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April 27, 2021

Chairman Thompson Statement on DHS Extending the REAL ID Implementation Deadline

(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has extended the REAL ID Act implementation deadline to May 3, 2023.

“Given that the COVID-19 pandemic has gone on for over year and has drastically impacted REAL ID compliance rates, it is sensible that DHS has adjusted the implementation deadline accordingly. Even though COVID-19 numbers are improving every day, Americans should still not have to put themselves at risk by rushing to their DMV. Pushing back the deadline also gives Americans additional certainty as they slowly return to traveling. While all states are now REAL ID compliant, we still have a long way to go until all Americans have the proper credential. I thank Secretary Mayorkas for making this change and will continue to work with the Department on full implementation.”

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