There are several states, most along the Canadian border, where the Real ID'S issued by those states allow the holder to cross the border in both directions. The idea behind real ID's 20 some years ago was to prove citizenship in order to travel.
Yes, I lived in Michigan and could cross back and forth through Canada. Not all states’ Real IDs work like that. The main usage is for domestic air travel. The deadline to get one is May 7, but they really don’t seem justified anymore.
I’m in Virginia and have one but cannot cross Canadian border because it is considered “international” travel. It is only good for domestic air travel and entering federal buildings.
I have always wondered about the federal buildings part!
It was my understanding that as a result of 9/11, the Act was passed as a means to make it more difficult for individuals to use fake ID documents to gain access to sensitive locations and engage in air travel. I have never heard of the citizenship aspect.
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I have always wondered about the federal buildings part!