RI Coronavirus: Real ID Deadline Extended Amid Outbreak

The Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday the Real ID deadline has been pushed back a year to Oct. 2021 amid global turmoil being wrought by the new coronavirus.

The original deadline for getting a REAL ID was Oct. 1, 2020. The Real ID will be eventually be necessary for domestic air travel and for getting onto military bases or secure federal facilities.

The extension comes as states, including Rhode Island, are making changes to how people visit the DMV during the COVID-19 outbreak. All satellite offices are closed until further notice, while the headquarters in Cranston is open by appointment only. Members of the National Guard are stationed at the entrance to the building to screen everyone for symptoms.

See more: 8 Questions Answered About The Real ID In Rhode Island

"The federal, state and local response to the spread of the Coronavirus here in the United States necessitates a delay in this deadline," Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf said in a statement. "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."

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