What is the purpose of the “real ID” being implemented?

[Kingofkings1992]

Apparently, starting in May of 2025 you can no longer board a flight without a “real ID”, your driver’s license will no longer allow you to board a flight. Why? I am so tired of everything that can be done to make your life an inconvenience being done.

[Syntosi]

Remember 9/11? Yeah.. this is another relic from that time. Basically people freaked out and was afraid of terrorists and whatever flying in planes that they created all the TSA bullshit and this "Real ID" nonsense as well.

Let me introduce you to a new term. "Security theater".
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Security_theater

REAL ID is not going to do jack shit to improve security and safety while flying but it makes it look like the government is doing something. It is a complete waste of time.

[sawno]

I can't quite find what it exactly is. But sounds like what we had in Europe for a while now where the ID card is compliant with EU standards and accepted in all EU countries. I know on ours they store a fingerprint hash on them for example.

I assume its mainly to standardize and make it harder to fake. Could also be a good leadup to mandatory voter ID since they can be used for that which has a good anti fraud effect.

Personally I don't see an issue as long as the data is stored only on the physical card (Like they claim is the case with our prints over here), and given unconditionally.

[LazerBean]

I believe it is supposed to replace/combine both the drivers license and passport. I'll be getting one, so that I'll just have to renew one thing instead of two.

[AviatorTom]

Real ID was passed by the US Congress in 2005, in light of the 9/11 attacks. Its purpose is to concretely prove that the person with the ID has been confirmed to be who they are a citizen or legal resident of the United States. It was originally intended to go into effect in 2008, but was repeatedly delayed to allow states the time to implement it. In most cases, when a person renews their drivers license, they prove (via birth certificate, Social Security card and/or other documentation) who they are, and a star appears in the corner of their license.

Starting in May 2025, you must have a Real ID in order to board a flight within or going to the United States.

Most people have already done this. It's not a problem.

If a person doesn't have a Real ID, they can use their passport, which satisfies the intent.

[WindAtMyBack]

It's a security thing. This has been around for a long time. Not sure how long. I think at least 2-3 years. It just wasn't mandatory until now. But it's been known for a long time that it's coming up.

I have a passport, so I don't need it. But I'll get it anyway since I wouldn't want to carry my passport on domestic flights.

It's just an extra step and small extra cost when getting your driver's license. Since you need to renew your license anyway, just do it then.

[exitseven]

It is for security purposes. I got mine the last time i renewed my drivers license. It was no big deal. I just had to bring my birth certificate and another form of ID to the RMV and I had no problem.

[DrPepper12]

No biggie! You can still use your passport for domestic flights.

[Kingofkings1992]

Fortunately I do have one

[seeyounexttuesday]

Federal control over something that’s a state responsibility.

[Dargil]

I have never heard of that. His real ID?