Starting October 1, 2021, all Kansas residents will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities that require ID. The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 attacks and sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
The Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) has been working diligently to inform residents about the new requirements and facilitate the renewal process. To obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, residents will need to visit a driver’s license office in person and provide a variety of documents to prove their identity, Social Security number, and residency in the state.
One essential document needed to renew a driver’s license is a certified birth certificate or valid passport to verify identity. Residents will also need to provide a Social Security card or proof of their Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or a Social Security Administration (SSA) 1099 form.
In addition to proof of identity and Social Security number, residents will need to show two documents proving their residency in Kansas. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement with the resident’s name and current address.
For those who have changed their legal name due to marriage, divorce, or another reason, additional documentation will be required. Residents will need to provide a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to verify the name change.
Once all necessary documents have been gathered, residents can make an appointment at a driver’s license office to begin the renewal process. Appointments can be scheduled online or by calling the KDOR office. The cost of renewing a Real ID-compliant driver’s license is the same as a standard driver’s license, with fees varying based on the individual’s age and how long the license will be valid.
Residents who are unable to renew their driver’s license in person due to extenuating circumstances, such as a disability or medical condition, may be eligible for a waiver. The KDOR encourages individuals to reach out to their local driver’s license office to inquire about alternative options for renewing their license.
It is essential for Kansas residents to begin the renewal process well in advance of the October 1, 2021 deadline to ensure they have ample time to gather the necessary documentation and schedule an appointment at a driver’s license office. Failure to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card by the deadline could result in residents being unable to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities that require ID.
The KDOR is committed to helping residents navigate the renewal process and has set up informational resources on its website to provide guidance and answer frequently asked questions. Residents are encouraged to visit the KDOR website or contact their local driver’s license office for more information on how to renew their driver’s license and obtain a Real ID-compliant card.
In conclusion, the Kansas driver’s license renewal process for Real ID compliance is an essential step for residents to take to ensure they can continue to travel domestically and access federal facilities after October 1, 2021. By gathering the necessary documentation and scheduling an appointment at a driver’s license office, residents can easily renew their license and obtain a Real ID-compliant card. The KDOR is available to assist residents throughout the renewal process and ensure they are well-informed about the new requirements.
