***Photo:*** ***Global Residence Index*** / ***Unsplash***

On April 11, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the enforcement of Americans having a REAL ID to travel domestically. Additionally, if one wishes to access federal facilities, or enter nuclear power plants, a REAL ID must be used to gain entry into those places.

The deadline for having a REAL ID for these purposes is May 7. After that date, travelers must have REAL compliant IDs to travel throughout the US. A US passport is REAL ID compliant and may be used instead of a REAL ID driver’s license for said purposes.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) explains what a REAL ID compliant driver’s license looks like. For instance, it must have certain symbols near the top of the license. Regular state licenses without these symbols do not qualify as REAL IDs and will not be accepted for US travel. (See image from DHS website below):

The TSA explained the rationale behind enforcing REAL ID requirements:

“The Real ID requirement bolsters safety by making fraudulent IDs harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists. TSA will implement REAL ID effectively and efficiently, continuing to ensure the safety and security of passengers while also working to minimize operational disruptions at airports.”

The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 in light of the attacks on September 11. However, it was not fully enforced until April 11.

The enforcement of REAL ID has received backlash from some conservative political figures, chiefly Representative Thomas Massie. He began his criticism in a response to a post from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem:

If “Real ID” actually proves who people are, why do we need E-verify? 🤦‍♂️ https://t.co/pkX6tCmPOm
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) April 12, 2025

Massie further expressed his opposition to the enforcement of REAL IDs in a post on X:

Real ID isn’t a database.

It’s proof that your physical person matches an entry in the digital database.

Its power & purpose will be realized when everyone complies, but not before.

This is responsive to “I didn’t give them much information, I’ve had one for years, why worry?”
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) April 14, 2025

Massie later said that the “Real ID is a 2005 George Bush era Patriot Act overreach that went completely unenforced until Trump got into office. Let me guess: he’s playing 4D chess and I should just go along with it?”

In response to the question “Is DHS trying to build a national database with all of our information?” the DHS explains:

“REAL ID is a national set of standards, not a national identification card. REAL ID does not create a federal database of driver license information. Each jurisdiction continues to issue its own unique license, maintains its own records, and controls who gets access to those records and under what circumstances. The purpose of REAL ID is to make our identity documents more consistent and secure.”

Katie Williams