For many Americans, the topic of Real ID has been a hot button issue in recent years. With the deadline for compliance looming on the horizon, questions about what constitutes a Real ID and how to obtain one are at the forefront of many people’s minds. One common question that continues to surface is whether a driver’s license counts as a Real ID.
To answer this question, let’s first delve into what exactly a Real ID is. A Real ID is a form of identification that meets federal security standards set by the REAL ID Act of 2005. This law established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting forms of identification that do not meet these standards. The purpose of the Real ID Act is to enhance the security of driver’s licenses and identification cards and to prevent the fraudulent use of these documents for activities such as boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities.
So, does a driver’s license count as a Real ID? The short answer is yes, but with a caveat. Not all driver’s licenses are considered Real IDs. In order for a driver’s license to qualify as a Real ID, it must be issued by a state that is compliant with the Real ID Act. As of now, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories are either compliant with the Real ID Act or have received extensions to become compliant.
If you live in a state that is compliant with the Real ID Act, your driver’s license may already be a Real ID. These compliant driver’s licenses will have a star in the top right corner to indicate that they meet the federal security standards. However, if you live in a state that is not yet compliant with the Real ID Act, your driver’s license may not be considered a Real ID. In this case, you will need to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another form of Real ID-compliant identification, such as a passport or passport card, in order to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities after the compliance deadline.
The deadline for compliance with the Real ID Act is October 1, 2020. After this date, individuals will need a Real ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities. If you are not sure whether your driver’s license is a Real ID, you can check with your state’s department of motor vehicles or visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website for more information.
In conclusion, a driver’s license can count as a Real ID, but only if it is issued by a state that is compliant with the Real ID Act. If you are unsure about the status of your driver’s license or if you need to obtain a Real ID, it is important to do your research and take the necessary steps to ensure that you have the proper identification before the compliance deadline. By staying informed and proactive, you can avoid any potential hassles or delays when it comes to traveling or accessing federal facilities in the future.
