Memory
what does a real id do
Hey Matthew, I hope you can help me. I've been hearing a lot about this Real ID thing, but I'm not really sure what it does, do you know?
Hey there! I would be happy to help clarify things for you. The Real ID Act was passed by US Congress in 2005. It established new standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, including improved security features that make them harder to forge.
So, is it just like a normal ID but with extra security?
Kind of, but it's more than just that. Starting from May 3, 2023, only Real ID-compliant cards will be accepted for boarding commercial aircrafts and entering certain federal facilities. So basically, it’s your ticket to domestic flights and access to certain government services.
Oh, I see. So, it's not just about the extra security but also about enabling certain services. But what if I already have a passport? Do I still need a Real ID?
Great question! If you have a valid U.S. passport or passport card, military ID, or another federally approved form of identification, you can use that instead of a Real ID for those purposes. However having a Real ID can be handy as a backup or for situations where you might not want to carry your passport.
Remember: Everything Talkie says is made up!