For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON – As first announced in December 2013, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to provide updates for states, local law enforcement, and federal facilities on the ongoing enforcement of the REAL ID Act as passed by Congress.

Starting October 10, visitors seeking access to military bases and almost all Federal facilities using their state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards must present proper identification issued by REAL ID compliant states or a state that has received an extension. When planning a visit to a Federal facility or military base, visitors should contact the facility to determine what identification will be accepted.

To be clear, this update does not affect identification shown at airports in the United States. Until announced otherwise, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will continue to accept valid driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by all states. DHS plans to announce the schedule for any changes to air travel requirements by the end of the year, and will ensure that state governments and the traveling public are notified at least 120 days in advance of implementation.

DHS continues to work with noncompliant states to determine whether they will be eligible to receive extensions to comply with REAL ID standards as mandated by Congress. DHS will allow for a three month grace period before the expiration of current extensions become effective. During this period, federal agencies may continue to accept driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by states whose extension has expired.   

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. States have made considerable progress in meeting this key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission and every state has a more secure driver’s license today than before the passage of the Act.

For more information on REAL ID, visit here.

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