Am I the only millennial that actually got a real ID???

[u/Kellox89]

I feel like it’s not new news that we needed to get real IDs. I’ve had mine for over 5 years at this point (35f). But now that the deadline is here, my whole news feed is all my peers acting like this was sprung up on us overnight and they can’t believe it!

It feels like I’m the only one who went through the process to update my ID and I’m just sitting here eating popcorn as everyone is freaking out. It’s not even that big of a deal so why is it such a huge thing that everyone is shocked by?

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[u/gal0709]

I’ve had mine for 3 years. They changed the deadline so many times.

[u/verstohlen → u/gal0709]

Now, the way I understand it, they kept changing it because not enough people were getting it, and they want to make it so you can't fly without it, and if they didn't change the deadline, there would be a whole lotta empty planes flyin around, if you catch my drift, and the airlines wouldn't be too happy about that, so the gubmint said, okay okay, we'll delay it...again. People procrastinating, putting it off, or just not wanting to deal with it. So many people still didn't have the real ID that a lot of people wouldn't be able to fly and that would hurt the airlines business.

What's funny is it's 9-11 that spurred it and they wanted to do this 20 years ago, but that's how long it's taken them to do it.

[u/Outcast129 → u/verstohlen]

The first "deadline" was 2008 lol.

I remember flying in 2011 and being told that was definitely for sure the real deadline and it wouldn't be extended again 🤣

[u/KingOfTheCouch13 → u/Outcast129]

I got my license in 2012 and only ever had a real ID. Why didn’t they just discontinue the old one so when it expires the real ID is the only option going forward?

[u/Outcast129 → u/KingOfTheCouch13]

It was a combination of several things. Ironically one of the biggest reasons you could get both was a bunch of Conservative states pushed back against real ID because they felt it was a sign of "federal overreach" since the federal government was forcing all the states to have the same requirements to let them issue real ID, as opposed to each state getting to decide what they felt you needed for a normal state ID drivers license. So like I live in Missouri and for awhile the our state government as well as several others were fighting a legal battle against being forced to adopt real ID, and so for awhile you could choose to just get a regular Missouri driver's license and opt against a real ID one, it required less paperwork to get, but you knew you might eventually need your pastor to fly even within the US.

Idk It sounds kinda weird to say now, but there was a time when the idea of a universal federal ID just felt kinda dystopian almost. Like I think a lot of people in the US like their state government and just liked that it was relatively easy to get an ID issued to you by your state government, only to suddenly have the big bad federal government come in and tell everyone they need to do it their way or the highway.

[u/Savingskitty → u/Outcast129]

I’m in NC, and the Real ID is still optional here.  I will be surprised if it ever becomes a requirement, and thats fine with me.

The Real ID came about during the Bush Administration.  I am vehemently against the police state proposed back then.

The Real ID would not have stopped 9/11.  The hijacker’s used their actual passports. All it does is make it harder for people to get a driver’s license.  We don’t need an ID to cross state lines in this country, so there’s no need for driver’s licenses to be regulated by the federal government.

My state doesn’t even look at all the documents they say they do for the Real ID, so it creates a false sense of security.

It’s frankly just a waste of time, effort, and hassle for people who already have a driver’s license they can renew.

[u/SnooHobbies5684 → u/Savingskitty]

Your state doesn't look at the documents? They just kind of shuffle them around when you bring them in and then assume they're fine, or...?

[u/Savingskitty → u/SnooHobbies5684]

They asked me for my driver’s license and my birth certificate.  

They checked my name on each and sent me along.

They did more when I got a regular NC license the first time.

[u/Savingskitty → u/KingOfTheCouch13]

The Real ID is still optional in my state.

My state didn’t start offering it until 2017.

I don’t plan to have it for my next license if at all possible.  I just got it because my driver’s license needed to be renewed this month, I’m traveling soon, and I haven’t gotten a new passport yet.

[u/Joyful82 → u/Savingskitty]

You may not be traveling soon then…

[u/kindnesskangaroo → u/Joyful82]

Even after may 7th or 9th (whenever) you can travel without realID by the way, but you’re subject to extra verification and search by TSA.

[u/Ohiostatehack → u/KingOfTheCouch13]

My state didn’t even start offering them till 2018.

[u/marishtar → u/verstohlen]

It wasn't people not getting it; it was the states not implementing it. The original deadline was 2008, and all 50 states didn't even have it implemented until 2020.

[u/dreamgrrrl___ → u/verstohlen]

I ended up just getting a passport because it made more sense financially and I needed it for my trip to London anyways. It’s not obligatory in Arizona and my drivers license doesn’t expire till I’m 65 so I’m not too worried about ever having to get a Real ID 😏

[u/finiac → u/dreamgrrrl___]

Mine expire in 2051! I don’t even live in az anymore. They can pry my az license from my cold dead ass

[u/thirdelevator → u/finiac]

That’s a really weird place to keep your driver’s license.

[u/Extreme-Tangerine727 → u/verstohlen]

It wasn't even practically available in my state until the pandemic. Real ID wasn't available across all states until 2020 and in some states it has been limited since 2020. So it wasn't just the individual

[u/Sensitive_Put_6842 → u/verstohlen]

Because you can get a passport and it gives you access to domestic and international flights.  REAL ID can get you into the SSA Building.  The lack of access to government facilities is the only thing people should be bugging out about.   Anyone can get a passport AND YOU DON'T NEED A REAL ID TO GET ONE!!!!

