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I already have REAL ID but have second thoughts, can I go back?

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Fox News
Apr 30
I already have REAL ID but have second thoughts, can I go back?

Context:

With the nationwide deadline of May 7 for REAL ID compliance fast approaching, individuals contemplating a switch back to non-REAL ID forms of identification can do so when they renew their IDs, although this may come with limitations in federal scenarios such as boarding domestic flights. The REAL ID Act, passed 20 years ago, mandates states to meet certain federal standards for issuing IDs to enhance national security, a response to vulnerabilities exposed by the 9/11 attacks. Critics argue that obtaining a REAL ID places undue burdens on some demographics and poses privacy concerns, though proponents believe its security benefits are significant. For those opting for a REAL ID, additional documentation like a passport or social security card is required beyond the standard requirements for a regular driver's license. The discussion around the REAL ID reflects broader tensions between security goals and the protection of individual privacy rights, with officials stressing the importance of maintaining high standards to mitigate potential risks.

Dive Deeper:

  • The REAL ID Act requires states to adhere to federal security standards for IDs, with a deadline of May 7 for compliance, affecting travel and access to federal facilities.

  • Individuals can opt for non-REAL ID forms at renewal, but these will not suffice for federal purposes post-deadline, like domestic air travel, where a REAL ID or passport is needed.

  • The Act was a response to security lapses highlighted by the 9/11 attacks, where hijackers used state-issued licenses to board flights, prompting tighter ID verification standards.

  • Critics highlight privacy concerns and argue that the documentation process for obtaining a REAL ID may disproportionately affect poor and minority groups.

  • Supporters point out the security advantages, noting that the additional documentation required for a REAL ID, such as a passport, enhances verification processes.

  • Simon Hankinson from the Heritage Foundation equates the risk-reward scenario of REAL ID to nuclear power, emphasizing the need for careful, high-standard implementation.

  • Hankinson asserts that while transitioning to REAL ID might be inconvenient, the security benefits it brings outweigh the potential downsides, stressing the importance of national security in ID issuance.

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