Real ID deadline arrives, Fall River RMV sees last-minute rush

FALL RIVER, Mass. — The line outside the Fall River RMV was steady as residents rushed to meet the federal deadline for obtaining a Real ID, a form of identification that is now required to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings.

“If you don’t have it done by today, you’ve had plenty of time,” Hank Barsky said.

The requirement, part of post-9/11 security reforms, had seen numerous delays over the years.

But now, standard driver’s licenses are no longer accepted at airport security checkpoints or federal facilities without additional screening.

Some residents said the new ID feels redundant.

“I don’t really think it’s necessary because I have an American passport,” Laura Pimentel said.

For others, the Real ID adds a layer of security and verification they support.

“I think it’s a good thing,” Carlos Pimentel said. “There’s  a lot of people that don’t have a Real ID; could be a fake ID to get into the buildings.”

Barsky agreed.

“There’s a lot of people imitating other people, and you really can’t tell who’s listening or who’s nearby,” he said. “It’s a matter of necessity because you have to prove yourself.”

While travelers can still fly without a Real ID using a valid passport, those without either form of identification will face extra steps at TSA checkpoints.

“You need a passport to travel internationally, so I think a Real ID is something for domestically,” Michael Bailey said. “It’s okay by me for traveling. There is some amount of risk, so I think just the knowledge of security makes everyone a little bit more self-secure.”

And even some skeptics recognized the need, especially for federal employees or anyone visiting government buildings.

“I think if you’re traveling, or going to a federal building , if you work in federal,  get the Real ID, because you won’t be able to get in there,” Pimentel said.

While RMVs will continue issuing Real IDs beyond the deadline, officials urged residents not to wait until their next trip to get compliant.