BreeLynn Butler
Students and families planning to board flights in the year 2020 may need to think twice! Something called the REAL ID Act will change requirements for domestic travel. The standards were changed in the wake of 9/11, in order to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued IDs and documents. According to Homeland Security, the new ID card and driver’s license will be required to board commercial flights and to enter secure federal facilities, beginning on October 1st, 2020.
Senior Alexis Hansen says, “I think it’s smart, because there are too many unsafe people and horrible things happening.” She believes the act will, “help with having more safe and secured flights”.
President Bush signed the legislation into law on May 11th, 2005, and by January 22nd, 2018, the new card was available in California. Due to numerous postponements and waivers, the act has made slow progress. Most states in the country are already in compliance with the regulations, with a few exceptions. California, along a with a few other states, has received an extension to meet compliance with the new regulations. Citizens who wish to receive the new compliant ID must apply through the DMV’s online application or by mail.
Senior Aubrey Miller recently went to the DMV to take her permit test. “I am applying for one so that I do not need to change it later,” she says.
The large surge of customers applying for the new driver’s license and ID has increased the workload for DMV technicians. Wait times for both walk-ins and appointments over the last few months have increased. This summer, the DMV faced public outcry and hearings in the state legislature over the issue. Since then, the wait times have improved in some areas of California.
“I made an appointment so I waited for about 20 minutes, and in total probably a little under 2 hours, maybe less.” Alexis says. She had recently gone to the DMV to renew her permit. Unlike most during the summer months in areas of California, she hadn’t waited long with an appointment.
Besides carrying a special marking unique to each state, the Real ID does not look much different than the non-compliant ID or driver’s license that most Californians currently own. In California, the top-right corner has a yellow silhouette of a bear with a star cut-out.
Senior Elizabeth Rasmussen says, “I think it’s a good idea for traveling across states, but I don’t think it’s necessary.” Although the ID regulation will affect many Americans’ travel plans, it will not be enforced at airports or federal facilities for the next two years. As of October 2020, a passport or Real ID will be required to board a domestic flight.