“Over the next two years, those states that are not REAL ID compliant are strongly encouraged to meet the requirements of the law for the benefit of their residents”, Johnson continued, noting that Congress directed the TSA to make the identification change more than a decade ago and aviation safety is still a big concern.
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State officials said they are working on a solution to the problem over state driver’s licenses.
If Illinois is forced to make changes to its driver’s license that the federal government is demanding, the results may include higher out-of-of pocket costs and longer wait times for Illinoisans seeking to get or renew a driver’s license.
“Starting October 1, 2020, every air traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant license, or another acceptable form of identification, for domestic air travel”, the statement said.
Currently, 23 states and USA territories have complied with the act and 27 states and territories have been granted an extension.
Edmonson said one major concern voiced by opponents was that the federal government could not fully explain how the information being gathered in each of the 50 states would be used.
According to fox2now.com/2015/12/24/feds-wont-accept-missouri-illinois-drivers-licenses-at-federal-facilities/, “The 2005 Real ID Act set tougher requirements for proof of legal USA residency in order for state driver’s licenses to be valid for federal purposes”.
House Majority Leader Joyce Peppin, R-Rogers, said: “This is good news and means the Legislature has ample time to continue efforts to comply with Real ID during the upcoming regular session”. Kinder had previously issued a sharply worded statement calling the act, an “intrusive and misguided federal law”.
The DHS has already denied further extensions for Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, and Washington, and has reputedly said they will not extend deadlines for other states. “Until January 22, 2018, residents of all states will still be able to use a state-issued driver’s license or identification card for domestic air travel”, he said.
Missouri can request an extension at any time if there are new developments or additional relevant information regarding the steps they are taking to comply with the REAL ID Act requirements.
Among the requirements of the Real ID act are verification of birth certificates, which IL does not now require.
The Department of Homeland Security announced on December 20, 2013 a plan for the Real ID Act that looked to implement new regulations in “a measured, fair, and responsible way”.
While proponents believe it enhances security, opponents believe the law represents a federal overreach.
IL residents will not have to provide special identification before they get on an airplane for at least the next two years. “They’ve not done that, and for all we know they’ll never do that”.
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The Cato Institute’s Jim Harper, among others, has argued that government control over a national card – specifically the decision to grant or not grant one to an individual – could amount to the government’s allowing or disallowing someone access to society.
