TO REAL ID OR NOT REAL ID?
Not sure where the panic is coming from about REAL ID ™ — about two or three years ago I had one of those bad drivers license renewals come up, the kind where you actually have to go in to the DMV to get a new picture. Well, I’ve been to the DMV- the DMV sums up everything I find wrong with government because it’s run as bad as any agency I can think of.
So I joined AAA to utilize their renewel service— which is night and day from the DMV— you make an appointment you show up they take as many pictures as you like and then they hand you a temporary license and you’re on your way— easy peasy.
This time around the woman said “Do you want to get the REAL ID ™ done?”
“Isn’t my drivers license real?”
“Well, the Federal Government is going to require people have a REAL ID ™ in order to fly, potentially it could also be used to vote.”
“OKay, let’s do it.” I say cheerfully.
“Great, do you have your social security card, your birth certificate and two utility bills with your name and address on it?”
“Uh, no. I don’t tend to carry that stuff around.”
“Well, we’re about to close, if you want to go get it and come back tomorrow we can do it then.”
I don’t like coming back events.
“So is there an alternative to a REAL ID ™ ?”
“You can use your valid US Passport.”
“Oh. Then just do the regular license thing, I’ll use my passport.”
“You won’t be able to use your license for travel.” She warned.
“That’s okay, I don’t use my license now. I always travel with my passport.” That’s the truth. I don’t like taking my wallet out and fumbling for my Drivers License as I’m trying to get through TSA Precheck ™ — rather I carry my valid US Passport in my breast pocket. I find that a lot easier.
And this was a few years ago.
So if you’ve waited until now to get a REAL ID ™ and you don’t have a valid US Passport you’re about to enter a creek where paddles are seldom seen if you attempt to fly. Not sure why you waited so long or why there is a panic on now, but there is but I’m not one of the panickers.
