As of October 1, 2020, all new driver’s licenses issued in the United States must be Real ID compliant. This means that the new driver’s licenses will have a star in the upper right-hand corner, indicating that the bearer has met the requirements for a Real ID. 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.
The Real ID Act requires that individuals provide documentary proof of identity, residency, and citizenship or lawful immigration status when applying for a new driver’s license. This information is then verified by the state’s department of motor vehicles before the license is issued. The purpose of the Real ID Act is to enhance security by making it harder for terrorists and criminals to obtain fake driver’s licenses that can be used to board airplanes or enter federal buildings.
Many states have been slow to implement the requirements of the Real ID Act, leading to confusion among drivers about whether or not their new driver’s licenses are Real ID compliant. To address this issue, the Department of Homeland Security launched the “Real ID Checklist” website, where individuals can enter their state and find out if their new driver’s license is Real ID compliant.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories are currently issuing Real ID compliant driver’s licenses. However, individuals who received their driver’s license before October 1, 2020, may need to renew their license in order to obtain a Real ID compliant license. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that individuals check with their state’s department of motor vehicles to determine if their current license is Real ID compliant.
Despite the requirements of the Real ID Act, there have been concerns raised about the security and privacy implications of the new driver’s licenses. Some critics argue that the Act could lead to an increase in identity theft and government surveillance. Others are concerned about the cost and inconvenience of obtaining a Real ID compliant driver’s license.
However, supporters of the Real ID Act maintain that the benefits of the new driver’s licenses outweigh the potential drawbacks. They argue that the Act will enhance security and make it harder for terrorists to obtain fake identification. They also point out that the Act includes privacy protections, such as limits on the sharing of information between states.
In conclusion, all new driver’s licenses issued in the United States must be Real ID compliant as of October 1, 2020. Individuals who are unsure about the status of their license can check with their state’s department of motor vehicles or visit the “Real ID Checklist” website. While there are concerns about the security and privacy implications of the new driver’s licenses, supporters of the Real ID Act believe that the Act will enhance security and protect against identity theft.
