REAL ID is the real deal, but many of us are still not quite sure what it is and how it will affect us. Here’s a brief rundown of the federally standardized license compliance:
• It’s voluntary, but you should travel with alternative REAL ID-compliant IDs (valid passport, valid military ID or some forms of tribal IDs).
• REAL ID-compliant forms of identification are needed to access federal facilities and military bases as well as commercial planes.
• REAL ID compliance begins in Alaska on Oct. 1, 2020.
• The application process, similar to the current ID application process, includes mail-in.