The Department of Homeland Security says that people may not have their Real IDs ready by the current deadline.

According to the TSA, just 56% of drivers' licenses and other state-issued ID cards are compliant with the REAL ID law.

Only 70% of state-issued identifications would be REAL ID-compliant by the May 2025 deadline, raising the prospect of turning away millions of travelers from airport security checkpoints.

Federal agencies would have the option to gradually require the secure documents after May 7, in part to avoid chaos at state DMVs when the deadline approaches.

TSA has set a final deadline next year for enforcement of the federal government's Real ID mandate but with some flexibility for noncompliant travelers.

While the proposal from the Transportation Security Administration would leave REAL ID's May 7, 2025, deadline in place, it would create a two-year transition period where agencies would begin "enforcement in phases" for anybody trying to use their ID for federal purposes, including for getting through airport security.