Despite many other states still lagging behind, 92% of Vermonters already have a REAL ID — which will be required under federal law for domestic air travel starting May 7.
After the deadline, U.S. air travelers 18 and older will need a REAL ID or another TSA-acceptable form of identification — such as a passport or Enhanced Driver’s License — to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings.
Vermont is one of just 12 states with 90% or more of its IDs in compliance. Meanwhile, 30 states remain under 70% compliant — with New Jersey’s rate being the lowest, at 17%, according to data collected by CBS News.
Nearby New Hampshire has 62% compliance, Massachusetts has 57%, New York has 43% and Maine has just 27%, according to the CBS data.
Although the REAL ID Act was passed two decades ago to set federal security standards for state-issued IDs, many Americans are still unprepared for its implementation. While the federal government says most air travelers already show compliant IDs, roughly 1 in 5 still do not, according to the Associated Press.
Enforcement of the REAL ID Act has already faced multiple delays due to deadline extensions, and at least one state has requested another extension. However, Transportation Security Administration spokesperson Dan Velez told the Associated Press that he expects no further delays.
Vermont has been promoting REAL ID since 2014. Because the majority of the state’s license holders are already REAL ID compliant, the department does not anticipate a large increase in appointment traffic as the deadline draws near, according to state DMV Deputy Commissioner Matthew Rousseau.
To obtain a REAL ID, Vermonters must visit a DMV office in person and present proof of identity, a Social Security card, and two documents verifying Vermont residency, such as utility bills. Applying for an Enhanced Driver’s License requires proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport. Copies of birth certificates are not accepted, but a certified duplicate or original is accepted.
Residents who still need the upgrade can start the process early by booking an appointment to avoid last-minute issues. The process typically takes about 15 minutes, according to Rousseau. Once approved, REAL IDs typically arrive by mail within 7-10 business days but can take up to 21 days.
