The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the deadline for full enforcement of the REAL ID by 24 months. The deadline had been May 3, 2023. The new deadline is May 7, 2025.
Truck drivers do not need a REAL ID just to operate a commercial motor vehicle on the highway. A CDL (commercial driver’s license), with appropriate endorsements for the type of vehicle and cargo, remains the standard legal requirement.
However, truck drivers may wish to obtain a REAL ID for these reasons:
May 2025 could seem a long way off – but states can issue a REAL ID today to anyone who voluntary requests one. We suggest you not delay in applying for a REAL ID, especially because the process can take several weeks for CDL holders. The application process is handled by state driver licensing agencies (aka, departments of motor vehicles, DMVs). Typically, an appointment is required at the DMV office for a REAL ID application, and, typically, because of their work schedule, truck drivers must plan appointments well in advance.
At that time, federal law requires important documents be presented for a REAL ID:
Congress has provided the state driver licensing agencies some flexibility in the documentation they can accept and how they can receive it – but the surest way to be prepared is to check your state’s DMV website for what that state requires for REAL ID.
Federal agencies may accept other forms of identification for their own purposes. TSA, for example, has a list of additional documents it will recognize for boarding domestic air flights. The Maritime Administration requires the TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) for access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels. The REAL ID is not a requirement for driving – but it will be required for identification at critical times.
Every year, TAT (formerly called Truckers Against Trafficking) honors a member of the trucking, bus or energy industry, whose direct actions help save or improve the lives of those exploited or prevent human trafficking from taking place, with the Harriet Tubman Award
Bob Costello has indicated that the freight market has improved – but very slowly – since January. It must be said that ATA’s indices are dominated by contract freight as opposed to spot rates.
Now, however, with Republican control of both houses of Congress and the White House (and, some say, the Supreme Court) I am optimistic that trucking will get a fairer shake than it has during Biden’s term in office.