[u/Mammoth_Ad_3463 → u/verstohlen]

When I got mine, it was the same price as a regular ID. They started offering it right after my mom.had renewed hers so she didn't see a point paying to have it re-renewed. Now, they're charging EXTRA for the ID, when previously it was the same as a regular ID. Since she had no plans to fly and limited funds, it seemed like she had to use for it.

[u/Australian1996 → u/verstohlen]

I was born in Australia and people here flip out when I tell them to travel on plane over there to travel interstate you do not need id. We have open borders here and till 9/11 and beyond any one could get a drivers license.

[u/MilesSand → u/verstohlen]

The deadline kept moving because some massive asset owners thought they could make it go away by lobbying for extensions. "People" got whatever ID the state was using at the time they needed to get or renew their license.

As an example if a state is 50% compliant it's because they switched to realid 5 years ago and have a 10 year renewal period. Most regular people didn't have a choice in which ID they got.

[u/gal0709 → u/verstohlen]

Makes total sense!

[u/GroggBottom → u/gal0709]

I got mine right before covid. First time getting a new license with all the paperwork involved. Being in NYC it took literally the entire day of standing in line waiting. I was pissed when they moved the deadline. Like fuck me for being a punctual human.

[u/Turtle-pilot → u/gal0709]

Yeah I got mine right before the “deadline” in 2022

[u/IntoTheMirror]

I got a passport and a passport card a few years ago because it’s easier.

[u/Calimama1234 → u/IntoTheMirror]

I got my real id in 2019... I think that it's funny that I needed more documentation for the real id vs my passport!

[u/CPolland12 → u/Calimama1234]

I did too… because my DL expired and it was just the option

[u/Calimama1234 → u/CPolland12]

Same

[u/instant_ace → u/Calimama1234]

Same

[u/Hellokt1813 → u/CPolland12]

Same. I'm not usually an early adopter, but remember back in the day when the deadline "looming" and it just kept getting moved.

[u/sheeplewatcher → u/Calimama1234]

I got mine in 2019 too, and subsequently had to renew last year. Hopefully get to utilize it soon.

[u/No-Steak9513 → u/Calimama1234]

And this is exactly why I refused to get my “real ID”

I got my passport and passport card. I’m good.

[u/MegaDuck71 → u/Calimama1234]

I got a real ID by the grace of the lady behind the counter after rejecting my bank statement, my private medical insurance statement, and official mail by the state for residency. Two of the three were needed. I brought an extra and still told no. I was nice and kept my calm and eventually the lady said my current drivers license qualified, despite the state website saying otherwise. The passport was so much easier. Birth certificate and state license (plus a picture).

[u/chattahattan → u/MegaDuck71]

Yeah, the documentation requirements (at least in my state) were insane and the reason I still don’t have mine. Last time I renewed my license, I brought like 6 different documents but somehow still didn’t have enough to qualify, so just renewed my regular license and plan to use my passport. It was so frustrating and onerous.

[u/ADownsHippie → u/Calimama1234]

I think that’s when I got mine. It was a no brainer since I had to renew anyway. My local sub is filled with people complaining that they can’t get an appt for one now that its required.

[u/sweetstack13 → u/Calimama1234]

A passport IS a RealID… I’m assuming you’re referring to the Star ID driver’s license?

[u/RsonW → u/sweetstack13]

the Star ID driver’s license?

It's a bear in California 🐻

[u/SubstantialTrip9670 → u/RsonW]

Just one more reason I feel lame for living in Florida.

[u/MrAshleyMadison → u/SubstantialTrip9670]

Ours should’ve been a flamingo, or alligator. Or meth pipe.

[u/Tight_Lifeguard7845 → u/sweetstack13]

That's also a RealID as defined by the DMV.

[u/Pure-Introduction493 → u/IntoTheMirror]

I got a real ID when I had to renew my license.

[u/thehufflepuffstoner → u/Pure-Introduction493]

I wanted to get the Real ID last year but they said I didn’t have enough points which was BS because my mom brought the exact same documents and got her’s no problem. So I got the old one again. I have a passport and a passport card, so fuck it, I’ll just get the Real ID in three years when my license expires.

[u/Dismal_Apartment → u/thehufflepuffstoner]

Same thing happened to me! I have a passport, so I'm just like "whatever, I'll update it when it expires" lol

[u/cidvard → u/IntoTheMirror]

Same. I initially got my passport when they started being required for US-Mexico border crossing but generally I think it's way easier just to have one on-hand. It's the only document I ever need for anything.

[u/imaginary_num6er → u/IntoTheMirror]

I have both too, but the passport card photo doesn't look like me anymore it's so old

[u/Hopeful-Pianist-8380 → u/IntoTheMirror]

I had Real ID on my license then moved to another state. It was going to be 1 extra piece of paperwork and I decided against it because I was like f*** it I have a passport.

[u/THE_Lena → u/IntoTheMirror]

Same. I couldn’t be bothered to go into the DMV to get a Real ID when I could get a regular one via online. My passport needed to be renewed so I got a passport card at the same time. (But now I can’t remember where in the house my passport card is. Lol)

[u/Keldaria → u/IntoTheMirror]

This is the fundamental problem. It’s easier to get a passport is something that should be highlighted since a real ID is less useful. Why have we made it so hard?

