JUNEAU — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has given Alaska an extension to meet national proof-of-identity standards with the expectation that the state will come into full compliance.
The 2005 federal REAL ID law imposes tougher requirements for proof of legal U.S. residency in order for state driver’s licenses to be valid to enter many federal facilities.
Alaska hasn’t met certain provisions, and a 2008 state law bars state agencies from spending money to comply with it.
Gov. Bill Walker plans to introduce legislation to repeal that prohibition and allow for Alaskans to choose between an ID that complies with REAL ID and one that doesn’t. In a letter to Homeland Security officials, he says his goal is to get the legislation passed next year.
The extension runs through June 6.
