What is REAL ID ? | Requirements, Deadline and How to Get ?

What is a Real ID ?

A Real ID is a form of identification that meets federal standards for use in certain situations, particularly for air travel and accessing federal facilities. It was developed in response to increased security measures following the September 11, 2001, attacks. The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

Real ID-compliant cards are issued by state driver's licensing agencies and display a star in the top right corner. These cards require more stringent proof of identity and residency than standard state-issued IDs. They typically include features such as machine-readable data chips and barcode technology to enhance verification and reduce the risk of counterfeiting.

The primary purpose of the Real ID Act is to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued IDs, making it more difficult for individuals to obtain fraudulent identification. This helps strengthen national security by ensuring that individuals seeking access to certain federal facilities or boarding commercial flights are properly identified and verified. Without a Real ID-compliant card or an alternative acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, individuals may encounter difficulties when attempting to travel by air or access certain federal buildings.

Real ID Requirements

The requirements for obtaining a Real ID can vary slightly from state to state due to individual state laws and regulations. However, there are some common requirements mandated by the federal government under the Real ID Act. Here are the typical requirements for obtaining a Real ID:

1) Proof of Identity: You will need to provide documentation to prove your identity. This usually requires one of the following primary documents:

Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
Certified copy of your birth certificate issued by a government agency
Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship

2) Proof of Social Security Number: You must present a document that verifies your Social Security number. Acceptable documents include:

Social Security card
W-2 form showing your full Social Security number
SSA-1099 form

3) Proof of Residency: You will need to demonstrate your residency in the state where you are applying for the Real ID. Commonly accepted documents include:

Utility bill (e.g., electric, water, gas)
Lease or rental agreement
Mortgage statement
Bank statement

4) Proof of Legal Presence or Immigration Status (for non-U.S. citizens): If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may need to provide additional documentation to prove your legal presence or immigration status, such as a valid visa or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

5) Verification of Name Changes (if applicable): If your current name is different from the name on your identity documents (e.g., due to marriage or legal name change), you may need to provide additional documentation to verify the name change (e.g., marriage certificate, court order).

6) Additional Requirements: Some states may have additional requirements, such as proof of address, proof of enrollment in a federal program, or other specific documents. It's important to check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency for the exact requirements and procedures.

Remember to bring original documents or certified copies (not photocopies) when applying for a Real ID. The DMV will typically scan or retain copies of these documents for their records. If you have any questions about specific requirements or need clarification, it's best to contact your state's DMV directly or visit their website for detailed information.

How to Get a REAL ID ?

To obtain a Real ID, you'll need to follow specific steps and provide certain documents at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. The process may vary slightly depending on the state, but generally, here's what you'll need to do:

1) Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and residency. Commonly accepted documents include:

Proof of Identity: Typically, this requires a valid, unexpired U.S. passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Proof of Social Security Number: Provide your Social Security card or a W-2 form showing your full Social Security number.
Proof of Residency: Bring documents like a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement that shows your current address.

2) Visit the DMV: Make an appointment if required, and visit your state's DMV office. Be prepared to wait in line, as processing Real ID applications may take longer than standard ID renewals.

3) Complete Application Form: Fill out the Real ID application form provided by the DMV. You may also need to complete additional forms depending on your state's requirements.

4) Submit Documents: Present your original documents for verification. The DMV will scan or retain copies of these documents.

5) Pay the Fee: Pay the required fee for obtaining a Real ID. Fees can vary by state.

6) Photo and Fingerprints: Have your photograph taken and possibly provide fingerprints, depending on your state's procedures.

7) Receive Your Real ID: Once your application is approved and processed, you'll receive your Real ID card by mail within a few weeks. Check the expiration date to ensure it meets your needs.

It's essential to check your state's specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a Real ID, as they can vary. Some states may have additional requirements beyond the federal minimum standards set by the Real ID Act. You can typically find detailed information on your state's DMV website or by contacting them directly.

Real ID Deadline

Travelers from the United States must comply with REAL ID by May 7, 2025, in order to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. On May 7, 2025, you won't be able to use your driver's licence or state-issued ID if you haven't updated it to be REAL ID-compliant.

What is the Difference Between a REAL ID and Regular ID ?

Feature	Real ID	Regular ID
Security Standards	Meets federal security standards under the Real ID Act of 2005.	Compliance with state-specific ID requirements.
Acceptance for Federal Purposes	Accepted for federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights and accessing certain federal facilities.	May not be accepted for federal purposes after the Real ID enforcement deadline.
Identification Features	Typically includes a star symbol in the top right corner. May have enhanced security features like machine-readable data chips.	Does not have a star symbol and may lack enhanced security features required for federal purposes.
Documentation Requirements	Requires specific documents to prove identity, Social Security number, residency, and legal presence (for non-U.S. citizens) based on federal guidelines.	Documentation requirements vary by state and may not be as stringent as those for a Real ID.
Usage for Domestic Flights	Required for boarding domestic flights within the United States after the Real ID enforcement deadline (October 1, 2023).	May not be accepted for domestic flights after the enforcement deadline unless accompanied by an acceptable alternative form of identification (such as a passport).

FAQ's

Why do I need a Real ID?

A Real ID is required for certain federal purposes, particularly for air travel within the United States and for accessing federal facilities that require identification (such as military bases or nuclear power plants). It is designed to enhance security and reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud.

Can I use my regular driver's license for domestic flights?

Beginning October 1, 2023, a regular driver's license will not be accepted as sufficient identification for domestic flights within the United States. You will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification (such as a passport) to board a domestic flight.

How do I know if my driver's license is Real ID-compliant?

A Real ID-compliant driver's license will have a star symbol in the top right corner. This indicates that the license meets the federal security standards required by the Real ID Act.

Can I use a passport instead of a Real ID for domestic flights?

Yes, a valid U.S. passport or passport card is an acceptable alternative to a Real ID-compliant driver's license for domestic flights within the United States.

Do minors need a Real ID?

Minors under the age of 18 are not required to have a Real ID for domestic flights if they are accompanied by an adult with valid identification. However, some states may issue Real ID-compliant IDs for minors if requested.

How do I apply for a Real ID?

To apply for a Real ID, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. Bring required documents to verify your identity, Social Security number, and residency. Complete the application form, pay the fee, and have your photograph taken.

How much does a Real ID cost?

The cost of a Real ID may vary by state. Check with your state's DMV for the specific fee associated with obtaining a Real ID.

What if I already have a passport? Do I still need a Real ID?

If you have a valid U.S. passport or passport card, you can use it as an alternative to a Real ID-compliant driver's license for domestic flights and other federal purposes. However, having a Real ID may be more convenient for everyday identification purposes within the United States.

When do you need a real id to fly?

You will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification (such as a passport) to board domestic flights within the United States starting October 1, 2023.

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