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Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Rural residents have harder time acquiring 'Real IDs'

American residents must have an enhanced form of identification called a Real ID by Oct. 1, or they will need a passport to board domestic flights or enter military bases or federal buildings. But some rural residents are having a hard time getting access to the motor-vehicle agencies that issue such IDs.

That's because not every office issues Real IDs, obliging many rural and suburban residents to make long treks to the nearest one that does. And compounding the transportation and time issue, Real IDs require more documents to verify one's identity, and many say they've had to make several trips to get it right, Chris Davis reports for News Channel 5 in Nashville.

In addition, some states have been dealing with glitch-ridden delays in implementing the new system, Elaine Povich reports for Stateline. A late start means a smaller window for rural residents to get a Real ID.

The problem is especially acute in Alaska, where many rural residents must rely on small planes to get to the nearest motor-vehicle agency. One resident said it cost her about $200 one way, Becky Bohrer reports for The Associated Press.

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