The NY Times has a good article on the Real ID Act. https://nyti.ms/2jb5Fqi
As noted in the NY Times article, it is always a good idea to have a passport at one’s disposal just in case. Within the Northeast Region, here are some links and current statuses of respective state initiatives in meeting the standard. As it stands now, many states have been granted an extension so such state’s issued licenses should be acceptable past the impending deadline.
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs : Department of Homeland Security FAQ regarding Real ID
Q: What do I need to do if I am visiting a federal facility or a military base?
Visitors seeking access to military bases and almost all Federal facilities using their state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards must present proper identification issued by REAL ID compliant states or a state that has received an extension. When planning a visit to a Federal facility or military base, visitors should contact the facility to determine what identification will be accepted.
Q: When will I need to change how I travel domestically?
Starting January 22, 2018, passengers who have driver’s licenses issued by a state that is not yet compliant with REAL ID and that has not received an extension will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel. Please see TSA’s website for a list of acceptable forms of identification. Passengers who have licenses issued by a state that is compliant or that has an extension to become compliant with REAL ID requirements may continue to use their licenses as usual. For a list of states already in compliance or with an extension visit DHS’s REAL ID webpage. DHS continually updates this list as more states come into compliance or obtain extensions.
Starting October 1, 2020, every air traveler will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel. A REAL ID compliant license is one that meets, and is issued by a state that complies with, the REAL ID Act’s security standards.
Travelers can check DHS’s REAL ID webpage at any time to learn if your state is compliant and can check with your state’s agency that issues driver’s licenses about how to acquire a compliant license. The earlier your state becomes compliant, the more likely you will be able to acquire a compliant license as part of the normal renewal cycle.
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/real-id-in-massachusetts: Massachusetts REAL ID Source Page
You do NOT need a REAL ID until October 2020 but the RMV will begin to issue REAL IDs on March 26, 2018.
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/massachusetts
Massachusetts has an extension for REAL ID enforcement, allowing Federal agencies to accept driver's licenses and identification cards from Massachusetts at Federal facilities, nuclear power plants and federally regulated commercial aircraft until October 10, 2018.
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/maine
Maine has an extension for REAL ID enforcement, allowing Federal agencies to accept driver's licenses and identification cards from Maine at Federal facilities, nuclear power plants and federally regulated commercial aircraft until October 10, 2018.
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/new-hampshire
New Hampshire has an extension for REAL ID enforcement, allowing Federal agencies to accept driver's licenses and identification cards from New Hampshire at Federal facilities, nuclear power plants and federally regulated commercial aircraft until October 10, 2018.
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/new-jersey
New Jersey has an extension for REAL ID enforcement, allowing Federal agencies to accept driver's licenses and identification cards from New Jersey at Federal facilities, nuclear power plants and federally regulated commercial aircraft until October 10, 2018.
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/new-york
New York is currently under review for a renewed extension from REAL ID enforcement.
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has an extension for REAL ID enforcement, allowing Federal agencies to accept driver's licenses and identification cards from Pennsylvania at Federal facilities, nuclear power plants and federally regulated commercial aircraft until October 10, 2018.
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/rhode-island
Rhode Island is currently under review for a renewed extension from REAL ID enforcement.