POTUS tells us all the time!

I refused to get a realID last summer. I don't plan to fly again, ever, and in an emergency, there are options.

You are not required to have a Real ID for any purpose. As long as you have a US Passport, or alternative approved ID, you can travel by airplane and enter US Federal facilities where identification is required.

Here is a list of TSA approved ID methods that are NOT Real ID: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/

If traveling by airplane, the law allows you to opt out of face scanning at the TSA checkpoint. You respectfully decline having your photo taken and your documents will be manually checked. Barely a few seconds extra time.

https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/factsheets/facial-comparison-technology

From the above link, "Travelers who do not wish to participate in the facial comparison technology process may decline the optional photo, without recourse, in favor of an alternative identity verification process, which does not use facial comparison technology to verify their identity. This action will not take longer, and travelers will not lose their place in line for security screening."

Same applies at the boarding gate where face scanners are used. Kindly advise boarding counter agent that you do not wish to use your face for boarding and they will tell you to use a certain line or provide other instructions, with no added time delay.

They both work. I use them every time at TSA and the boarding gate. No questions or criticism, ever. FWIW I'm always polite.

Lastly, I have continued to renew my NON Real ID drivers license during each renwal without question, comment, or force. This in includes my renewal a couple of months ago.