Why Americans Are Rejecting REAL ID: A Surprising Reason Behind the Trend?

As the deadline to obtain a REAL ID draws near, many Americans are still hesitant to apply for this new form of identification. While the benefits of having a REAL ID are clear, such as being able to board domestic flights without additional identification, many people have yet to get one. Surprisingly, one of the key factors driving this reluctance isn’t just the complexity of the application process or the potential inconvenience, but rather the cost.

The costs associated with obtaining a REAL ID vary from state to state. For some, the cost of a first-time REAL ID is relatively low, but for others, the fees can be more significant, especially when applying for a renewal. This extra expense has caused many Americans to question whether it’s worth getting the REAL ID when they already have other forms of acceptable identification that will serve their purpose.

What Can You Use Instead of a REAL ID?

The good news is that a REAL ID is not the only form of identification that will be accepted for domestic air travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has made it clear that a variety of other forms of identification can be used instead. Some of the most common and widely accepted alternatives include:

• Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card: These government-issued documents are widely accepted for both domestic and international travel.
• Trusted Traveler Cards: Cards such as Global Entry, which are issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), are another form of identification accepted by the TSA.
• Department of Defense IDs: Military identification cards are also accepted for air travel.
• Permanent Resident Cards: Green cards are valid forms of identification for both domestic and international travel.
• Border Crossing Cards: These are issued to individuals who frequently cross the U.S.-Mexico border.

These alternatives are often already in the possession of travelers, making it unnecessary for them to go through the process of obtaining a REAL ID. For many, especially those who travel frequently or who already have a passport, the REAL ID simply isn’t needed.

Financial Concerns Driving Decisions

One of the main reasons why many Americans have not rushed to obtain a REAL ID is financial. For example, at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C., Lisa, a traveler from Oregon, told Fox News Digital that the decision not to get a REAL ID came down to money.

“I haven’t gotten a REAL ID yet because it was an extra cost,” Lisa said. “I’d rather put that money toward my passport.”

Lisa went on to explain that she does not feel the need to spend additional funds on a REAL ID because she already owns a passport. When traveling domestically, she feels that using her passport will serve her just as well. “When I travel later, I’ll have to bring my passport, and I may not want to do that for stateside travel,” Lisa explained.

Kelsey echoed this sentiment from Bloomington, Illinois, who shared similar concerns. She had not yet made it to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to apply for her REAL ID, and her trip to D.C. would end before the May 7th deadline. She said that since she already owns a passport, she sees no need to rush out to get a REAL ID.

“My ID expires in November, so I plan on doing it all at once when I have to get one anyway,” she said. For people like Kelsey, the financial outlay of obtaining a REAL ID doesn’t make sense, especially when they already own a passport that can serve as an acceptable form of identification.

Reduced Costs in Some States

For travellers living in states where the costs associated with getting a REAL ID are lower, the decision may be less financially burdensome. California, for example, offers the option for reduced prices on the REAL ID, depending on the applicant’s situation.

According to the California DMV, “In certain circumstances, the fee may be waived or reduced.” For individuals who meet income requirements and are involved in certain governmental or nonprofit assistance programs, the cost of obtaining a REAL ID could be reduced or even waived entirely.

Additionally, seniors over the age of 62 are eligible for a no-fee ID card, according to the California DMV website. For those who meet these criteria, the cost of obtaining a REAL ID may not be a significant factor in their decision to apply for one.

Still, for many people who do not fall into these specific categories, the extra cost is a deterrent, especially when they already own other acceptable forms of identification.

The Wait-and-See Approach

In addition to financial concerns, many people simply don’t feel the urgency to obtain a REAL ID, especially if they already have alternative forms of identification that the TSA accepts. Nick, another traveler from Bloomington, Illinois, explained that he doesn’t feel the need for a REAL ID because he already travels with his passport.

“I travel with my passport, so I normally don’t even use my ID,” he said.

For Nick and others like him, there is no rush to obtain a REAL ID, especially when they already have a passport or another form of identification that will be accepted at airport security. With the REAL ID deadline still some months away, many travelers feel they have plenty of time to address the issue when their current IDs expire.

Conclusion

As the deadline for obtaining a REAL ID approaches, many Americans are still choosing to forgo it. The primary reasons for this reluctance are financial concerns and the availability of alternative forms of identification that are just as acceptable for air travel. For some, the extra cost of obtaining a REAL ID simply isn’t worth it when a passport or trusted traveler card already serves the same purpose.

While some states do offer reduced fees for the REAL ID, the overall expense still prevents many people from pursuing it. As more travellers realise that they can use their passports, trusted traveller cards, or other government-issued IDS, the necessity of obtaining a REAL ID may not be as urgent as originally thought.

Ultimately, the decision to get a REAL ID comes down to individual needs and preferences. For some, it may be worth the cost and effort to apply for a REAL ID, while for others, sticking with their current identification is the more sensible option.

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