> RealID licenses cost extra where I live.

Where is that? I’m curious.

Around here, RealID is just what you’re issued when you renew various forms of ID. I don’t even recall an option to get a non-RealID version.

I'm in Oregon, and that's the case - about $30 extra. More people than you think don't have access to supplemental documentation required to meet extra requirements – people who don't have current travel documents, people who've just moved into town, people who don't have current documentation of address (e.g. the homeless, people in the foster care system, etc.)

It's pragmatic to have: plenty of people don't or can't fly, and the cost of supporting this option is marginal.

Washington State. $7/yr more for a Real ID license - $42 more the 6 year license and $60 more for the 10.

https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-licens...

In CA it was cheaper and (far) easier to get a normal license and a passport.

for what its worth, my state made it unpleasant enough that it was easier to just got a non-real id and a renew the ol passport