The debate happening in a number of states over the question of illegal immigrants being given drivers licenses, prompts me to speak to the imposition of the new Real ID requirements. We all still have another 12 months before enforcement will begin, but you may want to start planning to comply with these new requirements of the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The Real ID was mandated by Congress back in 2005 in response to the terrorist attacks on 9/11, but has since been postponed several times by TSA. Within the past few weeks however, TSA has made it clear that the current October 1, 2020 deadline will indeed be enforced. The Real ID will be required for air travel beginning at that time unless the traveler brings their US passport or another TSA-approved identification. If your driver’s license hasn’t come up for renewal – and/or will not need to be renewed before 10/1/20 – you may want to take the initiative yourself. Real ID-compliant licenses are generally marked with a star located in the upper corner of the license. Documents needed to obtain a Real ID license vary from state to state, but generally a resident will need to show their Social Security card, birth certificate, another form of government-issued identification such as a passport, as well as proof of residency. Why not get it out of the way now?