MA Coronavirus: Real ID Deadline Extended Amid Outbreak

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

The original deadline for getting a Real ID was Oct. 1. 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 Massachusetts, make changes to how people visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles during the COVID-19 outbreak. Eight RMVs across the state are enacting a no walk-in policy at popular locations Friday: Boston, Brockton, Fall River, Lawrence, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Springfield and Worcester.

"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. "

See more: 8 Questions Answered About Real ID In Massachusetts