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

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.

Facing a REAL ID do-or-don't deadline on May 7, Homeland Security and TSA have proposed leniency for air travelers.

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.

The proposed rule marks the fourth time the U.S. has postponed the REAL ID deadline since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

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.

TSA proposes phased REAL ID enforcement, pushing full compliance deadline to May 2027 to ease travel disruptions while raising public awareness.

"Because of the history of extensions related to REAL ID enforcement, (the Department of Homeland Security) believes that the public may continue to expect that additional extensions are likely and not feel urgency to obtain a REAL ID.