[jtbayly]

In my state you still have a choice to pay more for a REAL ID, or just get a plain old drivers license.

[ch_123]

Are there some onerous requirements for REAL IDs which require it to be more expensive, or is this a short-sighted money making scheme for the states?

[someguydave]

To get a real ID you need to prove your citizenship, which is usually some combination of your birth certificate and/or passport or other IDs. Not really a big deal

[cosmicgadget]

But does mean an office visit rather than (sometimes) a renewal by mail.

[someguydave]

having reliable government IDs means that people will be inconvenienced

[JBlue42]

Depends on the state: https://www.usa.gov/real-id