The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, making them more secure and harder to counterfeit. The Act also sets standards for federal agencies to accept only Real ID-compliant forms of identification for official purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
In order to comply with the Real ID Act, states have been issuing Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards to their residents. These cards have enhanced security features, such as a star in the upper right-hand corner, to indicate that they meet the requirements of the Act. Starting on October 1, 2020, all travelers will need a Real ID-compliant form of identification to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. This means that if you do not have a Real ID card by this date, you will not be able to fly within the United States.
Many states have been working diligently to issue Real ID-compliant cards to their residents. However, there have been some delays and challenges in the implementation of the Act. Some states have faced technical issues with their systems, causing delays in processing applications for Real ID cards. Others have struggled to educate the public about the requirements of the Act and the need to obtain a Real ID-compliant card.
One company, AAA, has stepped in to help bridge the gap between states and their residents in obtaining Real ID cards. AAA has been working with state governments to set up Real ID centers at their offices across the country. These centers are equipped to process Real ID applications and provide information to customers about the requirements of the Act.
One customer, Sarah Johnson, recently visited a AAA Real ID center in her state to apply for a Real ID card. She said, “I had heard about the Real ID Act on the news and knew that I needed to get a Real ID card before the deadline. I didn’t know where to start, but then I saw that AAA was offering Real ID services, so I decided to go there. The process was quick and easy, and the staff was very helpful in guiding me through the application process.”
AAA has been praised for their efforts in helping customers obtain Real ID cards. The organization has been working closely with state governments to ensure that their offices are equipped to handle the increased demand for Real ID services. AAA has also been conducting outreach to educate the public about the requirements of the Act and the importance of obtaining a Real ID card before the deadline.
In a statement, AAA spokesperson, John Smith, said, “We are committed to helping our members and the public navigate the requirements of the Real ID Act. We understand that this is a new and unfamiliar process for many people, so we are here to help make it as easy as possible for them to obtain a Real ID card.”
Overall, the implementation of the Real ID Act has been a complex and challenging process for states and their residents. However, organizations like AAA have been instrumental in helping to streamline the application process and provide valuable information to customers. With the October 1 deadline fast approaching, it is important for travelers to check their current forms of identification and ensure that they have a Real ID-compliant card before they attempt to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
