REAL ID

Since its passage, Governors have supported the intent and purpose behind the REAL ID Act to increase security and standardize the issuance of state driver’s licenses and identification cards. States and territories have and continue to invest their resources to raise public awareness, provide timely REAL ID services, and adopt best practices to achieve feasible REAL ID benchmarks.

DHS has announced an extension of the REAL ID full enforcement date to May 7, 2025, in order to ensure that all Americans have a chance to acquire a REAL ID. We encourage everyone to get their REAL ID when the opportunity arises, such as when renewing your driver’s license, and not wait until the deadline.

Listen to NGA’s discussion with Federal Drive with Tom Temin regarding States, Territories, and REAL ID. Transcript available here.


NGA Actions on REAL ID

NGA REAL ID Letter to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation

The nation’s governors want to work with Congress and DHS to enhance the REAL ID Act and we look forward finding workable, cost-effective solutions that can increase the security and ...

National Governors Association Advocates Extension of REAL ID Deadline

March 17, 2020 The Honorable Chad WolfActing SecretaryDepartment of Homeland SecurityWashington, D.C. 20528 Dear Acting Secretary Wolf: Governors, states and territories across the country are rapidly mobilizing to respond to ...

Testimony – REAL ID

Chairman Sensenbrenner, Ranking Member Scott, distinguished members of the committee; my name is David Quam, Director of Federal Relations for the National Governors Association (NGA). I appreciate the opportunity to ...

State/Territory REAL ID Resources

Department of Homeland Security REAL ID Page