This is it. States need to rip the band-aid off (or be forced to) so that people will be forced to get a Real ID at their next license renewal. Only then will this deadline pass without being extended
Washington state also charges a premium for Real ID. For those who don’t fly or cross from Canada to the US, Real ID is just a waste of money.
EDL in WA will be $115 for 5 years starting in 2024. A US Passport Book is $130 for 10 years (or a US Passport Card is $30 and good for domestic air travel and land/ground to CA and MX). Why would I bother with Real ID? I can’t even renew Real ID online or get it immediately after having my photo taken. While quicker than a Passport, it takes 2-3 weeks.