I *think* this question goes here

[prettydrake]

Hi hi hi everyone again,

I have a quick question.  What is the "Real ID" situation that I've heard mentioned on the forum?  It's a bit of a dumb question, but I dun wanna be confused about it

[Attis]

Effectively, RealID is dead. It's been postponed until 2015, which means the Fed got roadblocked by the states (thank you Maine, Nevada, and other states for saying no to central government).

-- Brede

[Laura Elizabeth Jones]

Where did you hear that, Attis?

[Attis]

Where did you hear that, Attis?

DHS has stated it in an AP release last week, they can't get the states to cooperate with their plans, so they made an extension to the RealID act. I expect it will be extended again before the deadline.

[LostInTime]

That is incorrect, at this point. DHS said they MIGHT go out to 2015. The Real ID legislation is law, DHS is hashing out the rules and guidelines since they now have all power over our documentation. Keep in mind that the gender part on documentation has absolutely no guidelines in the DHS.

"DHS expects States that have been granted an extension to begin issuing compliant licenses no later than January 1, 2010, in most cases with a roll-out of licenses as they expire."

From the DHS:

What does a State have to do and when does it have to do it?

    States that need an extension from DHS should file a request by February 1, 2008, though States are encouraged to inform DHS of its intention to request an extension as soon as October 1, 2007. DHS can grant an extension through December 31, 2009. A State that is complying with the REAL ID Act must begin issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses and identification cards no later than May 11, 2008. However, States that have been granted an extension will be required to issue compliant licenses and identification cards no later than January 1, 2010. All licenses and identification cards held by individuals from a State must be compliant by May 10, 2013.

    The NPRM does not propose to change this practice and would not give the Federal government any greater access to this information than is currently accessible from individual State DMVs.

There are states that have passed laws against Real ID. The Federal government could play hardball with them but it looks like it will be fought out in federal court instead. In the meantime it could be a real nightmare for everyone, especially those who are changing names and/or gender.

REAL ID Proposed Guidelines: Questions & Answers
Countdown to REAL ID (May 11, 2008)
Miller, Granholm at odds over licenses
Wiki
Real ID Nightmare
States Get Extra Time On Launch of 'Real ID'
Senator calls for Real ID rebellion
DHS Plans to Water Down Real ID in Last-Ditch Effort to Lure States In; Privacy Threats Remain
ACLU Coalition Letter Urging No Funding for Real ID in Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill
No REAL ID, no problem: DHS backs off on deadline, requirements
UnRealID
National ID Cards and REAL ID Act