(OPINION) A Republican congressman has raised alarms about the impending enforcement of the Real ID Act, set to take effect on May 7, 2025, claiming it could be used to exert control over Americans rather than enhance security.
The Real ID, mandated by a 2005 law passed in response to the 9/11 attacks, requires stricter standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities.
In a series of posts on X, Representative Thomas Massie argued that the Real ID is ineffective at preventing terrorism, noting that most 9/11 hijackers held foreign passports from countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Lebanon.
He described the Real ID as a “national standard and database” primarily designed to monitor and control U.S. citizens rather than thwart external threats.
In a follow-up post, Massie clarified that the Real ID serves as proof that an individual’s identity matches an entry in a digital database, with its full impact contingent on widespread compliance.
The Real ID Act, originally slated for implementation in 2008, has faced multiple delays due to state resistance and logistical challenges, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the deadline approaches, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reports that 81% of travelers at airport checkpoints already carry Real ID-compliant identification, though compliance varies by state.
Those without a Real ID or alternative documents, such as a U.S. passport, may face delays at security checkpoints after May 7, 2025.
Massie has called on the president to halt enforcement of the Real ID, warning that its centralized database could pose risks to personal freedom.
Meanwhile, long lines at DMV offices nationwide reflect the rush to obtain compliant IDs, with some states reporting appointment shortages and others, like Miami-Dade County, uncovering scalping schemes for booking slots.
The Department of Homeland Security emphasizes that the Real ID strengthens security by making identification documents harder to forge.
However, critics like Massie argue its benefits are overstated, pointing to the lack of evidence that it would have prevented past attacks. As the debate continues, travelers are urged to verify their ID status, with compliant cards typically marked by a star.
