A close-up shot of a sign prompting people to make sure they have a REAL ID before traveling. (Fox News)
At its core, the REAL ID Act aimed to close security gaps that terrorists could exploit. Before 9/11, standards for issuing driver's licenses and other IDs varied widely among states, with little coordination or verification of critical documents like birth certificates and Social Security numbers. Several of the 9/11 hijackers were able to obtain legitimate state IDs using fraudulent documents, enabling them to move freely and board planes without detection.
The 9/11 Commission Report, released in 2004, strongly recommended establishing national standards for identification as a counterterrorism measure. Congress acted quickly, embedding the REAL ID provisions within a broader defense and emergency spending bill – a strategic move that helped ensure its swift passage.
REAL ID requires states to verify the authenticity of key documents – birth certificates, Social Security numbers and proof of address. It also mandates that IDs use security features that are more resistant to tampering.
WHAT DID THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION, 9/11 COMMISSION SAY ABOUT REAL ID LEGISLATION?
(Real ID requirements have prompted long lines at the DMV.)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
President Donald Trump reiterated the Real ID requirement in an executive order signed on March 25 focused on election integrity.
"This will also help us bring integrity back to all of our IDs and how they're used, how they're used for issuing driver's licenses. And governors know how I feel about making sure their driver's licensing system has integrity, because a lot of people use their driver's license to vote, and the backbone of our country and the foundation is election integrity."
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/case-real-id-why-congress-passed-requirement-2005