In the United States, the Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to be accepted by federal agencies for official purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a secure federal facility.
One of the key requirements of the Real ID Act is that individuals must provide specific documents to prove their identity, date of birth, social security number, and residency in order to obtain a Real ID driver’s license or identification card. These documents are necessary to ensure the security and integrity of the identification process and prevent identity theft and fraud.
The following are the documents required for a Real ID driver’s license:
1. Proof of identity: This can be a valid, unexpired passport or a certified copy of a birth certificate. Other acceptable forms of identity include a certificate of naturalization or citizenship, a military ID card, or a permanent resident card.
2. Proof of date of birth: A certified copy of a birth certificate or a valid, unexpired passport is usually required to verify your date of birth. Other acceptable documents include a certificate of naturalization or citizenship, a consular report of birth abroad, or a valid, unexpired permanent resident card.
3. Social Security number: You will need to provide your Social Security card or a document issued by the Social Security Administration that includes your full Social Security number. This is to verify your eligibility to work in the United States and to prevent identity theft.
4. Proof of residency: You must provide two documents that show your current residential address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a mortgage statement, a current lease agreement, or a voter registration card. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days and must show your name and current address.
In addition to these documents, you may also be required to provide additional documentation if your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons. For example, you may need to provide a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order documenting the name change.
It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining a Real ID driver’s license may vary slightly from state to state, so it is recommended to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or licensing agency for specific guidelines and requirements.
Obtaining a Real ID driver’s license is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for anyone who plans to fly domestically or enter a federal facility after October 1, 2021. After this date, standard driver’s licenses or identification cards will no longer be accepted for these purposes, and individuals without a Real ID will need to provide an alternative form of identification, such as a valid passport.
The Real ID Act was put into place to enhance the security of state-issued identification cards and driver’s licenses and to ensure that individuals are who they claim to be when accessing certain federal facilities or services. By providing the necessary documents to obtain a Real ID driver’s license, individuals can help to protect their identity and prevent fraud while also ensuring compliance with federal security standards.
Overall, obtaining a Real ID driver’s license is a relatively straightforward process, as long as you have the necessary documents on hand. By following the guidelines and requirements set forth by your state’s licensing agency, you can obtain a Real ID that will allow you to access federal facilities and board domestic flights with ease and peace of mind.
