REAL ID Explained: Everything You Need to Know

It's become the source of headaches and delays at DMV offices across California: the new Federal driver's license security requirements known as REAL ID.

What exactly is it? How do you get one? And what do you need to know to make sure you're compliant before the October 2020 deadline? NBC Bay Area digital journalist Jonathan Bloom explains it all, step by step.

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[richan]

The more security we seek, the more of our freedoms we give up ..

[phototristan]

You actually won’t need the real ID for traveling if you’re willing to use your passport for that instead.

[shoelessb]

Why isn't my driver's license proof of where I live ?
This is B.S.

[Dano-ufys]

My drivers license is a Real ID. The GOV ID is them getting info on you, makes it easier to pick you up, if you become a problem. Next will be Real ID Chips. Non of this will eliminate scanners or groping
pat downs.

[Jefford]

“Your Driver’s license is your key to everything.” Except voting.

[rosemullen-rw]

We the people did not vote for this! Not important because we are sheep and do as we are told!

[bundyprez]

So I've had a fake ID this whole time and didn't even known it?

[yeseniarobles]

The less contracts you sign out of ignorance the better you’re off

[Dano-ufys]

Non of the places I would ever go, I stopped flying in 73, but they will come up with other restrictions. Orwell was bang on, 1984 is here.

[damasovelez]

New World Order...how stupid do they really think we are?!

[lbaker]

The next step to prove who you are is "To Chip" everyone with RFID !

[Packer]

The requirements for a passport or real ID are exactly the same though a real ID may be somewhat less expensive and will not allow international travel. A better name for real ID is "domestic passport" since you will need it to fly from one American state to another. The Real ID law was actually passed 20 years ago as part of many changes to combat terrorism but is only now manifesting itself as the final step for securing air travel. I believe that we've already secured air travel enough without Real ID. We take off our shoes. We walk through xrays. The items we may carry with us are strictly limited. For that reason Real ID to me isn't so much about securing air travel as it is about increased surveillance of the population in general as a means of fighting crime. I think this rule is oppressive. Americans shouldn't need passports to fly within their own country.

[damnyankeesdaughter]

They can stick all this crap, I have a God given right to exist

[firestarterG]

If you think counterfeiters can’t duplicate this “real id, ” think again. Once this is accomplished and
another “false flag” occurs, we’ll rapidly move on to the micro chip inserted
under the skin.

[Dano-ufys]

Mr Yusuf: my ID also doesn't have a star in the upper right corner.
I may not enter a federal facility or fly on a plane. I am a second class citizen cause I don't want the gov all up in my business.

[AUNGPov]

Somebody tell me is this something we must apply or it’s okay also not to??

[HeebieKikeberger]

Does this mean I can use the pool at the Air Force base now?

[livinaftermidnight]

So after 15 years they're enforcing it?

[louderthangod]

Are these lines this long even with an appointment? I have my appoint at the end of the month.

[mikiloffbadfish]

Real I'd is another form of government control thanks