Meaning: The quote refers to the Real ID Act, a United States federal law passed in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, aiming to enhance the security and integrity of identification documents used for various purposes, including boarding commercial flights and accessing federal facilities. The Act was introduced by Elton Gallegly, a politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives.

The Real ID Act was a significant piece of legislation that sought to address concerns about the security of identification documents and the potential for fraudulent use of driver's licenses and identification cards. The events of 9/11 highlighted vulnerabilities in the identification systems, and the Act aimed to bolster security measures to prevent future threats to national security.

One of the key provisions of the Real ID Act is the establishment of minimum security criteria that states must meet in order for their driver's licenses and identification cards to be accepted for federal purposes. This includes boarding commercial flights and accessing certain federal facilities. The Act required states to enhance the security features of their identification documents and to verify the identity of individuals applying for driver's licenses and identification cards.

The implementation of the Real ID Act has been a complex and ongoing process. States were required to make significant changes to their identification systems to comply with the Act's provisions. This included incorporating enhanced security features into driver's licenses and identification cards, such as holographic images, machine-readable data, and stringent identity verification processes.

The Act also established standards for the storage and protection of personal information collected for the issuance of driver's licenses and identification cards. These measures were intended to safeguard against identity theft and the fraudulent use of identification documents.

The Real ID Act faced criticism and challenges during its implementation. Some states raised concerns about the costs and logistical challenges associated with meeting the Act's requirements. Additionally, privacy advocates expressed reservations about the potential implications of the Act for individuals' privacy and civil liberties.

In response to these concerns, the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the implementation of the Real ID Act, worked with states to provide extensions and flexibility in meeting the Act's requirements. This allowed states additional time to make the necessary changes to their identification systems while still working towards compliance with the Act.

The Real ID Act has had a significant impact on the issuance and acceptance of driver's licenses and identification cards in the United States. As of October 1, 2021, individuals are required to present a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, or another acceptable form of identification, in order to board commercial flights or enter certain federal facilities. This has prompted many individuals to obtain updated identification documents that meet the Act's standards.

In conclusion, the Real ID Act introduced minimum security criteria for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, aiming to enhance the security and integrity of identification documents used for various purposes, including boarding commercial flights and accessing federal facilities. While the Act has faced challenges and criticism, it represents a significant effort to strengthen identification systems and bolster national security measures in the United States.