WASHINGTON - If you haven't gotten a REAL ID yet, you'll have some extra time to do so.

The Department of Homeland Security announced its intent to extend the REAL ID full enforcement date by 24 months from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025.

This change gives states and residents more time to have driver's licenses and identification cards that meet security standards established by the REAL ID Act.

According to the release, the extension is necessary to address the lingering impacts of the COVID pandemic on the ability to get a REAL ID. 

Once the May 7, 2025 date hits, federal agencies including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be prohibited from accepting driver's licenses and ID cards that do not meet federal standards. Every traveler 18 years or older will need to have a compliant license or another accepted form of identification at airport security.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Some of the security standards include anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud and using evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be.

For more information on REAL ID, visit the DHS website.