Continuing delay of REAL ID readiness concerns lawmakers as deadline draws nearer

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The delay of issuing REAL ID driver’s licenses for American Samoa is concerning some lawmakers. During a House session this week, Faipule Faimealelei Anthony Fu’e Allen questioned the reason behind the delay.

He is requesting a hearing to bring back the director of the Department of Homeland Security, Samana Semo Veavea and Police Commissioner Lefiti Aitulagi Pese to explain the reason for the delay.

Faimealelei said local travelers are already facing so many inconveniences and urged that everything must be done to ensure that American Samoa’s driver’s licenses are fully REAL ID compliant by the deadline.

The territory has been given until May next year to become compliant with the REAL ID Act, American Samoa being the only remaining part of the US to come into compliance.

After May 2023, the current American Samoa driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted for travel purposes to the US and for clearance to enter federal buildings.

American Samoa has been given several extensions by the US Department of Homeland Security to come into compliance with the REAL ID law.