What is Real ID?

2021-05-24

what

In the United States, a REAL ID is a driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards. It is designed to help prevent fraud and identity theft, and it is required for certain purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The act set standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, and it required states to comply with these standards by 2020. However, many states have not yet met the deadline, and the Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline several times.

As of October 2021, REAL ID is required for the following purposes:

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID is a secure driver's license or identification card.

Federally mandated standard.
Helps prevent fraud and identity theft.
Required for certain purposes.
Meets federal security standards.
Issued by state DMVs.
Compliant with REAL ID Act.
Required for domestic flights.
Required for entering federal buildings.

Not all states currently issue REAL ID compliant licenses or identification cards. Check with your state DMV to find out if your state is compliant and how to obtain a REAL ID.

Federally mandated standard.

The REAL ID Act is a federal law that sets standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The purpose of the law is to help prevent fraud and identity theft, and to make it more difficult for terrorists to obtain identification documents.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, and it required states to comply with the new standards by 2020. However, many states were not prepared to meet the deadline, and the Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline several times. As of October 2021, all states are required to be compliant with the REAL ID Act.

To be compliant with the REAL ID Act, a state-issued driver's license or identification card must meet the following standards:

It must be issued by a state DMV.
It must include a photograph of the cardholder.
It must include the cardholder's full name, date of birth, and address.
It must include a unique identification number.
It must be machine-readable.
It must be tamper-resistant.

REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards are marked with a star in the upper right corner.

The REAL ID Act has been controversial since it was passed. Some people argue that it is an unnecessary burden on states and individuals, and that it does not do enough to prevent fraud and identity theft. Others argue that it is a necessary security measure that will help to protect the country from terrorism.

Helps prevent fraud and identity theft.

REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards are more difficult to forge than traditional driver's licenses and identification cards. This is because they include a number of security features, such as:

A photograph of the cardholder. This helps to ensure that the person using the card is the same person who was issued the card.
A unique identification number. This number is used to track the card and to prevent it from being counterfeited.
A machine-readable code. This code can be scanned by law enforcement and other officials to quickly verify the authenticity of the card.
Tamper-resistant features. These features make it difficult to alter the information on the card without damaging it.

By making it more difficult to forge and counterfeit driver's licenses and identification cards, REAL ID helps to prevent fraud and identity theft. This can protect individuals from financial loss, identity theft, and other crimes.

Required for certain purposes.

REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards are required for the following purposes:

Boarding a domestic flight. As of October 1, 2021, all passengers over the age of 18 must present a REAL ID compliant license or identification card, or another form of federally acceptable identification, in order to board a domestic flight.
Entering a federal building. As of January 2019, all visitors to federal buildings must present a REAL ID compliant license or identification card, or another form of federally acceptable identification, in order to enter.
Accessing certain military bases. REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards are required for access to certain military bases.
Opening a bank account. Some banks may require customers to present a REAL ID compliant license or identification card in order to open an account.

The list of purposes for which REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards are required is likely to expand in the future. As more states become compliant with the REAL ID Act, and as the federal government implements new security measures, REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards will become increasingly important.

Meets federal security standards.

REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards meet the security standards set forth by the REAL ID Act. These standards are designed to make it more difficult for terrorists and other criminals to obtain identification documents.

Secure issuance process. REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards are issued by state DMVs using a secure process that includes verifying the applicant's identity and residency.
Security features. REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards include a number of security features, such as a photograph of the cardholder, a unique identification number, a machine-readable code, and tamper-resistant features.
Interstate recognition. REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards are recognized by all states, which helps to prevent fraud and identity theft.
Compliance with federal law. REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards comply with the REAL ID Act, which is a federal law that sets standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

By meeting federal security standards, REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards help to protect the country from terrorism and other threats.

Issued by state DMVs.

REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards are issued by state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs). This means that you must apply for a REAL ID compliant license or identification card at your local DMV.

The process for obtaining a REAL ID compliant license or identification card varies from state to state. However, there are some general requirements that apply to all states.

You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
You must provide proof of identity and residency.
You must pass a vision test.
You may be required to pay a fee.

Once you have met all of the requirements, you will be issued a REAL ID compliant license or identification card. The card will be marked with a star in the upper right corner.

It is important to note that not all states are currently issuing REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards. To find out if your state is compliant, you can visit the REAL ID website.

If you are planning to travel by air or enter a federal building, you will need to obtain a REAL ID compliant license or identification card by October 1, 2021. After this date, you will not be able to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building with a non-compliant license or identification card.

Compliant with REAL ID Act.

REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act. This act is a federal law that sets standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

Secure issuance process. REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards are issued by state DMVs using a secure process that includes verifying the applicant's identity and residency.
Security features. REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards include a number of security features, such as a photograph of the cardholder, a unique identification number, a machine-readable code, and tamper-resistant features.
Interstate recognition. REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards are recognized by all states, which helps to prevent fraud and identity theft.
Compliance with federal law. REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards comply with the REAL ID Act, which is a federal law that sets standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

By complying with the REAL ID Act, states are helping to protect the country from terrorism and other threats.

Required for domestic flights.

As of October 1, 2021, all passengers over the age of 18 must present a REAL ID compliant license or identification card, or another form of federally acceptable identification, in order to board a domestic flight.

This requirement is part of the REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The purpose of the act is to help prevent fraud and identity theft, and to make it more difficult for terrorists to obtain identification documents.

REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards are more difficult to forge and counterfeit than traditional driver's licenses and identification cards. This is because they include a number of security features, such as a photograph of the cardholder, a unique identification number, a machine-readable code, and tamper-resistant features.

By requiring passengers to present a REAL ID compliant license or identification card, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is helping to protect the country from terrorism and other threats.

If you do not have a REAL ID compliant license or identification card, you can still travel by air. However, you will need to present another form of federally acceptable identification, such as a passport or a military ID.

Required for entering federal buildings.

As of January 2019, all visitors to federal buildings must present a REAL ID compliant license or identification card, or another form of federally acceptable identification, in order to enter.

By requiring visitors to present a REAL ID compliant license or identification card, federal agencies are helping to protect their facilities and employees from terrorism and other threats.

If you do not have a REAL ID compliant license or identification card, you can still enter federal buildings. However, you will need to present another form of federally acceptable identification, such as a passport or a military ID.

FAQ

Do you have questions about REAL ID? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:

Question 1: What is a REAL ID?

Answer 1: A REAL ID is a driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards. It is required for certain purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

Question 2: Why is a REAL ID required?

Answer 2: REAL ID is required to help prevent fraud and identity theft, and to make it more difficult for terrorists to obtain identification documents.

Question 3: What are the security features of a REAL ID?

Answer 3: REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards include a number of security features, such as a photograph of the cardholder, a unique identification number, a machine-readable code, and tamper-resistant features.

Question 4: Where can I get a REAL ID?

Answer 4: REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards are issued by state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs). You can apply for a REAL ID at your local DMV.

Question 5: What documents do I need to get a REAL ID?

Answer 5: The documents you need to get a REAL ID vary from state to state. However, you will generally need to provide proof of identity, residency, and a Social Security number.

Question 6: How much does it cost to get a REAL ID?

Answer 6: The cost of a REAL ID varies from state to state. However, the fee is typically around $25.

Question 7: When do I need to get a REAL ID?

Answer 7: You need to get a REAL ID by October 1, 2021, if you want to use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ

I hope this FAQ has answered your questions about REAL ID. If you have any other questions, please contact your local DMV.

In addition to the information in the FAQ, here are some tips for getting a REAL ID:

Tips

Here are some tips for getting a REAL ID:

Tip 1: Start early.

The process of getting a REAL ID can take several weeks, so it is best to start early. This will give you plenty of time to gather the necessary documents and make an appointment at your local DMV.

Tip 2: Gather the necessary documents.

The documents you need to get a REAL ID vary from state to state. However, you will generally need to provide proof of identity, residency, and a Social Security number. You can find a list of the required documents on your state DMV's website.

Tip 3: Make an appointment at your local DMV.

Most DMVs allow you to make an appointment online or by phone. This will save you time and hassle when you go to get your REAL ID.

Tip 4: Be prepared to pay a fee.

The cost of a REAL ID varies from state to state. However, the fee is typically around $25. You can usually pay the fee with cash, credit card, or debit card.

Closing Paragraph for Tips

By following these tips, you can make the process of getting a REAL ID as quick and easy as possible.

Once you have your REAL ID, you will be able to use it to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and access other secure facilities.

Conclusion

REAL ID is a secure driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards. It is required for certain purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

By requiring REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards, the government is helping to protect the country from terrorism and other threats.

If you do not have a REAL ID compliant license or identification card, you can still travel by air or enter federal buildings. However, you will need to present another form of federally acceptable identification, such as a passport or a military ID.

The deadline to get a REAL ID is October 1, 2021. After this date, you will not be able to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building with a non-compliant license or identification card.

To get a REAL ID, you will need to visit your local DMV. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and a Social Security number. You will also need to pay a fee.

Getting a REAL ID is a simple and easy process. By following the tips in this article, you can get your REAL ID quickly and easily.

I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any questions about REAL ID, please contact your local DMV.