Context:

Travelers without a REAL ID will still be able to fly after the upcoming deadline but should expect additional identity checks, according to Homeland Security. Despite extended DMV hours to accommodate the demand for REAL IDs, many people faced long waits, highlighting the inconvenience experienced by those rushing to meet the deadline. The REAL ID, a result of the 9/11 Commission's recommendations, is intended to enhance security for domestic flights and access to federal facilities, though its implementation has faced numerous delays since its 2005 enactment. While some travelers, like Lucas Krump, express skepticism about the necessity of upgrading to a REAL ID, others, such as Marion Henderson, are proactively obtaining one to ensure compliance and ease of travel. In states like California, where only 58% of residents have a REAL ID, officials are encouraging the use of passports as an interim solution for domestic air travel and access to federal buildings.

Dive Deeper:

• Homeland Security has assured that travelers without a REAL ID can still fly after the deadline, but they will undergo additional identity checks, leading to potential delays and longer wait times at airports.

• Despite extended DMV hours, many people experienced lengthy waits to obtain a REAL ID, highlighting the urgency and inconvenience faced by those trying to meet the deadline, as seen with Renel Leggett's three-hour wait.

• The REAL ID initiative stems from the 9/11 Commission's recommendations to enhance security of state-issued IDs, and although mandated in 2005, it has faced multiple delays, with the current push aimed at increasing compliance.

• Travelers like Lucas Krump are skeptical of the necessity of upgrading to a REAL ID, viewing it as an unnecessary bureaucratic burden, while others, such as Marion Henderson, are taking proactive steps to ensure they have the necessary identification for future travel.

• In California, where only 58% of residents have a REAL ID, the state has extended DMV office hours to facilitate the transition, and officials are advising those with valid passports to use them as an alternative until their current IDs are due for renewal.

• The REAL ID includes a recognizable symbol, such as a star, on the card, and is required not only for domestic flights but also for accessing certain federal buildings and facilities, emphasizing the broader implications of not obtaining one.

• The push for REAL ID compliance is part of a broader effort by Homeland Security to enhance national security, with public awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of obtaining the identification to avoid travel disruptions.