In Alaska, rural living complicates access to Real ID

[Judi Lynn]

Becky Bohrer, Associated Press
Updated 2:17 pm CST, Saturday, February 15, 2020

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — For many Americans, going to a state motor vehicle office can be a tedious time suck.

For people who live in rural Alaska's vast patchwork of communities not connected by roads, just getting to a DMV can be a lengthy and pricey ordeal.

Motor vehicle offices across the U.S. have experienced high demand as an Oct. 1 deadline approaches for Real IDs, special licenses many will need to board domestic flights and enter some federal facilities.

In remote parts of the country, such as rural Alaska, the new ID cards can be harder to get.

People in Toksook Bay, for instance, rely on small planes to travel to and from their island village, resident Mary Kailukiak said. The nearest DMV is in Bethel, about 115 miles (185 kilometers) away.

More:
https://www.chron.com/news/us/article/In-Alaska-rural-living-complicates-access-to-15058991.php#photo-19038410

[rzemanfl]

1. Please estimate the combined IQ of the two creatures in the bottom pic.

Three digits are not required.

[Igel]

2. I'm sure it does.

But they have 8 months.

And they (or their states) have had 14 years' warning.

The last serious warning was when we were all reminded of the deadline and states were told to get their houses in order back in 2016--they could choose to not comply, knowing the results; comply; or ask for a waiver. A couple of states and some territories are still under waiver or being reviewed, but they're unlikely to get a meaningful length of time.

Everything else was discussed in depth in 2005, but some will continue to fight until long past the deadline, then say, "It's an emergency! Who knew this would happen?"

[MicaelS]

3. Precisely what do the pictures have to do with this story? n/t