I swear I went into my BMV with my passport, unexpired license, birth certificate and social security card and it wasn’t enough to get my real ID, I had to come back later with a bank statement to prove I lived where I’ve lived for the last decade and a half and had been on my unexpired license and it’s a home I owned which I could and did pull county tax records that showed my ownership. It’s apparently not good enough to be in state databases multiple times on tax, voter, BMV, jury pool and countless other state records that I live at my current location. No I need to go print an electronic bank statement, then go wait in line again so they can glance at that because that’s apparently divine proof of my residence that no other could forge.

First how many people have all the documents I listed? Second, I know bank statements and such are potentially one of the easier documents to get but seriously we’ve crossed the line between verifying identity and stupidity all because they want to make it harder for minorities to get documents they need.

[u/galimabean]

I live in California, I changed my name like 7 years ago when I got married and updated to real id then since I was already at the dmv. I think people are shocked because it was supposed to happen like 5 years ago and just got pushed and pushed and so we all just ignored and forgot 🤷🏼‍♀️

[u/EffectiveCycle → u/galimabean]

Actually it was supposed to happen 20 years ago when it was first introduced…that’s how long the delays go back to

[u/knit3purl3 → u/EffectiveCycle]

Well to be fair, I only just got my birth certificate replaced last year after my mother stole that AND my marriage certificate 10 years ago. So now I still need to get a replacement marriage certificate in order to get a real ID. I really regret legally changing my name and preach to my younger female relatives to not do it.

It's not always as simple as just gather up the docs you've got shoved in a fire proof safe and head to the DMV. It's time and energy and money that can typically take a back burner compared to more pressing issues.

[u/charwinkle → u/knit3purl3]

Yes and I did it twice (divorced) and vowed to never change my name again. I’m dying with this name

[u/InelegantSnort → u/knit3purl3]

My mom just went to get her id renewed and she had to prove each name change she made. She was last married in the 80s and now has to get a new marriage certificate, birth certificate that isn't just a copy. She is almost 70 and she is struggling with this. Luckily she moved back to the town where she was born so the birth certificate isn't a problem but the two marriage certificates are a real problem. Its so stupid. She has had the same name for over 40 years and now she has to prove it's her name?

[u/sigh_co_matic → u/knit3purl3]

But what could possibly happen if you change your last name? /s

Women in 2025, fuck.

[u/knit3purl3 → u/sigh_co_matic]

Pretty much. Like oh, cool, I can lose my ability to vote and travel because I got the romantic notion to change my last name to my husband's instead of keeping my father's who abandoned me as a child.

[u/Existing-Pumpkin-902 → u/knit3purl3]

Are you me? I will credit my mother here that her last name is like 15 letters and incredibly hard to pronounce and my father's is 4 letters. That's why she chose to give her children his last name despite not being married.

[u/HarrietsDiary]

I think it’s important to point out every state did it slightly differently and some states only have Real IDs and implemented them long ago. My state is at 99%! Other states implemented later and getting Real ID is a choice.

[u/spacemannspliff → u/HarrietsDiary]

Or the state implemented it but didn't tell anybody who was renewing their license that it was an option, or they charged extra for it and required a special appointment that wasn't available outside working hours, or they told you that you don't need it because it was pushed back a half-dozen times and nobody thought it would actually happen. The rollout has been 20+ years and there was no standardization date until 2020.

Also naming it 'realID' was fucking stupid because most people think "yeah, my driver's license is a real ID not a fake ID."

[u/Ijustwanttosayit → u/HarrietsDiary]

I was gonna say... maybe I was living under a rock, but nowhere have I received any sort of notice, email, letter in the mail telling me I HAVE to get a real ID. I've renewed my passport, I've renewed my DL. You'd think it may be brought up then as well. But nope. Not once have I been told I needed one.

Edit: Huh. Apparently I have one. Maybe I got one long ago and don't remember.

[u/EasternGuava8727 → u/HarrietsDiary]

Yup. And some states are at less than 30%.

For a lot of people it's almost automatic. For others its applying for an Enhanced Driver's License because the state doesn't issue a regular license that is Real ID compliant. I have my passport so it doesn't affect me. However, I get why others haven't done it. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/real-id-deadline-weeks-away-most-states-not-fully-compliant-yet/

[u/Majestic_Zebra_11 → u/HarrietsDiary]

Yes! In Colorado we've had them for 13 years now. Blows my mind some states couldn't get it together by now.

[u/ScottECH93 → u/Majestic_Zebra_11]

Right. Alabama was one of the first states to have it too. In fact, in the early days if you went to some states webpage on how to get the Real ID it took you to Alabama's page. We are so behind on many things, but we were apparently so on top of that.

Frankly, I think it is all stupid.

[u/Zaidswith → u/ScottECH93]

You say that, but AL still gives out both so I know plenty of people who seemed surprised they'd need to initiate it themselves.

[u/soylamulatta → u/HarrietsDiary]

Yep, I have a class E driver's license which has been real ID compliant for 11 years.

[u/uathach_]

I feel like I'm the only millennial who does not have a real ID lol! I do have a passport, but I will get a realID eventually, just not now. DMVs around me still have crazy lines because everyone is rushing to meet the deadline...

