Are All Driver’s Licenses Real ID?
With the deadline for the Real ID Act fast approaching, many Americans are wondering if their driver’s licenses are indeed compliant. The Real ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The law was enacted in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and is intended to improve the security of state-issued identification documents.
The Real ID Act requires all states to issue Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards by October 1, 2020. After this deadline, individuals will need a Real ID-compliant license or identification card to board domestic flights, enter federal facilities, and access certain federal benefits. The Department of Homeland Security has been working with states to ensure compliance with the law and has been issuing extensions to states that need more time to implement the required security standards.
So, are all driver’s licenses in the United States Real ID-compliant? The short answer is no. As of now, only 47 states and territories are fully compliant with the Real ID Act. These states have implemented the necessary security features and procedures to issue Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. However, there are still three states that are not fully compliant with the law – Oregon, Oklahoma, and New Jersey.
In these three states, residents may still apply for a non-Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. This means that individuals in these states will need to present an alternative form of identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities after the October 1, 2020 deadline. The Department of Homeland Security has been working with these states to help them come into compliance with the Real ID Act, but it is unclear when they will be able to issue Real ID-compliant documents to their residents.
For individuals in states that are fully compliant with the Real ID Act, obtaining a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card is a relatively simple process. Residents will need to visit their state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV) office and provide documentation to prove their identity, Social Security number, and residency. Acceptable forms of documentation include a birth certificate, Social Security card, and utility bill. Once these documents are verified, individuals will be issued a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card that meets the security standards set forth in the Real ID Act.
It is important for individuals to check with their state’s DMV office to see if they are eligible for a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. Some states require additional documentation or have specific procedures for obtaining a Real ID-compliant document. Residents should also be aware of the October 1, 2020 deadline and make plans to obtain a Real ID-compliant document if they need to fly domestically or access federal facilities after this date.
In conclusion, not all driver’s licenses in the United States are Real ID-compliant. While the majority of states are fully compliant with the Real ID Act, there are still three states that have not yet implemented the necessary security features to issue Real ID-compliant documents. Residents in these states will need to obtain alternative forms of identification to comply with the law. For individuals in states that are fully compliant with the Real ID Act, obtaining a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card is a straightforward process that can be completed at their state’s DMV office. It is important for all Americans to be aware of the Real ID Act requirements and take the necessary steps to ensure they have a compliant form of identification before the October 1, 2020 deadline.
