DHS Urges Public to Get REAL ID Ahead of May 7 Deadline; USVI Faces Rollout Delays

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem issued a crucial reminder on Friday, urging Americans to secure their REAL ID credentials promptly. Highlighting the upcoming federal deadline, Secretary Noem emphasized, "If you plan on traveling, we need your help to prevent delays and to prove your identity. Get your REAL ID. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID to travel by air to visit federal buildings in the United States. These IDs keep our country safe because they help prevent fraud and they keep our country safe. Please do your part to protect our country, go today and don't delay. To learn more go to DHS.gov/real-id." However, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has announced delays in issuing the newly redesigned REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards. BMV Director Barbara Jackson-McIntosh stated in a press release on March 25 that the delay is due to awaiting confirmation from the Transportation Security Administrati...