Real ID Stirs Concern for Travelers

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK-- Advocacy groups say Oklahoma travelers may need to carry a passport if they want to breeze through airport security.  As the federal deadline approaches for the Real ID Act, The Coalition for a Secure Driver's License warns travelers who carry their driver's license as ID, may be pulled aside for additional screening. 

The policy requires travelers to present identification that complies with the Real ID Act, a policy state lawmakers decided to opt out of. 

"Times have changed," said Brian Zimmer, President of The Coalition for a Secure Driver's License, " and Oklahoma will have to decide whether they are going to change with the times, or if they're going to stay out of it"

This means Oklahoma travelers who want to get through airport security without hassle will need to carry another form of identification, like a passport or military ID that meets federal regulations. 

 "I don't really support the idea," said Anna Clegg, a traveler passing through Will Rogers World Airport.

Although some travelers do not agree with the policy, others say it doesn't matter to them.

 "It makes no difference to me whether I'm using my state ID or whether I'm using my passport," said Michael Clegg.

 Kaye Beach has spent years fighting the Real ID Act, she says although the policy causes some inconvenience for travelers, she feels the policy infringes on her liberties, due to collection of biometric data.

"If you have someone that's determined to do harm to this country, Real ID is not going to stop them," she said.

Regardless of where travelers stand on the issue, most say additional precautions are not always foolproof.

 "You can try to be as secure as humanly possible," said Timothy Davis, "but you're never going to be one hundred percent safe." Real ID Stirs Concern for Travelers

Posted: Monday, October 1 2012, 09:46 PM CDT