The US Department of Homeland Security has finalised an implementation timetable for states to comply with Real ID legislation, with complete compliance envisioned by 2020.In a press statement, the DHS Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson wrote that by 22 January, 2018, air travellers with a non-Real ID compliant driver's license or ID will need alternative documentation.He underlined that the legislation had its origins in 2004, when the 9/11 Commission recommended that the US government set standards for the issuance of "sources of identification, such as driver's licenses."The Commission recognized that "[s]ources of identification are the last opportunity to ensure that people are who they say they are and to check whether they are terrorists."In accordance with that recommendation, Congress enacted the REAL ID Act. For a license or identification card to be REAL ID compliant, the state issuing it must, for example, incorporate anti-counterfeit technology into the card, verify the applicant's identity, and conduct background checks for employees involved in issuing driver's licenses.While 23 states are fully compliant with the REAL ID Act, 27 states and territories have been granted extensions for a period of time to become compliant. However, six states and territories – Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Washington, and American Samoa – are noncompliant and do not currently have extensions.While from January 22, 2018, travellers holding non-compliant ID will need passports, the DHS adds that from October 1, 2020, that every air traveller will need a REAL ID-compliant license, or another acceptable form of identification, for domestic air travel.
DHS confirms final schedule for Real ID implementation
