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DHS issues final rule requiring REAL ID for official federal purposes beginning October 1, 2020

  1. Original Date Announced

    October 15, 2019

    DHS issues final rule, signed by Acting Secretary McAleenan, clarifying that by October 1, 2020, federal agencies will not accept non-REAL ID compliant driver's licenses and identification cards for official federal purposes. [ID #817]

    DHS Final Rule: REAL ID Regulation
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  3. Biden Administration Action: Modified

    May 3, 2021

    DHS Delays REAL ID Requirement Date

    This Biden administration policy modifies the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.

    On May 3, 2021, DHS issued this interim final rule with request for comments. The rule delays the enforcement of REAL ID Act regulations until May 3, 2023.

    View Document
  4. Biden Administration Action: Other

    March 9, 2023

    2023.03.09 Federal Register: Minimum Standards for Driver’s Licenses and Identification Cards Acceptable by Federal Agencies for Official Purposes; Extending Enforcement Date

    This Biden administration policy extends the administration's previous action modifying the Trump policy. The final rule further delays the enforcement of REAL ID Act regulations until May 7, 2025, extended from the previous date of May 3, 2023.

    View Document
  5. Biden Administration Action: Proposed Revocation/Replacement/Modification

    August 30, 2023

    2023.08.30 Minimum Standards for Driver’s Licenses and Identification Cards Acceptable by Federal Agencies for Official Purposes; Waiver for Mobile Driver’s Licenses

    DHS proposes a revision to REAL ID regulations to allow State-issued mobile or digital driver's licenses (mDLs) and identification cards to be accepted by Federal agencies for official purposes under a temporary, case-by case waiver once REAL ID enforcement begins on May 7, 2025. To qualify for the waiver, the following conditions muse be met: (1) the mDL holder has been issued a valid and unexpired REAL ID-compliant physical driver's license or identification card from the same State that issued the mDL; (2) TSA has determined the issuing State to be REAL ID-compliant; and (3) TSA has issued a waiver to the State.

    DHS will accept comments on the proposed policy through October 16, 2023.

    View Document

Current Status

Partially in effect

Most Recent Action

August 30, 2023 Action: Proposed Revocation/Replacement/Modification 2023.08.30 Minimum Standards for Driver’s Licenses and Identification Cards Acceptable by Federal Agencies for Official Purposes; Waiver for Mobile Driver’s Licenses
May 3, 2021
Acted on by Biden Administration
March 9, 2023
Acted on by Biden Administration
August 30, 2023
Acted on by Biden Administration

Original Trump Policy Status

Status: Final/Actual
Trump Administration Action: Rule
Subject Matter: Enforcement
Agencies Affected: DHS

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