Idaho IDs Will Work For Now

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — State officials say the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has granted Idaho an extension to comply with the federal Real ID Act.

The Idaho Transportation Department in a statement Tuesday says the extension granted on Friday means Idaho residents can continue to use their Idaho driver's licenses to board commercial flights and enter federal areas, such as nuclear facilities and military bases. That was set to expire starting in 2016. The Department of Homeland Security recently removed limitations on extension requests.

But each year states must submit new extension requests. The Idaho Legislature in 2008 banned the state from complying with the REAL ID Act. Federal officials say REAL ID is intended to make it harder for terrorists to avoid detection. Its creation followed the 9/11 terrorist attacks.