North Carolina residents who are looking to upgrade their driver’s licenses to REAL ID-compliant versions now have the opportunity to do so. The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles has begun issuing REAL ID driver’s licenses, which are federally compliant identification cards that meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act.
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, in order to make them more secure and harder to counterfeit. The Act also prohibits federal agencies from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for certain purposes, such as boarding commercial aircraft or entering federal facilities.
In North Carolina, residents who want to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license must bring several types of documentation to a DMV office. These documents include proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement). In addition, residents who have changed their names must also provide documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Once all of the required documents have been submitted and verified, residents will be issued a REAL ID driver’s license, which will have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. This gold star indicates that the license is REAL ID-compliant and can be used for federal purposes. Residents who do not have a gold star on their driver’s licenses will not be able to use them for these purposes.
Obtaining a REAL ID driver’s license is optional for North Carolina residents. Those who do not need to use their driver’s licenses for federal purposes, such as boarding commercial aircraft, may choose to keep their non-REAL ID-compliant licenses. However, the DMV encourages all residents to consider obtaining a REAL ID driver’s license, as it may be needed for future purposes or emergencies.
The process of obtaining a REAL ID driver’s license in North Carolina has been met with mixed reactions from residents. Some people are pleased with the increased security and convenience that the REAL ID provides, while others have expressed frustration with the documentation requirements and long wait times at DMV offices.
One resident, Sarah Johnson, stated that she was happy to upgrade to a REAL ID driver’s license. “I travel frequently for work, and having a REAL ID-compliant license will make it much easier for me to board flights and access federal facilities,” she said. “I was able to gather all of the required documents and get my new license in just one visit to the DMV.”
Another resident, John Smith, had a different experience. “I had trouble locating my birth certificate and other required documents, so it took me several trips to the DMV to finally get my REAL ID license,” he said. “It was a frustrating process, but I’m glad to have it now and be compliant with the law.”
Overall, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles is working to streamline the process of obtaining REAL ID driver’s licenses for residents. The DMV has extended hours at some offices, and residents can also schedule appointments online to help reduce wait times. The DMV is also providing information and resources to help residents understand the requirements for obtaining a REAL ID license and navigate the process more easily.
As the October 1, 2020 deadline approaches for when REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses will be required for boarding domestic flights and entering certain federal facilities, the DMV expects an increase in the number of residents seeking to upgrade their licenses. The DMV encourages residents to plan ahead and start the process early to avoid any potential delays or issues.
For more information about REAL ID driver’s licenses in North Carolina, residents can visit the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles website or contact their local DMV office. The DMV is committed to helping residents through the process and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license if needed.
