REAL ID has become a real nightmare because only 56% of

The United States recently marked the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, but the recommendations of the September 11 Commission have yet to be fully implemented. One of the biggest recommendations was REAL ID, which is essentially an enhanced driver’s license for identity verification.

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While the specifics vary by state, drivers will need to provide additional information, such as a birth certificate or U.S. passport, when applying for a REAL ID. This will be critical because starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID to board federally regulated commercial aircraft and to enter nuclear power plants and certain federal facilities.

MORE: Arizona becomes first state to allow digital driver’s licenses on Apple devices for air travel

Airports will be most impacted, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently releasing disturbing statistics. With less than a year until implementation, only about 56% of driver’s licenses or identification cards (DL/IDs) in circulation nationwide in January were REAL ID compliant. Additionally, in 22 states, less than 40% of DL/IDs in circulation were REAL ID compliant.

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This comes despite the fact that the REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 and was originally set to be implemented in 2008. However, the bill has been delayed, with the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking noting that “…due to the history of delays associated with REAL ID implementation, DHS believes that the public may continue to anticipate that there may be additional delays and not feel a rush to obtain a REAL ID.” However, the administration was very adamant about the deadline and hinted that there could be a “last-minute surge” in demand for REAL IDs.

This could create a nightmare scenario for air travel, and the TSA is prepared for that possibility. While they don’t plan to extend the deadline, they want “flexibility” to implement REAL ID in a way that “balances security, operational risks, and public impact.”

Specifically, they are considering “phased enforcement” to help minimize potential impacts on travelers. The proposal is long and largely empty of specifics, but it calls for agencies to coordinate phased enforcement plans with the Department of Homeland Security and begin full enforcement by May 5, 2027.

How this plays out remains to be seen, but it’s not hard to imagine TSA agents reminding passengers with noncompliant IDs that they need to get a REAL ID as soon as possible. The next phase could require additional searches or proof of having applied for a REAL ID, and the final phase would be to only accept REAL IDs.

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