U.S. once more delays deadline for Actual IDs, till Might 2025

U.S. officers are delaying for 2 extra years the enforcement of a rule requiring individuals to get new identification playing cards to board home flights, entry federal amenities or enter nuclear crops.

The Division of Homeland Safety mentioned Monday the Actual ID Act is not going to be enforced till Might 2025, marking the most recent postponement for the rule. The rule had most not too long ago been slated to enter impact in Might 2023.

The company cited “the lingering impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic,” as partially answerable for the continued delay. It famous that the pandemic made it harder for individuals to acquire licenses or identification playing cards which can be Actual ID-compliant.

The Actual ID Act, handed in 2005 within the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist assaults, enhanced the safety requirements crucial for driver’s licenses and different identification playing cards to be accepted for sure actions, similar to boarding planes. Actual IDs will be recognized by a star within the right-hand nook of a driver’s license or identification card.

“This extension will give states wanted time to make sure their residents can acquire a Actual ID-compliant license or identification card. DHS will even use this time to implement improvements to make the method extra environment friendly and accessible,” mentioned Secretary of Homeland Safety Alejandro N. Mayorkas in a press launch.

Enforcement of the Actual ID rule has been repeatedly delayed for the reason that authentic 2008 deadline. It was slated to enter impact in October 2020, however then the deadline was pushed again to October 2021 after states pressured the federal authorities for an extension on account of Covid pandemic obstacles. That deadline by no means kicked in to gear both, and officers once more pushed again enforcement till Might 2023.

On Monday, DHS up to date its countdown to the brand new date on its web site.