On December 20, 2012, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determined that just 13 states have met the standards required by the REAL ID Act. DHS is granting a temporary deferment for all other states and territories. The states that met the requirement include Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These states were commended by DHS for the substantial progress they have made in working to improve security for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards since September 11, 2001.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and sets standards for the issuance of sources of identification. The Act establishes minimum security standards for states in the issuance and production of sources of identification. Starting January 15, 2013, the states who have not yet met the standards of the Act will receive a temporary deferment so that federal agencies can continue to accept their identification cards as proof of identity.