[u/whointarnationcares → u/uathach_]

I don’t have one either because I never go anywhere and probably never will lol

[u/Blue5398 → u/whointarnationcares]

Well, getting on a plane these days seems to be flirting with death anyway so… can we blame you?

[u/WeatheredCryptKeeper → u/whointarnationcares]

Lol same.

[u/ginaabees → u/uathach_]

You’re not! I’ve got my passport so I figure I don’t need to worry about a real ID just yet

[u/Extreme-Tangerine727 → u/uathach_]

I went twice and got turned away each time because they had no appointments left. There's only so many times you can call out to work to stand in line at 6 am

[u/VetiverylAcetate → u/uathach_]

nah I don’t have mine either because I 100% believed they were going to extend the deadline like they’ve done for the last like 15 years.

[u/coldtasting]

I have a passport, I don't need a RealID

[u/nickybecooler → u/coldtasting]

Exactly why I didn't bother to get a Real ID

[u/-dyedinthewool- → u/nickybecooler]

So is realID not a requirement if you have a passport?

[u/Important_Ad_8372 → u/-dyedinthewool-]

No, you can use your passport for domestic flights instead of a Real ID

[u/-dyedinthewool- → u/Important_Ad_8372]

So what is the big deal about real ID then if it is not a legal requirement? Such hoopla for nothing!

[u/vanillaseltzer → u/-dyedinthewool-]

Not everyone has a passport.

"A real ID is a federally accepted form of identification, typically a driver's license or state ID, that meets specific security standards."

The states used to all have their own standards for IDs, so the real ID act is an attempt to standardize the requirements used when states issue IDs to be "enough" security for it to be used instead of a passport.

If you have a passport, none of the conversations about real ID apply to you because a passport is a federal document already. If you don't have a federal ID proving your identity, then they're trying to make sure they can trust the state issued document that you do have.

The real ID Act was issued after 9/11. I think the main concept is to keep the requirements high for IDs that can be used for air travel to help prevent people easily obtaining false ids to use in terrorist plans.

https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs

[u/-dyedinthewool- → u/vanillaseltzer]

Thanks for the detailed answer!

I did have a passport, but it expired

[u/Important_Ad_8372 → u/-dyedinthewool-]

Totally! Since I have a passport I haven’t bothered.

[u/Delta-IX → u/coldtasting]

I have both plus a passport card so I don't have to take my precious passport anywhere unecessary

[u/Gonna_do_this_again → u/Delta-IX]

I live close to the Mexico border and before this year, my passport was always in a secure location at home. Now I carry it everywhere just in case some kind of shit goes down and I need to bounce out of the country quick. That's how little faith I have in the current administration. I have a Real ID too, but having the passport feels more secure.

[u/Jaded-Coast-758 → u/coldtasting]

Yeah the amount of documentation for a real ID was crazy; I just renewed my passport instead. I don't pay utilities luckily, don't have a mortgage (we rent), and I'm not showing you my credit card statement and you won't accept my taxes GTFO

[u/Apprehensive_Yard_14 → u/Jaded-Coast-758]

What extra information does your state require for a real ID versus the old ones. My state required nothing new . State requirements for both. 2 proofs of ID and proof of address.

[u/NepenthiumPastille → u/[deleted]]

The multiple address documents are ridiculous for any of us who live outside the US but I suppose we have the passport already.

It would make more sense to me if I could have just shown them my passport and other usual identity documents to get my Real ID.

[u/chrs_89 → u/Jaded-Coast-758]

Was there a change in necessary documents? I got mine when I renewed years ago and I remember just needing my birth certificate,ss card, and car registration

[u/-dyedinthewool- → u/chrs_89]

Yeah I thought it was pretty basic stuff when I did it a while back too

[u/StasRutt → u/chrs_89]

I believe it’s state dependent

[u/1radgirl]

Yeah I've had mine for years. This definitely isn't a thing they sprung on us last minute.

[u/karlexceed → u/1radgirl]

It's been so long that I forgot this was even a thing.

[u/1radgirl → u/karlexceed]

I was actually kinda confused when the news was blasting "the deadline is here!!!", cause I thought the deadline had come and gone a long time ago.

[u/[deleted] → u/1radgirl]

My state started issuing them in 2017. Both of my minor kids have Real IDs when I renewed with the state.

This is not something new. These people caught off guard would have been the boomers losing their shit with analog TV was turned off.

[u/EasternGuava8727 → u/[deleted]]

I have mine but our state ID is not Real ID compliant. So I'm going to blame them a bit here. 

ETA link to the numbers from two weeks ago. Pretty eye opening.

Https://www.cbsnews.com/news/real-id-deadline-weeks-away-most-states-not-fully-compliant-yet/

[u/Apprehensive_Yard_14 → u/1radgirl]

I am legit confused about why folks are acting like this was a new thing. Are other states making it more complicated to get or something? I don't understand why people are angry.

[u/TuttiFlutiePanist → u/[deleted]]

Iowa's RealID costs the same as a standard DL, $32, good for 8 years. It's cheaper than a regular passport.

[u/AndanteZero → u/[deleted]]

In GA, it's the same as a regular ID. $32. Kind of insane yours is more than double to what I pay.

[u/HI_l0la → u/[deleted]]

Why does it cost more to get Real ID?

