The federal REAL ID Act required Michigan residents to obtain a REAL-ID compliant driver’s license or state ID by October 1st 2020, but the enforcement deadline has been extended. The new deadline for REAL ID enforcement is October 1st, 2021.
Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf stated, “The federal, state and local response to the spread of the Coronavirus here in the United States necessitates a delay in this deadline. Our state and local partners are working tirelessly with the Administration to flatten the curve and, therefore, we want to remove any impediments to response and recovery efforts. States across the country are temporarily closing or restricting access to DMVs. This action will preclude millions of people from applying for and receiving their REAL ID. Extending the deadline will also allow the Department to work with Congress to implement needed changes to expedite the issuance of REAL IDs once the current health crisis concludes.”
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson expressed gratitude for the extension, saying “This extension reduces the immediate pressure on Michiganders to get a REAL ID compliant credential and should help prevent crowds rushing to get them when our offices reopen.”
Information on REAL-ID for Michigan residents is available on the Secretary of State’s website.
