I’m in Oklahoma so naturally we’re one of the last states to implement Real IDs. My old driver’s license was laminated, beefy, and I could cut a tough steak with it if need be. My Real ID feels like it might self destruct when I pull it out of my wallet.
Is this the nature of Real IDs or is it just an Oklahoma thing?
My California RealID feels very similar to the DL it replaced (CA hasn’t used laminated in years). Thinner than my debit card, but about the same amount of flexibility.
I just received my first RealID earlier this week and carefully compared the two at the time: same thickness/feel. I also noticed they feel kind of thin but seem to hold up fine over time.
The biggest difference is that my middle name is now spelled in full which the clerk at the SecState window did mention when I submitted my documents.
There is no difference in feel from the old one at all with my new NY REAL ID, it just has the star in the corner. Still a thick plastic like a credit card.
I learned in the Interesting Facts thread that Oklahoma City is planning to build the tallest skyscraper in the nation. Every gram shaved off the weight of personal items gives it a slightly better chance of not collapsing.
I also have an Oklahoma Real ID and mine isn’t like that at all. I find LSLGuy’s description to be more accurate - very similar to a credit card in regard to thickness and semi-rigidity.
I’m comparing my Real ID with my wife’s ID that is real but not Real. Star in the corner and full middle name. That’s the only difference. Same size, thickness and feel.
My NC Real ID is identical to the standard state ID it replaced except for the gold star. NC mails the IDs and driver licenses instead of giving them to you at the DMV office. They do give you a temporary paper ID in case you need it before you get the permanent one; I was assured that this would be accepted by the TSA; fortunately I got the real one before I traveled.