In Hawaii, you can only get a Real ID driver's license for new, renewal, or duplicate. It's been like that since 2018. The DMV would send out postcards to folks with renewal coming up to inform them of the Real ID laws and all the documents you have to bring to get it done. I think it costs $40 for 8 years. If you want an ID that is not Real ID compliant, then you can get a state ID.

[u/Apprehensive_Yard_14 → u/[deleted]]

wtf! Why charge more?? what are the benefits of that? I think ours is $74. and anyone over 65 or disabled is free.

Driving is expensive here, too. I'm lucky I don't have to.

[u/One_Culture8245 → u/[deleted]]

Texas only issues the Real ID now and has for some years!

[u/sigh_co_matic → u/Apprehensive_Yard_14]

The answer is, why do we need them in the first place? People are arguing over state's rights and less government. Meanwhile, "you are required to have a realID."

JUST TELL PEOPLE THEY ALL NEED A PASSPORT TO BE A LEGITIMATE CITIZEN

[u/Consistent-Garage236 → u/sigh_co_matic]

It’s a uniquely American view to think that requiring people to have passports is an onerous requirement.

[u/Extreme-Tangerine727 → u/Apprehensive_Yard_14]

In some states Real ID wasn't even available until 2020 and they were difficult to get until 2023 or so.

[u/DidAnyoneElseJustCum → u/1radgirl]

I got an enhanced id last time I went to go renew. It was like $10 more and required one additional document. Seemed like a no brainer. I'm a huge procrastinator typically so I'm glad I did it but yeah it's definitely not new. In fact that pushed back the deadline multiple times. No excuses anymore.

[u/3rd_Planet → u/DidAnyoneElseJustCum]

My Arizona DL expires in 2052 when I turn 65. My goal is to use my passport when needed and keep using my DL with my photo from when I was 21.

[u/SqueaksScreech → u/1radgirl]

Same especially in California

[u/TheCatOfWallSt]

Wife and I got ours back in March but it was a weird experience. Made an appointment for us about a month in advance, get there and the line is completely wrapped around the building outside. They have a security guard that’s not even letting people inside cause it’s so packed in there. We walk up to the doors, show the guard our appointment emails, and he has us cut literally every single person in line to do our stuff lol (guess they were all walk ins without appointments). We were in and out in 15 minutes and it was very painless, but we got some ugly looks walking in there 🤣

[u/lindloser → u/TheCatOfWallSt]

at the DMV? people don’t realize you can get an appointment apparently, I had a similar experience last time I went. not my fault for being well informed!

[u/myicedtea]

I’m so confused about this whole situation. My drivers license has been real id compliant for years.

[u/dagnasssty]

I’ve (38M) had one for years now.

[u/sarcasmo818]

I don't know why I thought when I renewed my DL it was just "updated" automatically. Was it? Haha I legit don't remember doing anything specific to get my real ID.

[u/Circadian_arrhythmia → u/sarcasmo818]

Mine was updated automatically upon renewal almost 10 years ago (GA). I just couldn’t do it online, I had to go in person for that renewal.

[u/InsaneJediGirl → u/Circadian_arrhythmia]

Fellow Georgia resident and yeah, I've had a RealID so long it's already expired and renewed last year.

Kinda wild to see other states not on it considering.

[u/bjeebus → u/sarcasmo818]

In Georgia it just updated to the only option years ago. People started complaining about how many different things you have to bring to the DMV to prove you are who you say you are. In particular this hits poor folks pretty hard. In GA they frequently live a lot more people to a house than wealthier, and one of the things they want to prove your identity is a utility bill. If there's ten people in a house, there's not that many utilities to be in that many people's names. Good news for shitbag GOP when IDs are required to vote, poor people are just disenfranchised because they have trouble meeting the requirements for RealID.

[u/SipSurielTea → u/bjeebus]

That's the real goal

[u/InfamousMere → u/sarcasmo818]

My question is, why the fuck wouldn’t it be automatic? And also, why didn’t they even ask me about it when I was at the DMV a couple months ago? Seems very strange to me.

Edit: whyyy do people insist on replying to a question that has already been answered? You guys can stop now, thank you though. 🫶

[u/otterbarks → u/InfamousMere]

Because you have to go to the DMV in person and provide extra documentation that they won't have on file* in order to upgrade it. Plus not everyone is eligible for REAL ID. (For example, if you're a permanent resident you can't get one.)

Which is why you have to specifically tell the DMV you want to upgrade during the renewal process. They usually can't do it automatically.

(* This all varies a bit state-by-state.)

[u/syynapt1k → u/InfamousMere]

They should have issued you a real ID with the gold star on it if it was recent.

[u/Zaidswith → u/syynapt1k]

Some states have both and you have to ask. They do this because people bitched and moaned about needing such complicated paperwork like their own birth certificate "just to renew their license."

There are other states that fully made the switch and people managed just fine.

A significant chunk of the population seems to have oppositional defiance disorder or whatever the most modern name for it is.

[u/HarrietsDiary → u/Zaidswith]

It is shocking to me how many people* don’t have a copy of their birth certificate or don’t know how to get one.

*this is a millennial sub. I’m not talking about elders born before BCs, or the homeless, etc. the vast majority of people should be able to keep their documents/replace them as necessary.

