No One Is Ready for the REAL ID Transition
Jennifer Billock February 27, 2020
If you haven’t gotten a REAL ID yet, now is the time. The deadline, October 1, is fast approaching, and without the new ID card, you won’t be able to fly (or go onto military bases). To check and see if you’ve got one already, look at the upper right corner of your license. REAL IDs will have a black star there.
Some Groups Want a Delay
Though the requirement to get a REAL ID has been in discussion for years, complete with signs at airports stating the need to change over, some groups are calling for a delay in the deadline. Airports Council International – North America in particular, the trade association for United States and Canadian commercial service airports, is especially concerned. The association says the requirement is going to negatively affect air travel numbers.
“If the government doesn’t make a definitive statement now that they’re going to extend this, then we’re going to have a real crisis on our hands come October 1,” association president and CEO Kevin M. Burke told Dayton 24/7.
Enrollment is Low
The concerns are coming because of low enrollment in the REAL ID program. In Ohio, only 32 percent of IDs are compliant with the law. The problem is likely because of the difficulty it takes to actually get a REAL ID. You need extra documents, which has caused issues for people trying to get one.
“It took me three trips by the time I got everything,” Rob Radil of Waynesville, Ohio, told Dayton 24/7. “They gave me a brochure, I came back and said ‘I have everything.’ They said ‘no, you still missed this.'”
Diana Richmond of Centerville, Ohio, also had document issues, but she was okay with it.
“I had to bring in my marriage license because my social security had my maiden name on it to prove I was who I was,” she told Dayton 24/7. “I think anything we can do to be more safe is worth it.”
A Deadline Delay is Up in the Air, But Don’t Wait
As of right now, it’s uncertain whether the government will decide to delay the requirement. But don’t let that stop you from going to get one—lines are going to be long and you may have to wait, and you don’t want to miss the deadline whether it’s moved or not. Check this list to see if you have all the required documents before you go.
I tried to do it. But the RMV here in Mass will not replace your ID unless you have one year or less of validity left. This is a typical case where states and feds aren't talking to one another. In my case, that is fine. I will still be able to fly, I have two passports. But others may not. Perhaps some pols' rear end will hurt when thousands of people will find out in October they cannot fly anymore.
This has been in the making for some time. Plenty of time for people to change their DL to REAL ID. My wife got hers last years when her DL was on renewal. She had to go through the whole process of proving who she was with because of her last name change due to marriage. Me, I held up since my renewal was on Oct 2020, I renewed on Feb and already have mine. Did not wanted to wait until last minute as I bet it will be chaotic.
This is a state government issue. Some states have implemented well, and some poorly. Colorado reports 97% of licensed drivers have a compliant ID.
Not really understanding the passive "endorsement" of the bad attitude in this article. There should be -instead - an article called, GET YOUR REAL ID NOW, TAKES BARELY LONGER THAN THE USUAL RENEWAL. Which, in Ohio at least, is completely true. The list of acceptable items is crystal clear. The only "obstacle" to getting one is a bad attitude. Whether it is or isn't needed, fair, or useful - it's the law, Oct. 1. Stop whining and go get it. C'mon, FlyerTalk, don't encourage these naysayers. There's no "difficulty" in getting it, certainly not the difficulty involved in getting a passport.
C’mon. Just get a passport already. Dish out a few extra bucks and use the passport as your primary form of travel ID like the rest of the world.