20-Year Wait: Why REAL ID Took So Long

The REAL ID Act: A 20-Year Journey to National Identification Following the September 11th attacks, the REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. However, its full implementation faced significant delays, taking nearly two decades. This was due in part to initial resistance from several states, citing concerns about the costs associated with upgrading their systems and the potential infringement on individual liberties. "It imposed a lot of new costs on the states," stated Jay Stanley, a policy analyst at the ACLU, highlighting the financial burden placed on states to comply with the new regulations. This financial strain, coupled with concerns about privacy and the potential for a national ID card, led to significant opposition. Justin Oberman, a former TSA deputy administrator, noted the ingrained American preference for freedom, explaining that the widespread adoption of the REAL ID Act took time due to the resistance to increased government regulation. This cultural factor played a significant role in the slow implementation process. Despite the initial challenges, the REAL ID Act is now fully implemented, enhancing national security by standardizing identification documents. The journey to its full implementation serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in balancing security measures with individual liberties.