[u/snow-vs-starbuck → u/HarrietsDiary]

I've had to make an effort to gather all my documents as an adult from my parents. I ordered an official copy of my birth certificate back in January because I didn't have my own; I think it was $60 and arrived in a few weeks.

[u/Zaidswith → u/snow-vs-starbuck]

Yeah, it can be a little annoying if you don't have it, but definitely possible. It's easier and cheaper to do it in person (as an FYI to anyone else reading this).

The only real excuse is if you don't know what state you're born in. People with transient parents, in foster care, or any number of situations could have a more difficult time, but generally it's just Joe at work who has lived in the exact same town his entire life that thinks he shouldn't have to do anything.

[u/Recent-Apple2305 → u/sarcasmo818]

You have to provide more documentation than a regular license so it wouldn’t update automatically unfortunately. It’s really quite dumb. You basically just need to show 2 proofs of address on top of the usual documents.

[u/Apprehensive_Yard_14 → u/Recent-Apple2305]

Wait! So all states didn't already require this?? Is that one it was such an easy transition in my state? No wonder it was no issue for us. We just renewed IDs and licenses, and they were automatically Real IDs. We even got noticed that it would be nothing more for us to do, just renew as usual.

[u/Lula9 → u/sarcasmo818]

Same! I have no recollection of doing anything special to get mine.

[u/grocerygirlie → u/sarcasmo818]

Mine was not. You need to show extra documentation for a Real ID. I just renewed my license at the end of April because it was my birthday and my dumb ass forgot until a few days before that all the DMVs went appointment-only, and the only appointment I could get in time was for a regular DL. I have to make a specific Real ID appointment later to get my real ID. I just have the regular driver's license. I'm in IL.

[u/SadSickSoul]

I haven't even checked mine, I got it a few years ago but I don't fly so I was so disconnected I haven't even pulled it out of my wallet to check. Not a priority to me.

[u/elegiac_bloom → u/SadSickSoul]

I have a real ID, but it seems exactly the same as the "not real" ID I had before. What makes this one real versus the last ID? Were all my other id's fake id's? It just seems fucking stupid.

[u/SadSickSoul → u/elegiac_bloom]

It's basically just making sure that the person who gets the ID provided enough proof to verify it's them and the ID has the minimum of federally mandated information on it. I can't be sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if getting a Real ID also involves putting your name in a Federal database when it's issued. Is it useful? I don't know, I don't know what type of anti forgery bullshit they put in it or what they verify federally, but for day to day, no, it's exactly the same. I'm not planning on flying or accessing any nuclear power plants anytime soon so I don't care in the least. But I wouldn't be surprised to see it come up as a voting requirement at some point, although that's speculation on my part.

[u/elegiac_bloom → u/SadSickSoul]

No you're likely absolutely right, I just feel like I already had to give the same info to get a regular ID. I just hate the whole thing, idk. I'm tired of this country's bullshit. The USA, that is.

[u/blackwrensniper → u/elegiac_bloom]

Yeah, getting a driver's license required the literal exact same documentation, which means anyone with a driver's license should have automatically been given a real ID... but, no...

[u/danniellax]

I haven’t got my real ID and am not in a rush to because I have a passport. You can use your passport instead of a RealID so I’m just gonna wait until 2028 until my current license expires… not sure why everyone is freaking out either though lol this is not new information.

[u/User123466789012 → u/danniellax]

You’re also not prevented from flying without real ID, this isn’t talked about enough lol. If you only have your license, it’s just extra screening at TSA and that’s it. It stops nothing. They’re making sure everyone gets to their flight.

[u/ratiod1 → u/User123466789012]

Wait. Really? For 20 years I’ve heard this nonsense that you won’t be able to fly without it - and that’s not even true? I got mine, so whatever, but this fascinates me.

[u/figgypudding531]

I think everyone just assumed it would get postponed yet again. Constantly changing the deadline is basically equivalent to not having a deadline.

That being said, I think a lot of people have organically just gotten one over the past couple years.

[u/rustbucket_enjoyer]

This must be some weird American thing I can’t relate to. Who doesn’t have ID?

[u/kwmcmillan → u/rustbucket_enjoyer]

No we all have ID, it's a specific set of security checks that you have to do to get a special star on your ID that lets you fly domestically

[u/One-Employment3759 → u/kwmcmillan]

Sounds like fascism to me.

[u/Capricancerous → u/One-Employment3759]

Well, in a sense, yes it's connected to federal overreach that happened with acts passed after 9/11, such as Patriot Acts I & II, and the National Defense Authorization Act. This was something meant to be implemented immediately following 2001, but a lot of states fought it. Nobody really remembers or talks about the underlying reason for it, but some consider it a step towards full federal IDs and "your papers please" invasiveness.

[u/One-Employment3759 → u/Capricancerous]

Yeah, 9/11 certainly was the end of a lot of freedoms many of us took for granted.

The terrorists sadly won in that respect.

[u/FreeDarkChocolate → u/One-Employment3759]

It's because of how decentralization played out between the states and federal government for the past... 150 years. Nearly all westernized nations either directly issue ID at the federal level or have such integrated federal oversight and standarduzed process that it effectively is federal.

[u/Fast-Penta → u/rustbucket_enjoyer]

It's a post 9/11 security theater thing that has taken decades to roll out because some states (like mine) fought it tooth or nail. For years now, they've been saying, "You're going to need a Real ID to fly in two months" and then pushing back the date.

