana Public Radio reports, Commissioner Casey says he’s also concerned those who wait could overwhelm them in May. “I strongly suggest going to ExpressLane.org and make an appointment. And while you're there, we'll give you a list of what you need.”
Notwithstanding the TSA’s proposed “softer rollout,” if you need to take a flight or enter a federal building after May 7, Casey says you’ll have to have a REAL ID, or you will need another form of approved identification, such as a valid passport, federal government Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card or U.S. military ID. “The only ones that don't need a real ID that go into a federal building will be ones in handcuffs.” OMVs will also be open on the Saturdays of March 15, April 12 and May 3 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
According to the TSA, REAL ID compliant cards are marked with a star at the top right hand corner of the card. State-issued enhanced driver’s licenses are also acceptable and are marked with a flag. The TSA suggests that you contact your state driver’s license agency if you’re not sure if you are in compliance.
REAL ID came about with The Real ID Act of 2005, which requires states to standardize driver’s licenses across the country. Civil rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), contend that beyond improving driver’s license security, “[I]ts actual effect is to turn those same licenses into national ID cards.” In short, the ACLU fears that the law could “facilitate the tracking of data on individuals and bring government into the very center of every citizen’s life.”
