For millions of Americans, today isn’t just another Wednesday—it’s I-D-Day. Starting now, travelers over 18 will need a Real ID or a valid passport to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. A traditional driver’s license will no longer cut it with the TSA or U.S. Border Patrol.
The requirement has technically been in the works for more than a decade, but that hasn’t stopped a last-minute scramble as the deadline takes effect. The Real ID, a federally compliant license marked with a star, aims to increase security, but some say the process to obtain one hasn’t been smooth for everyone.
On The Roggin Report, guest host Tim O’Brien welcomed publicist Anthony Turk and Brad Ward of Brad Ward Coaching and Entertainment to share their experiences. Both men said their Real ID upgrades were relatively painless—completed during routine license renewals.
But for others, especially women who changed their names after marriage or individuals with multiple versions of their name, it’s been far more complicated. “Sometimes I’m Anthony J. Turk. Sometimes I’m Tony Turk,” said Turk. “You think common sense would prevail, but it doesn’t always.”
Ward echoed those concerns, highlighting the challenge many women face if they can’t locate their original marriage certificate—sometimes decades old. “It’s kind of silly to expect people to have documents from 50 years ago,” he said.
The Real ID process requires original paperwork—no copies—verifying identity and any legal name changes. That can be especially problematic for older adults or those with hyphenated or changed names due to marriage or other circumstances.
Critics argue the process, while well-intentioned, disproportionately impacts women and older Americans. Some see it as a form of discrimination if applicants are turned away due to minor discrepancies or outdated records.
Despite the hiccups, the requirement is now law. Travelers without a Real ID or passport will not be allowed through TSA security for domestic flights or gain access to federal buildings starting today.
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By: Fred Roggin
May 7, 2025
