Real ID: Everything You Need to Know
As of October 2020, all U.S. states and territories are now compliant with the REAL ID Act, a law passed by Congress in 2005 that established minimum 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 aim of improving security and reducing identity theft by ensuring that state-issued IDs are more secure and harder to counterfeit.
The Real ID Act requires states to verify the identity of applicants, conduct background checks on employees who issue IDs, and use more secure materials and technology to produce the cards. As a result, Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards are considered a more secure form of identification than non-compliant IDs.
One of the key features of a Real ID-compliant driver’s license is the inclusion of a gold star in the upper right-hand corner of the card. This star indicates that the card meets the security standards set by the Real ID Act and can be used for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. Non-compliant IDs will have a “Not For Federal Identification” designation on them.
So, can you use a Real ID as a driver’s license? The answer is yes. A Real ID-compliant driver’s license is a valid form of identification for driving purposes, just like a non-compliant license. However, if you plan on traveling domestically by air or entering a federal facility, you will need a Real ID-compliant card.
To obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, you will need to visit your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV) office and provide certain documents to prove your identity, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. Each state may have slightly different requirements, so be sure to check with your state’s DMV for specific instructions.
It’s important to note that not everyone is required to get a Real ID. If you have a valid U.S. passport, military ID, or other federally approved form of identification, you do not need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license. However, if you don’t have one of these alternative forms of ID and you want to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, you will need a Real ID.
The deadline for states to comply with the Real ID Act was extended multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but as of October 2020, all states are now in compliance. This means that if you haven’t already upgraded your driver’s license to a Real ID-compliant card, now is the time to do so.
In conclusion, a Real ID-compliant driver’s license is a more secure form of identification that can be used for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you don’t have a Real ID and you plan on traveling domestically or visiting federal facilities, be sure to upgrade your driver’s license to a Real ID-compliant card before the next deadline. It’s a small price to pay for added security and peace of mind.
Remember, safety and security are everyone’s responsibility, and having a Real ID-compliant driver’s license is just one way to help protect yourself and others. Stay informed, stay safe, and stay compliant with the Real ID Act.
