Travelers weigh in on REAL ID rollout after 2005 law finally takes effect: 'I think it's important'

"I think that the government did a really good job of informing the public that it's needed. I see it everywhere," another man said. 

The REAL ID laws took effect on May 7, though the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced ahead of Wednesday that Americans who lack the new ID will still be able to travel but would face additional screening. REAL ID is a federally-compliant driver's license or other identification that meets higher standards than state-issued driver's licenses.

"I think the government did a great job preparing for folks, and especially in the state of Georgia. They've had this in process for a long time," said another traveler.

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to heighten security requirements for driver's licenses in response to the attacks on 9/11. Though some states began complying with the law more than a decade ago, enforcement in all states had been repeatedly delayed due to the pandemic, DMV backlogs, as well as some states, such as South Carolina, initially refusing to comply. 

"I think it's important to protect our airports one another and our federal buildings with higher security," another woman said. 

By contrast, another traveler said the roll-out could have been smoother. 

"They could have rolled this out a little smoothly there and allowed people to get more prepared, even though, you know, to say it's been in the works for a couple of years, but I travel quite often, and I didn't know," she said.