In the next few years there are going to be numerous changes and additions to laws; one of them being the REAL ID Act.

The REAL ID Act’s third phase will be implemented officially on Jan 22, 2018. This act was created because of the 9/11 attacks in an effort to stop terrorism. The REAL ID act puts in place a new set of regulations of identification to be used for going into government buildings and air travel. International air-travel will be effected because you would need a passport to travel in the states.

A fellow freshman Amanda Ebert at ERHS believes that, “we would be safer if you showed more identification.” Amanda also said,”we should have started it sooner.”

On REAL ID’s one would need a full legal name, signature, date of birth, gender, face photograph, ID card number/drivers license, and address. There should be a star to show that it is TSA(Transportation Security Information) approved.

There are many positives and negatives that people have about this act. A lot of people and states are against it because it would cause states to pay more money to make new ID cards, which the government won’t fund. In effect it would also raise the price for getting a new REAL ID. This act will make counterfeiting ID’s more difficult, which will improve security.

The REAL ID act doesn’t affect one’s ability to vote, receive federal benefits, get a license to drive or engaging in law enforcement investigations or any enforcement proceeding’s. Children under 18 don’t have to show identification when they are with a companion who has an acceptable ID. Look out for dates and keep aware of new laws so you wont be in a tight spot in the future.