It is the second time that the full entry into force of the federal parameters for driver’s licenses and identity documents has been delayed. The authorities explain that it is due to the pandemic
Photo: tsa .gov
Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), announced Tuesday that his department will extend 19 months the complete application of the REAL ID . Therefore, the full entry into force passes from October 1, 2021 to May 3, 2023 .
In a press release, DHS explains that COVID pandemic – 18 is the cause of this decision. The same motive made in March of 2020, to beginning of the health crisis, the 2021 . Full entry into force was then scheduled to be October 1, 2020, just one year earlier.
“The pandemic has significantly impacted the ability of states to issue driver’s licenses and identification cards that comply with REAL ID, ”explains the department. Many state agency offices in charge of issuing these documents continue to operate with limited capacity , which is slowing down this and other procedures.
appointment changes in the agencies that issue driver’s licenses and identity documents have affected a good part of the country’s offices. DHS notes that only the 43% of driver’s licenses and identity documents meet REAL ID parameters as of today . In addition, it ensures that both the federal agency and several states “need time to implement the requirements required by the REAL ID Modernization Act.”
DHS ensures that in In the next few days it will publish a provisional final rule that makes this change in the execution date effective.
“Protecting the health and safety of our communities is our main priority” said Secretary Mayorkas. “As our country continues to recover from the COVID pandemic – 19, extending the total REAL ID lead time will give states the time needed to reopen its driver license operations and ensure its residents can obtain a license or identification card that complies with REAL ID ”.
The change announced this Wednesday makes it as of May 3, 2023 when anyone from 18 years or more who want to travel by plane need a driver’s license or an identification card adapted to federal law . With this identity document, accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you can pass the airport security control for domestic trips .
The REAL ID law and its regulations apply to 50 states of the country, the District of Columbia and four of the five United States territories . These administrations have already been issuing cards with REAL IDs, although there have been of documents even before the pandemic.
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