California's "RealID"?

[Journeyman]

18. When I applied for mine, I was told I needed to prove who I am . . .

When I politely showed them my state issued, California driver's license, I was told that was insufficient. I needed my birth certificate, which I could get from the local Bureau of Records in Los Angeles County.

Before the Bureau would issue my birth certificate, however, I had to prove who I was. This required I show my driver's license.

I thought that was as absurd as it could get but I was gleefully mistaken. To further prove who I am, I had to show them my Social Security card (which is clearly labeled "Not to be Used for Identification" ), as well as two proofs of residence (my property tax bill and a utility bill). After all this, I was issued the Real ID. To my surprise, however, I received a letter a few weeks later from the State. To make my Real ID real I had to provide yet another proof of residence. To do this, I had to sign and return the letter they had just sent me.

I frankly have no idea whatsoever what they're doing all this for. I suppose it's to somehow make us safer, but I'm not getting the vibe when the process to get it is such a circus act.