Real ID

[Hope]

My social media is slammed with posts about Real ID, to be implemented on May 7th. Any comments from the group about Real ID.

[Jackalope]

The original intentions may have been good, however now it?s just another tool for big brother government to control their minions.  It was supposed to improve security, but it?s taken over two decades to implement.  So, if the populace has survived these two decades without it, is it really needed?

[Searchboss]

Georgia has been issuing Real ID's since 2012, so it is nothing new here. It was a real pain getting the first one due to the need for a variety of different federal, state, and local documents required, but after that, it is just like renewing any other license. It seems the federal government is finally going to get the universal ID card requirement that they have always wanted, only under the guise of a state driver's license. Basically, it is a state-issued ID that meets federal standards in all states.

[grizz]

I have a passport

[Searchboss]

Yep, I have a passport too. That was one of the IDs I used to get the Real ID driver's license.

[pkveazey]

They can kiss my real ID ass. My driver's license is good until July of 2026. I'm retired and don't mind fighting them on the idea of carrying them a half a dozen documents in order to renew my license. I remember quite a while back about them issuing the STAR Drivers License/ID Card. I can't remember many of the original details but I think there is supposed to be a Chip inside the Star. If there is a chip in the Star, I plan to spike the Hell out of it my TASER. I don't fly commercial anyway, so they can kiss off on that one. If I need to fly, I'll fly Charter in a small plane.

[zanedclark]

I have a real ID driver's license.  I got it when it first came out.  My wife fought the real ID and did not get one at first, but at next renew did get the real ID.

zane

[grizz]

Yep, I have a passport too. That was one of the IDs I used to get the Real ID driver's license.

The real ID is ONLY needed if you fly and if you have a passport you dont need the real ID.

[JohnyMac]

Mmmmm, I agree with most of the sentiments expressed here.

I too have a Passport and have put off getting a Real ID too however, like flying, as of May 7th, you will not be able to enter a Federal Facility without a Real ID or Passport. I could give two craps about flying as I do not plan on doing that again as I did it for my job for 30-years. I HATE AIRPORTS! 

The only benefit to having the Real ID is size, convenience, and cost.

Size: License size. If you have a passport you can also get a card for $30-
Convenience: Once you prove who you are and get your card you are done. Keep in mind though, if you fly overseas (Includes Mexico & Canada) you still need a passport so in theory the Real ID is redundant.
Cost: Passport $130-, ID Card $30.00 one time fee.

Me, I will probably just renew my passport when it expires and get an additional passport card for convenience.