Real ID Act deadline approaches

The nation's Real ID Act is scheduled to take affect January 15th and New Mexico is still not in compliance with the federal law.  

So far, the Department of Homeland Security has not said anything about extending the deadline again. It's a deadline that's been pushed back further and further since the act was passed in 2005, but the Department of Homeland Security said earlier this year the law can't wait any longer. 

Governor Martinez has been trying to repeal the state law that grants drivers licenses to illegal immigrants since she was elected. She says that's the biggest reason why the state will not be in compliance with the federal Real ID Act when it takes effect next month. 

As it stands right now, New Mexicans would have to use their passports to board planes or get into federal facilities like Sandia National Labs. 

Real ID Act deadline approaches