Delay in REAL ID implementation means driver’s licenses may still be used at airports

4 Western states allow illegal immigrant licenses

HONOLULU — Hawaii, New Mexico, Washington and Utah have escaped running afoul of a national identification law set to take effect at the end of the year.

They are the only states that still allow illegal immigrants to get driver’s licenses.

The Department of Homeland Security on Friday extended the Dec. 31 deadline for states to comply with the national ID law. It requires driver’s licenses to have security enhancements and be issued to people who can prove they’re legally in the U.S.

The extension to May 10, 2011, means existing driver’s licenses may still be used to clear airport security in 46 states and territories that haven’t fulfilled REAL ID mandates.

Congress is considering an alternate measure that would be more practical and less costly.