By Declan McCullagh
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
February 7, 2008 4:00 AM PST
Editor’s note: A May deadline looms as just one flash point in a political showdown between Homeland Security and states that oppose Real ID demands. This is the last in a four-part series examining the confrontation. Today’s installment is a set of frequently asked questions, or FAQ, that we hope explains how the Real ID law affects you.
The Real ID law is touted by Homeland Security officials as an anticrime and antiterror measure, but is steadfastly opposed by some state governments on privacy and sovereignty grounds. Computer scientists also have raised concerns about how its creation of a national interlinked database would work in practice. Keep reading for more on Real ID.
Q: When does the Real ID Act take effect?
On May 11, a little more than three months from now. But states like California that have agreed to comply and ones like Pennsylvania that have requested a deadline extension are not affected–driver’s licenses from those states will continue to work for entering federal buildings and flying commercially.
Some states seem to have requested an extension as a tactical maneuver with little intention of ever complying. Washington and Idaho may fall into this category. A spokesman for Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter told us: “We’ve asked for an extension, but we still have serious concerns and reservations about it and its future here is to be determined.”
Q: Who’s going to have trouble flying or entering federal buildings starting May 11?
Residents of the five states–Maine, South Carolina, Montana, Oklahoma, and New Hampshire–that have firmly rejected Real ID. Fifteen states and the District of Columbia have not decided yet, meaning they could fall into this category too.
Q: So if I live in Maine, South Carolina, Montana, Oklahoma, or New Hampshire, and I want to fly out of any U.S. airport starting May 11, what happens?
The Bush administration has not answered that question. The Transportation Security Administration referred our questions to the Department of Homeland Security. A Homeland Security spokesman told us: “That’s an operational, ongoing issue at this point in time. We’ll need to be a bit closer in.”
One likely situation is that starting May 11, security checkpoints at all U.S. airports will have a Real ID and a non-Real ID line. Non-Real ID would be in the slow line, which Homeland Security predicts will involve “delays” and “enhanced security screening.” (One official with the Portland International Airport even joked about a mandatory “full body cavity search.”)
Q: Can I use a U.S. passport instead to get in the fast line?
Yes. If you don’t have one, you’d better apply soon. The State Department estimates four to six weeks for processing.
Q: Will I be able to fly after May 11?
Starting May 11, unless your home state agrees to comply with the federal Real ID Act or unless it asks for an extension, you should expect problems going through security at airports. Click a state below to see what that state has told us about whether or not its ID cards will meet Real ID requirements.
What that state has told us about whether or not it’s going along with the federal Real ID Act. http://www.news.com/How-will-Real-ID-affect-you/2009-1028_3-6229517.html?tag=st.nl
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