US proposes delaying full enforcement of stricter ID rules until up to May 2027

The Biden administration on Thursday proposed delaying full enforcement of new regulations requiring Americans to get new identification cards in order to board airplanes or enter a federal building by up to another two years to May 2027. Congress in 2005 approved new, stricter federal standards for issuing identification cards but enforcement has been pushed back repeatedly. The Department of Homeland Security had in December 2022 pushed back the "REAL ID" enforcement deadline until May 7, 2025. Enforcing the requirements immediately could have a significant impact on U.S. airlines and airports. The TSA, which is part of DHS and oversees airport security checkpoints, said Thursday it wants to implement a "phased approach" to the requirements through May 2027 but could begin full enforcement earlier. TSA spokesperson Carter Langston said the agency's message to travelers is get the new ID to avoid delays. "Don't wait," Langston said. DHS believes that without the postponement, U.S. agencies could face a serious risk of operational disruption, negative public impact, and potential security vulnerabilities. The 2005 law enacted the Sept. 11, 2001, commission's recommendation that the U.S. government "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses." The law sets minimum security standards for license issuance and production.<br/>