Idaho Gov. C. L. “Butch” Otter Approves Real ID Legislation

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho will finally implement a federal mandate to toughen ID requirements, reversing its nearly decade-long stance against the Real ID Act.

Gov. C. L. "Butch" Otter signed legislation to comply with the federal law on Monday. Lawmakers initially refused to comply with the federal act, passed in 2005, because they deemed it an unfunded mandate. The Real ID is designed to make driver's licenses less susceptible to forgery by requiring proof of U.S. residency.

It also requires states to retain copies of other identification documents, like birth certificates. Since 2014, the Department of Homeland Security has granted Idaho compliance extensions. However, the latest extension expires in October. Real ID will be needed to board all commercial airlines by 2020 and is currently needed to visit some federal facilities.