In a groundbreaking move, the Ohio Department of Public Safety has announced that starting next year, all driver’s licenses issued in the state will feature a star in the upper right-hand corner. This star symbol will indicate that the license is compliant with the REAL ID Act, a federal law enacted in 2005 to enhance security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
The implementation of the star on Ohio driver’s licenses comes as part of the state’s efforts to ensure compliance with the REAL ID Act, which set security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The law was passed in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, with the goal of preventing future acts of terrorism and reducing fraud.
Ohio residents who wish to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities, such as military bases or nuclear power plants, will be required to have a driver’s license or identification card that is compliant with the REAL ID Act. The star symbol on the license will indicate that it meets the necessary security standards and is acceptable for federal identification purposes.
The Ohio Department of Public Safety is encouraging residents to check their driver’s licenses to see if they already have the star symbol. If the license does not have the star, residents will need to upgrade to a compliant license before the October 1, 2020 deadline when the REAL ID Act goes into full effect.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, residents will need to provide documentation proving their identity, Social Security number, and residency in Ohio. This documentation may include a birth certificate, Social Security card, and two forms of proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
Ohio residents who wish to upgrade their driver’s licenses to REAL ID-compliant licenses will need to visit their local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office and pay a $25 fee, in addition to any applicable renewal fees. The process may be completed in person at the BMV office, and residents are advised to make an appointment in advance to avoid long wait times.
The Ohio Department of Public Safety has assured residents that the process of obtaining a REAL ID-compliant license is straightforward and will help ensure the security and safety of residents when traveling or accessing federal facilities. The department is working closely with the BMV to streamline the application process and make it as convenient as possible for residents.
Ohio residents who already have a valid passport or another form of federally approved identification, such as a military ID or permanent resident card, may not need to upgrade their driver’s licenses to comply with the REAL ID Act. However, the department recommends checking with the specific federal agency or organization before traveling to ensure that the identification provided is acceptable.
The introduction of the star symbol on Ohio driver’s licenses is part of a nationwide effort to enhance security measures and combat identity theft and fraud. The Ohio Department of Public Safety urges residents to take the necessary steps to ensure that their driver’s licenses are compliant with the REAL ID Act by the October 1, 2020 deadline.
Overall, the implementation of the star on driver’s licenses in Ohio is a positive step towards improving security standards and enhancing the safety of residents when traveling or accessing federal facilities. By upgrading to REAL ID-compliant licenses, Ohio residents can ensure that they have the proper identification required for domestic flights and federal purposes, helping to protect against potential threats and ensure peace of mind when traveling.