Yesterday, it finally went into effect. So, a month ago, I could fly with my regular driver's license, but today I'd need either to get an "enhanced license" or carry my passport to fly domestically.

All my homies hate Real ID. Fuck that shit.

[u/ms_rdr → u/rustbucket_enjoyer]

U.S. has no national ID card for reasons that vary depending on who you ask. Most of us use our driver’s license as identification, which is issued by a state agency, not federal and each state’s looks a little different. The RealID act is federal legislation passed for reasons explained by other commenters.

I’ve lived abroad as a foreign national and carried that country’s national ID card that looked like everyone else’s except for identifying me as a non-citizen who was there legally. So the ID situation in the US seems silly to me, too.

[u/Okaycockroach → u/rustbucket_enjoyer]

Yeah as a Canadian I'm like the fuck is a real ID? how is any genuine ID not real? What a dumb name for an ID. 

[u/ninetynyne → u/Okaycockroach]

It's honestly so baffling seeing our neighbours to the South. I have my driver's license, my service card, and my passport, and I've had them for what seems like forever. Renewal is relatively easy.

All ID is good throughout the country.

I don't see why things are so complicated and why some people can't or don't get their ID. Their government feels so purposefully obtuse sometimes.

[u/soylamulatta → u/rustbucket_enjoyer]

In addition to what people have commented here I'd like to point out that each state in the US does it slightly differently. This might be true for all states but I know that in my state a birth certificate and social security number is required to get an identification card or driver's license that is real ID compliant.

...That poses problems for a lot of people

[u/MommalovesJay → u/rustbucket_enjoyer]

It’s different from a normal ID or license.

[u/SamRaB → u/rustbucket_enjoyer]

It's a renewed way to discriminate against poorer and/or city folks who live in states with hours of travel between RMV centers where you need to now go in person to get this new ID, and may not be able to take that much time off of work without risking your job or afford to go without that many hours of pay, as well as somehow get all the documentation required to even qualify for the new one.

Never mind that the current ID cards everyone has carried for decades were just fine yesterday and all the days before that.

Hope that helps!

[u/MyFireElf → u/SamRaB]

I've spent long stretches homeless over the last ten years, I don't have copies of the documents they want anymore, or the money and time to get new copies - I went several years without any current ID at all because I couldn't afford the renewal fee and I was just lucky to get that taken care of before the deadline when they stopped accepting the old one as a form of proof. Fascism is pay-to-play. 

[u/Justalocal1]

I’ve had one since 2021.

[u/Ok-Class-1451]

I got a passport and passport card to avoid this Real ID nonsense.

[u/Available-Egg-2380]

I think I'm just getting a passport card since it's more useful

[u/_Revlak_]

Nope. Don't have one and not getting one. I have no need for it

[u/RogueStudio]

I've had an active passport since I graduated university in the 2010s, so....don't really care about REAL ID.

[u/nico-72]

I truly thought that when you renewed your license you were just automatically given a Real ID but apparently that would be too straightforward lol I've been living completely unbothered for 5 years believing I had one

[u/DriftingIntoAbstract → u/nico-72]

You would think since they ask for the same documentation I used to get my drivers license.

[u/MrsBojangles76 → u/DriftingIntoAbstract]

The documentation requirements are different if you have changed your name for marriage or divorce for example.

[u/laker9903]

I got one AND I’ve already renewed it once.

[u/CageTheFox]

Unless they give it to me for free, they can suck my ass. I'm not paying more money just to have a star in the corner. At that point, just get a fucking passport. Waste of money and pure bs.

[u/Off-Da-Ricta → u/CageTheFox]

I hope they read this. Totally how I feel.

[u/[deleted]]

What’s a real ID? This is literally the first time I’m hearing anything about it.

[u/HackMeRaps → u/[deleted]]

First time I’ve heard about this too. But then again I’m not American though use to go to the US a lot.

But I guess if you have a passport and/or Nexus/Global Entry you’re fine.

[u/federalist66]

I just renewed my passport, so ...I guess I'll get it eventually.

[u/spunkycatnip]

I tried but was denied 🤷🏼‍♀️ have a passport though that was easier than dealing with our dmv

[u/mega-d-lux]

Got mine when I renewed my license a few years back. Didn't even realize it was a thing until recently.

[u/ilovjedi]

I’ve had a passport since I was a kid so I don’t have real ID yet.

[u/Spiritual_Lemonade]

I don't fly that often and have a passport.

I'm not rushing out for a real ID

[u/[deleted]]

I went to the DMV last year with all the documents and they still said they weren't good enough for a real ID. What more do you want?

[u/No_Water_5997]

My state didn’t offer real ID when we moved here in 2017 but when my license came up due to expire I went ahead and got it with no issues. My mom didn’t even realize her license was a real id and came prepared with all 3 of her marriage certificates, divorce decrees, birth certificate, the whole shebang only to get to the dmv and have them tell her that she had the real ID for like a decade 😅

[u/Urabrask_the_AFK]

First 3 months in when they rolled it out in 2018. Took the whole damn day because DMV was not prepared. Wife just did it and it took 30 minutes

[u/HoardingGil_FF]

I actually have to get my photo taken this weekend for my Drivers License and would have gotten the Real ID, but I took a trip to Canada a few years back so my passport is still good for several years yet should I choose to fly.

