Johnson releases statement on final phase of REAL ID implementation

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson released a statement on Friday regarding the implementation of the REAL ID Act’s final phase and what it means for certain states going forward.

Passed in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the government set standards for issuance of sources of identification, including driver’s licenses. It also established minimum security standards for state-issued identification and prohibited the acceptance of identification that does not meet such standards.

Currently, 23 states are compliant with the new standards. Twenty-seven states and territories have been given extensions to convert their IDs for compliance while six states and territories — Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Washington and American Samoa — do not have any extensions available at this time.

“The overall goal of the REAL ID Act passed by Congress is to prevent the fraudulent issuance and use of driver’s licenses and identification cards, thereby ensuring the safety and security of the American public,” Johnson said. “Given today’s threat environment, this requirement is as relevant now as it was when the 9/11 Commission recommended it.”

Until Jan 22, 2018, travelers will not have to adjust their travel plans. After that date, passengers will be required to have a REAL ID Act-compliant form of identification for all air travel.