Real ID requirement deadline extended…

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

3 minutes ago, RedIguana said:

The act of blending the 2 is what makes it complicated, as they have different purposes. A passport really is just an ID that verifies citizenship, with no regard for current or future state, county, or city residency, other than a current mailing address. A drivers license, besides the obvious driving part, is the most used identification for things requiring residency (voting, state taxes, homestead exemptions, insurance regulations, etc). A drivers license does not require citizenship, just have to be some sort of legal resident. So you are combining the legal requirements of the US government for citizenship and adding whatever individual requirements the states have to prove residency and address. For many people the state requirements are much tougher to meet, especially those who do not own a home,  have their name on a lease, or have utility bills in their names. 

 

Yeah, I went through that getting my NY license. But it seems like for renewals with Enhanced we should be able to show that and our passport only. What I'm not getting is why the need for a SSN card (or W-2 showing it and address) if you're presenting a passport.

[RedIguana]

19 minutes ago, WrittenOnYourHeart said:

What I'm not getting is why the need for a SSN card (or W-2 showing it and address) if you're presenting a passport.

I don't know for sure, but I suspect it is for background checks if necessary. Although the original purpose of an SS number was strictly for employment purposes, it has sort of become a de-facto national identity number. I'm just old enough to remember when you did not get a SS card until you needed it for a job. And you had it memorized by the time you finished enrolling for your first semester of college.

[Charles4515]

6 hours ago, Fly and Sail said:

 

Interesting that Alaska isn't on the list. I think most people who travel regularly already have a passport and at least for U.S. citizens the extra passport card is an awesome feature, $160 for both. I'm actually jealous that they can get it.

There is a large amount of cross border traffic between communities along the US and Canada border. Border crossings are everyday in parts of those 5 states. Thus the low cost DL alternative to a passport book. Residents of those border communities likely don't already have a passport. Think of it as a Drivers License with a passport card built in. 

Edited December 6, 2022 by Charles4515

[bigbenboys]

I got my SS card at 6 months old when I opened my 1st bank account in 1959.😀