You Know You Are Old When

[Oaktree]

What dilemma is that? I still don't have one, but have never seen any good reason I should.

I believe you'll need a real ID to enter any federal building. Depending on how you define "federal building", it could include a post office, VA hospital, etc.
Individual states may impose similar restrictions.

I've never had a passport, never had any need for one, though now I believe one is required in order to return from Canada.

It is completely unneeded and unnecessary governmental interference. Just a step in the direction of Hitlers Germany, your papers or your life.

I agree that it does seem to be overstepping, but that bus left the station a long time ago. How many here have cellphones that they have on them everywhere they go? "They" already know where you are, where you've been, and who you've been with. There is no privacy anymore.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I believe you'll need a real ID to enter any federal building. Depending on how you define "federal building", it could include a post office, VA hospital, etc.
Individual states may impose similar restrictions.

I've never had a passport, never had any need for one, though now I believe one is required in order to return from Canada.


I agree that it does seem to be overstepping, but that bus left the station a long time ago. How many here have cellphones that they have on them everywhere they go? "They" already know where you are, where you've been, and who you've been with. There is no privacy anymore.

Sadly, making the rounds to the Fargo IRS office means talking to Federal security guys. They check the DL (I have Minnesota's verified type, which I believe satisfies the real ID thingy). I believe one of the guards scans the ID for a database while another security officer watches the metal detection stuff and a third officer manages you and your stuff. There is never a line and I'm always friendly, and so are the guards.

 

[mjonesnh]

I believe you'll need a real ID to enter any federal building. Depending on how you define "federal building", it could include a post office, VA hospital, etc.
Individual states may impose similar restrictions.

I've never had a passport, never had any need for one, though now I believe one is required in order to return from Canada.


I agree that it does seem to be overstepping, but that bus left the station a long time ago. How many here have cellphones that they have on them everywhere they go? "They" already know where you are, where you've been, and who you've been with. There is no privacy anymore.

My wife and I sometimes enter a military installation. My son is in the air force and have have been on 3 air force bases to see him through the years. Most recently in 2024 as a sponsored visitor. At one time he and family lived on base, so visited maybe every 4-6 months. With RealId going in effect that would stop without correct Id.

 

[ultrarunner]

The last time I drove on base I needed my registration, proof of insurance, drivers license and my passport card…

 

[mjonesnh]

The last time I drove on base I needed my registration, proof of insurance, drivers license and my passport card…

Yes. Registration and proof of insurance is required but starting in May a regular drivers license will not get you into miliary installations without a gold star on license, although if you have a passport that may work instead of a gold star license

 

[CalG]

The last time I drove on base I needed my registration, proof of insurance, drivers license and my passport card…

What is a passport card?

I have a pass port, but "a card"?

 

[ultrarunner]

What is a passport card?

I have a pass port, but "a card"?

I’ve had one since 2008 in addition to the passport book.

It’s driver license sized and fits in wallet and not good for international flights.

Get a Passport Card

Compare the U.S. passport card and passport book so you can decide if you want to apply for one or both documents.

travel.state.gov

United States passport card - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[garry1p]

When I went to get my real ID drivers license with the star they would not accept my original notarized birth certificate, said it had to come from the state Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Over 80 years ago only the mother's name, baby's name and date of birth was on the birth certificate. When I finally got my birth certificate from the state it had the exact same information.

 

[WinterDeere]

What is a passport card?

I have a pass port, but "a card"?

Like ultra said, looks a lot like a driver's license, and basically duplicates the basic info in your passport. It's a good thing to carry when traveling, in case your passport gets lost or stolen, you have a backup ID. Also serves as second form of ID when needed.

 

[CalG]

The funny thing is when you present a passport or DL that is expired, they look at you like you are trying to hijack the empire state building....