Flexibility for REAL ID

A compliance extension should be granted

The spread of COVID-19 isn’t only disrupting private businesses, but the business of government. And that’s a problem for people who need to comply with the federal REAL ID law.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has asked the federal government for an extension for residents beyond the Oct. 1 deadline for compliance. PennDOT is not alone in seeking an extension. The National Governor’s Association has called for a one-year delay of the deadline.

Under the circumstances, the Department of Homeland Security should grant the request.

PennDOT has now taken the extraordinary step of closing all driver’s license centers and district offices for at least two weeks. That means no REAL ID processing. Similar actions are taking place in other states. Officials hope the move slows the spread of the virus.

If an extension is not granted, after Oct. 1 a REAL ID will be required to board domestic commercial flights or enter a military installation. The identification will also be required at many federal offices. While getting a REAL ID is optional, the reality is that most people should have one.

The REAL ID for most people will be their driver’s license or state identification card. Passports are also REAL ID compliant, but most people aren’t going to carry a passport around for identification purposes.

REAL ID is essentially a security and anti-terrorism measure, passed into law in 2005. To get a REAL ID, an individual must produce several forms of identification, including a birth certificate and Social Security card and proofs of address.

COVID-19 wasn’t predictable and the DHS should show flexibility by granting a nationwide extension for compliance. A year’s extension would give time for transportation authorities across the nation to catch up. It would also give authorities additional time to assess the spread and containment of the virus and act accordingly by opening or closing government offices.