Why Does My Driver’s License Say “Not for Federal Identification”?
When you look at your driver’s license, you may have noticed a small phrase that says “Not for Federal Identification.” Have you ever wondered why that is the case? Is your driver’s license not a valid form of identification for federal purposes? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this disclaimer and what it means for you as a driver.
The Real ID Act of 2005
The phrase “Not for Federal Identification” on your driver’s license is a result of the Real ID Act of 2005. This federal law established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The goal of the Real ID Act was to enhance the security of state-issued identification documents in order to prevent identity theft and fraud.
To comply with the Real ID Act, states were required to implement certain security measures when issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards. These measures include verifying the identity of the applicant, checking their legal status in the United States, and conducting background checks. States also had to ensure that the information on the driver’s license was stored in a secure manner and could be verified electronically.
Not all states were able to meet the requirements of the Real ID Act by the initial deadline of January 1, 2008. As a result, the Department of Homeland Security granted extensions to several states to give them more time to comply with the law. Some states chose to issue driver’s licenses and identification cards that were marked as “Not for Federal Identification” as a temporary measure until they could fully implement the security standards required by the Real ID Act.
The Purpose of the Disclaimer
The phrase “Not for Federal Identification” on your driver’s license indicates that the document does not meet the security standards set forth in the Real ID Act. This means that while your driver’s license is still a valid form of identification for state and local purposes, it may not be accepted for federal identification purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
If you have a driver’s license that is marked as “Not for Federal Identification,” you may need to present an alternative form of identification when conducting certain federal activities. This could include using a passport, military ID, or other federally issued identification document.
It is important to note that not all states have chosen to label their driver’s licenses as “Not for Federal Identification.” States that have fully complied with the Real ID Act and implemented the required security measures on their driver’s licenses do not need to include this disclaimer.
What You Can Do
If your driver’s license is marked as “Not for Federal Identification” and you need to use it for federal purposes, you may need to take steps to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. This may involve providing additional documentation to verify your identity and legal status, as well as paying a fee to obtain a new license.
Many states now offer the option to upgrade your driver’s license to a Real ID-compliant version. This new version of the driver’s license will meet the security standards set forth in the Real ID Act and will be accepted for federal identification purposes.
To upgrade your driver’s license to a Real ID-compliant version, you will need to visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and provide the required documentation. This may include your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. Once you have submitted the necessary documents and paid the fee, you will receive a new driver’s license that is marked as compliant with the Real ID Act.
By upgrading your driver’s license to a Real ID-compliant version, you will be able to use it for federal identification purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. This can make it easier to travel and conduct business that requires federal identification.
In conclusion, the phrase “Not for Federal Identification” on your driver’s license is a result of the Real ID Act of 2005, which established minimum security standards for state-issued identification documents. If your driver’s license is marked as such, you may need to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant version in order to use it for federal identification purposes. Be sure to check with your state’s DMV for more information on how to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license.
