> REAL ID is both optional,

While this is true,

> and not offered unless you go out of your way to get it.

this is not.

I live in NYS and just renewed my license. The REAL ID requirements were very prominent, and it wasn't immediately obvious if it was possible to renew my license without making it REAL ID.

They also offered a step above that, which I think was just called "Enhanced," which would allow me to leave my passport at home if I were going to Canada, but I travel to Canada less than I travel to Europe (and neither one frequently), so I didn't see the point in paying extra $$ for that.

> why do I need a "special" driver's license to satisfy the feds?

Ultimately, because they say so. I'm genuinely curious: are you going to fly domestically with a passport after September? I'm not saying the government should have done REAL ID, but given that they seem intent on it I'm wondering what your plan is. For me, the reason to convert to a REAL ID is so that I can get on planes in the US. I had the option to go with a regular license, but that would have been inconvenient since I would have needed other ID to get on a plane, even for a domestic flight. Again, I'm not defending the government, just really curious what your plan is. Is it a protest?

I've been flying with a passport my entire adult life. In fact, I carry the passport with me everywhere and use it for other identification needs as well (e.g. buying beer, getting my tickets from will call, etc). I appreciate that the passport lists only my name, birth date, and place of birth whereas my driver's license includes my address, gender, height, weight, and eye color. Places that have technology to scan driver's licenses are almost never able to scan my passport, making for that many fewer databases my presence is indelibly recorded in. Ever since my state started using facial recognition technology on their IDs I've asked to have my driver's license made without a photo, so I can't even use it as an ID card if I wanted to.

Nowadays you can get a "passport card" which has the exact same form factor as a drivers license and can be used the same way as an "enhanced real id" for domestic flights or travel to/from Canada and Mexico.

If you fly often, consider getting global entry if you are eligible. The card they give is a realid compliant federal id and can be used to board a plane.

I've had that card rejected, unlike the passport card.

Renew your U.S. Passport and tick the extra box to get the land border passport card too.

It's a piece of plastic same size as a DL, a federal ID, and works for air travel. Usable for ID everywhere a state DL is as well as everywhere a federal ID is required.

I’m not sure if I’m misunderstanding, but you will need a Real ID to board domestic flights as well.

Passport is fine. Some people can also use global entry card as a realid.

You can use a passport just fine to get onto a domestic flight too.

No, they are actively pushing it for new licenses and renewals.