TSA's New $45 Fee at U.S. Airports Unfairly Punishes Families in the Fine Print

Question from a European: I assume that most people flying within the US would use their driver's license as ID. Given how long this "REAL ID" standard has been in effect, why have the non compliant IDs not expired yet? Do some states not issue REAL ID compliant licenses?

(Apologies if this is a stupid question, I'm not familiar with how these things work in the US)

In my state you still have a choice to pay more for a REAL ID, or just get a plain old drivers license.

Are there some onerous requirements for REAL IDs which require it to be more expensive, or is this a short-sighted money making scheme for the states?

States will give you a real ID if you can prove you are a US citizen. This article is covertly trying to argue for easier travel for illegal aliens

To get a real ID you need to prove your citizenship, which is usually some combination of your birth certificate and/or passport or other IDs. Not really a big deal

Depends on the state: https://www.usa.gov/real-id

>Given how long this "REAL ID" standard has been in effect, why have the non compliant IDs not expired yet? Do some states not issue REAL ID compliant licenses?

It's only been in effect for a short while, then we had COVID. It took them two decades to even get it live.

Some state licenses don't expire for 10 years. Americans will avoid trips to the DMV until it's absolutely necessary to go. YMMV on if your local one is well-run and efficient or a madhouse with long wait times.

My DL expired this year. I renewed it with an online web form, so I was not able to upgrade it to real ID

I have a passport, and apple wallet recently enabled support for US passports, so I personally don’t see myself going to the DMV until I absolutely must

But as long as it’s possibly to renew without realID, I think most people will take that option

But does mean an office visit rather than (sometimes) a renewal by mail.

My state was one of the slowest to adopt REAL ID. Last time I had my driver's license renewed, none of the available information made it seem like I could get an REAL ID. Next time I renew ill likely get a REAL ID compliant license, but mine has not been compliant since airports required REAL ID starting 3(?) years ago.

having reliable government IDs means that people will be inconvenienced