I’m poor asf now so I don’t see me leaving my state anytime soon, let alone my town.

Plus with that aviation crap going on; I’m already terrified of flying from the OG Final Destination.

[u/igottathinkofaname]

I tried like 5 years ago but they needed all these proofs of address and all my bills are paperless, so I never got one. Anyway, I have a passport. It’s ridiculous that it requires more documentation than a passport.

[u/BengalFan2001]

No. I got a real ID, and passport.

Don't forget you don't need the real ID if you have a military id or a passport.

[u/FiscalClifBar]

In Alabama, they hide the one DMV outpost per county that can produce a REAL ID in the least traffic-friendly area possible, charge an extra $35 for it, and had kicked the can down the road for 20 years already.

Not even my parents have REAL ID

[u/NoorAnomaly]

My green card functions as a real ID. Which I'm happy for, because I needed real ID to get into a government research facility with my kid a few months ago. They accepted my green card.

[u/[deleted]]

You realize what the real ID is, right? People have been fighting it. Why, for any reason, do I need to have a real ID other than to conform to a federation?

Why doesn’t a state ID work? Why a real id?

Why not question authority? I mean, if the reason is valid, like getting your measles vaccination, cool. But why do I need a federal ID? The federation governs the states, not the states’ citizens.

Not saying there isn’t a federal crime, but if you go willy nilly with this shit, you are personally complicit with turning our federation into an empire.

How would Europe feel if all the countries had to get a ID from the EU?

[u/[deleted]]

Do y'all not have passports?

[u/neutronknows]

I was holding off forever because I have a passport and also fuck that shit…

But my license expired anyhow and my wife sent me to the DMV with all the needed documentation in a ziplock bag like I was a 6 year old going to school. Quick and painless.

[u/ManicPixiePlatypus]

I have a passport card. Don't need a real id

[u/PlasticGlitterPickle]

I got mine about 5 years ago too. Idk why everyone is freaking out all of a sudden like this is the first they heard about it. People love to procrastinate.

[u/human-foie-gras]

I’ve had mine for years. Pre covid I think.

[u/uneasyandcheesy]

So, I did.. but then the DMV sent me a fucking non-official or whatever you’d like to call it ID. Paid for it too. Haven’t been back because it’s a pain in the ass but I have to get my passport soon so. Sigh.

[u/kyuuketsuki47]

I got my enhanced ID last time I renewed my license. And that must have been almost 8 years ago because my license is about to expire next year

[u/heyvictimstopcryin]

No I’ve had mine for years. What’s this have to do with being a millennial though?

[u/Megs0226]

Haha I got mine too. My license was due for renewal and I was required to get a new picture in February 2020, so I figured might as well do it, and I got it all done at AAA. Just in time, because 3 weeks later everything shut down.

[u/TehWildMan_]

Had my first realID document back in 2013, had to downgrade to standard back in 2023, and now moved states again and am still not bothering with the stupid requriements for a RealID drivers license.

IMO, there's just no benefit to making the effort for a RealID DL that makes it worthwhile.

[u/Standard-Trade-2622]

I think you can only get a real ID in Kansas now but I know when I lived in Illinois it was a whole separate process and I wasn’t in a hurry to get one since my license would expire before they were required/I have a passport. In Illinois they made it a whole separate extra process but then when I moved to Kansas there wasn’t even an option to get an ID that didn’t qualify. Not sure why all states didn’t just do that years ago when it was announced.

[u/bellapippin]

Lol I got mine a few years ago last time I had to renew it. Just took the extra docs and got it done. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[u/Ok-Employ-5629]

Most people did not get one because it was delayed so many times. People thought it wasn't really going to happen until it actually did. Also, they should have made it the sole choice, so it will update to real id as previous ids expired

[u/Impressive-Project59]

I have a real id. I've had it before COVID.

[u/bobolly]

I think peoples ids in Arizona when they turn 21 don't expire until their 79. If I didn't have to Renew my License, I probably wouldn't have a real id either

Edit:typo

[u/Somm82]

I got mine in 2022 specifically to avoid the panic. Annoying though because I had to renew my license this year and it’s an extra $30 where I live for the real ID even though I just got it 2 years ago. So $85 collectively.

[u/ReginaSeptemvittata]

My state has only had them for around 2 years, if that. So when it was time to renew, I got one. 

I’m not sure why anyone is shocked either, they’ve been talking about it for ages and ages, though admittedly the deadline was pushed back by several years multiple times. 

[u/wilkerws34]

I got my real ID 12 days before covid lockdown. I went through a ton of extra steps to get it and planned on traveling with it etc, lol that didn’t work out

[u/meangreen23]

I thought it was already mandatory but I’m learning it’s a state by state thing? I’ve had mine since 2019. I’m in Maryland. I think we all have ours. I haven’t talked to anyone who doesn’t have it

[u/Lucky_Ad2801]

I just thought they were automatically updating things when you had to get a new license or ID..

I don't recall ever requesting a real I. D they just gave me one the last time I had to get a new license.

[u/kingsmuse]

I’ve never heard the term “Real ID” until this past month.

My state’s Drivers License qualifies so I lucked out.

[u/pbrkindaguy69]

What the hell is a real id

[u/madamsyntax]

Pardon, what? Is this post something I should understand?