Federal government pushes back REAL ID deadline. Here’s what that means for Mississippians

Chelsea Madden, Mona Moore
·2 min read
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The deadline for the full enforcement of REAL ID requirements has been extended by the Department of Homeland Security.

Now every state will have an additional two years to comply; the date moved from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025.

“DHS continues to work closely with U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories to meet REAL ID requirements,” said Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the secretary of Homeland Security. “This extension will give states needed time to ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card. DHS will also use this time to implement innovations to make the process more efficient and accessible. We will continue to ensure that the American public can travel safely.”

The extension is due to delays and backlogs associated with the pandemic.

What is a Real ID?

Under the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and four of five U.S. territories covered by the REAL ID Act, must ensure residents 18 and older have a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card.

The Act came from a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission, and the IDs allow the TSA to use added security measures when identifying travelers at checkpoints and screenings.

REAL IDs also incorporate special advanced technology to help TSA prevent insider fraud and other threats, such as the technology that screens passengers as low and high risk and links them to watchlists.

Mississippi Residents will need a REAL ID to:

• Fly commercially in the United States

• Access military bases

• Access secure federal facilities

* A valid U.S. Passport may be used in lieu of a REAL ID at the above locations.

You Do Not Need a REAL ID to :

• Drive

• Vote

• Access hospitals

• Visit the post office

• Access federal courts

• Bank transactions

• Apply for or receive federal benefits such as social security

Because Mississippi firearm permits may not be used for official state identification purposes, permits will not have a gold star.

How do I get a REAL ID in Mississippi?

All Mississippi driver licenses are compliant with REAL ID and will automatically have the gold star.

To obtain a REAL ID, visit the Driver Service Bureau website or any Mississippi driver license station to purchase a duplicate or renewal driver’s license or identification card. For faster service, schedule an online appointment at www.dps.ms.gov.

You are required to bring your social security card (or any official document with your social security number), a certified copy of your birth certificate and two proofs of Mississippi residency.

For more information about REAL ID and to check to make sure your license or identification card is updated, visit the REAL ID website.

All Mississippi IDs are compliant with REAL ID. By May 2025, everyone will be required to have the identification cards, which feature the gold star emblem.
All Mississippi IDs are compliant with REAL ID. By May 2025, everyone will be required to have the identification cards, which feature the gold star emblem.