Connecticut to Update Driver’s Licenses to Comply with Real ID Standards
Connecticut residents will soon need to update their driver’s licenses to meet Real ID standards. The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Act set new federal standards for driver’s licenses and identification cards, with the goal of enhancing security and reducing identity theft.
The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will begin issuing Real ID-compliant licenses in the coming months. Residents will have the option to upgrade their current licenses to the new Real ID licenses, which will feature a star in the upper right-hand corner to indicate compliance with federal standards.
To obtain a Real ID-compliant license, residents will need to provide additional documentation beyond what is currently required for a standard driver’s license. According to the DMV, residents will need to bring proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form, and two forms of proof of Connecticut residency, such as a utility bill or mortgage statement.
The process of obtaining a Real ID-compliant license may be more time-consuming than renewing a standard license, as residents will need to provide additional documentation and may need to visit the DMV in person. However, the added security benefits of a Real ID-compliant license are worth the extra effort, according to DMV officials.
“Real ID-compliant licenses are more secure and harder to counterfeit, which helps protect against identity theft and fraud,” said DMV Commissioner Jane Doe. “We encourage all Connecticut residents to upgrade to Real ID-compliant licenses when they renew their licenses.”
In addition to enhanced security benefits, Real ID-compliant licenses will also be required for certain federal activities, such as boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Starting on October 1, 2020, all states will be required to issue Real ID-compliant licenses, and residents will need them to access federal facilities and board domestic flights.
Residents who do not upgrade to Real ID-compliant licenses by the deadline may face inconvenience when trying to access federal facilities or board domestic flights. DMV officials recommend that residents upgrade to Real ID-compliant licenses as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues.
The cost of upgrading to a Real ID-compliant license is expected to be slightly higher than renewing a standard license, due to the additional security features and documentation requirements. However, the exact cost has not yet been determined by the DMV.
Connecticut residents who are interested in obtaining a Real ID-compliant license are encouraged to visit the DMV website for more information on the documentation requirements and process for upgrading. The DMV will also hold informational sessions at select locations to help residents understand the requirements and benefits of Real ID-compliant licenses.
Overall, the transition to Real ID-compliant licenses is expected to enhance security and provide residents with greater convenience when accessing federal facilities and boarding domestic flights. Connecticut residents are encouraged to upgrade to Real ID-compliant licenses to ensure they have the necessary identification for federal activities.
