The REAL ID Act of 2005 was supposed to put more stringent requirements on background checks for drivers licenses and other forms of ID into place for all Americans by 22 January 2018.

But 23 states still aren't in compliance as of January 2018.

17 states including Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire have been granted extensions to October 2018.

All non-conforming states are expected to receive extensions prior to 22 January.

This makes travel agents happy, since everybody can still fly.

The official Very Final Deadline for compliance set by the US TSA is 1 October 2020.

Stay tuned.