Real ID Act

This law is notable because it represents a significant shift in U.S. identification standards, moving from a patchwork of state-level systems toward a more uniform, secure national standard. For the general public, its most direct impact is on domestic air travel, as a Real ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative form of identification is required to pass through airport security checkpoints.

The Real ID requirement has been in the news recently due to announcements from the Transportation Security Administration regarding enforcement. According to recent headlines, travelers who arrive at airport security without a Real ID-compliant license may be subject to an $18 fee to undergo an alternative identity verification process. This development clarifies that while flying without a Real ID will remain possible, it will now involve an additional cost for passengers.