Most Travelers Already Compliant
Kristi Noem, head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), stated that “81% of travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements,” and emphasized that those without one “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step.”
“But people will be allowed to fly,” Noem assured lawmakers. “We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible.” Checkpoints will also accept passports and tribal identification.
What Is REAL ID?
REAL ID is described as a more secure, state-issued driver’s license or ID card. It will also be required to access certain federal buildings and facilities.
According to John Essig, the TSA’s security director for airports in the New York City region:
“REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver’s licenses and identification cards.”
“The improvements are intended to inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.”
Though the law was passed in 2005 after being recommended by the 9/11 Commission, implementation has been delayed several times. The TSA recently confirmed the new requirements will take effect on 7 May.
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States Push Back, Some Offer Alternatives
A group of Kentucky state senators has called for yet another delay, citing limited appointments for residents to obtain the new IDs.
Meanwhile, states like Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington offer an “enhanced” ID card, which allows domestic flights and travel by land or sea to Canada and Mexico—but not air travel into those countries.
Privacy Concerns and Civil Liberties
The new ID system has not gone unchallenged. Civil rights groups, including the ACLU of New York, have voiced strong opposition.
The ACLU stated that REAL ID threatens privacy, as it “consolidates Americans’ personal information into a network of interlinking databases accessible to the federal government and bureaucrats throughout the 50 states and US territories.”
They warned it could create “a national mega-database” that would encourage “government snooping” and “be a goldmine for identity thieves.”
The group also challenged DHS claims, saying:
“Despite what the DHS claims, REAL ID is a real national ID card.”
They warned it could turn DMV offices into “immigration enforcement agencies”, forcing agents to judge people’s lawful status—something they called “an inappropriate and dangerous function for state government.”
Further, the ACLU stated:
“Restricting immigrants’ access to driver’s licenses is a bad public safety policy as it sends immigrants further into the shadows and keeps them distanced from public safety and law enforcement officials.”
And perhaps most critically, they asserted:
“REAL ID won’t stop terrorists: identity-based security is not an effective way to stop terrorism. Driver’s licenses do not reveal evil intent.”
