Additionally, we were interested in estimating just how much revenue states might be bringing in due to the new REAL IDs. However, there is no need for a state to hire an independent laboratory to assess the documents or prepare a report. Thank you for your quick response. Almost seems like yet another tax being forced upon us with no explanation as to what the surplus money will be spent on. If it did, we shouldn’t need this, and if it didn’t, then why are we just repeating what proved to be a failure? In some states, it may take a few weeks (or longer!) However, all states will need to comply by October 1, 2021. Thanks. As noted in the article, states may still obtain an additional extension through 2020, but it is NOT guaranteed. To show proof of your identity, I suggest bringing your birth certificate (along with any name change documents, if any) instead of your expired passport. I was wondering if I could use the real ID to go and come back. The good news is that there are definitely advantages to having a REAL ID, especially when it comes to air travel starting in 2020. I was told that you could not fly internationally with a passport card. Download the Limitless Travel Playbook & get our most powerful travel tactics, points strategies & more! The companion will need acceptable identification. Or can I keep both forms of ID? Our best advice would be to contact your local DMV directly (we have the links in our article) to see if they have an other alternatives to offer you. Each state is in charge of issuing their own licenses and they do have separate processes that don’t allow for transfers. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity in order to board commercial aircraft. I am a little confused. Hi Tanya, yes your license will be sufficient. REAL ID allows jurisdictions to issue identification cards and driver’s licenses that are not in compliance with the requirements of the Act. Temporary and limited term cards need to clearly indicate both on its face and in the machine readable zone that they are temporary and include the expiration date. This article says it’s OPTIONAL, yet when I went and didn’t have a birth certificate they turned me away. States informed DHS that this can have a direct impact on reducing overall applicant wait times and improving customer satisfaction. My Maryland driver’s license is expiring this summer, so I will be getting the REAL ID/license combo. Aliens lawfully admitted for permanent or temporary residence, aliens with conditional permanent resident status, aliens with an approved application for asylum, and aliens who have entered the United States as refugees are eligible for a full-term REAL ID license or identification card. This is the social security card I was given at birth.” DMV employee: “We have to have something official with your social showing your married name or we can not proceed. In such cases, states may need to rely on alternate documents to establish their identity or U.S. citizenship. If you’re unsure, we always recommend reaching out to your state’s license-issuing office directly — and doing this before you head to your appointment! Both the REAL ID Act and regulation still require states to collect and retain an individual’s social security account number during the application process. Hi Blanca, there are a few more details I would need from you in order to answer your question. Maybe you can answer my question. Unfortunately, the website is not updated. Specific airlines may demand proof of the child’s age, such as a birth certificate or passport, but this is not regulated by TSA. My current license shows a (white) star with a black outline or border. Hi Iren, thank you for running this by us! States may use remote procedures to re-issue a duplicate card – a card that bears the same information and expiration date as the original card – as long as there has been no material change to the card-holder's PII since prior issuance and the document bears the same expiration date as the original document. Having the documents themselves is useless if you’re homeless with no permanent address. I have a regular WA state ID and I’m flying to Florida next month. I have an Illinois state ID but do not have a passport. Thanks for reading. A passport is perfect for all types of travel! As we have seen numerous agencies (TransUnion, Federal Banks, etc) have been hacked and millions of honest people’s information stolen. The MVD here (what we call the DMV) was adamant that I meet ALL the Real ID requirements. TSA accepts several other forms of identity documents. My understanding is that a person’s SSN and birth certificate are scanned into a database attached to my current photo ID. Real ID friends can see each other's real name, but no personal information beyond that. Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington are the only states that currently issue EDLs. Be sure to check out our graphic above for other documents that will be accepted at airport security. Thanks! My question – could the Police seize my license if I don’t supply them with my birth certificate, SS#, etc.? I reside in and was married in California. I have a Calif. “Real ID” Driver’s license and own a house here. You can still use your state ID until then for domestic flights. Thanks, in advance, for your attention to this. However, be aware that you may have to select if you would like your driver’s license to be compliant with REAL ID or not. I am confused about the passport card. States will been given time to correct any deficiencies identified by DHS. Can I print my most current Dominion power bill as proof of residency? Eligible individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated country may also be granted TPS. There has to be some way or someone somewhere that can help me. What steps have been put in place to ensure our safety? I brought I copy of my lease where I was living and I had a third party who could vouch who I was. We were referring to the date of compliance being pushed back a year from 2020 to 2021. For example, court documents or a letter on letterhead from a homeless shelter, shelter for abused women, nonprofit entity, faith based organization, employer, or government agency within the U.S. attesting that the applicant resides in California. Will my license prevent me from flying? To find out if you are Real ID compliant, visit our REAL ID Lookup Tool. The application asks for proof of address. States require you to go to your local DMV and present 1) proof of identity, 2) proof of your Social Security number, 3) proof of residency document, and 4) if applicable, proof of name change document. REAL ID state compliance status as of April 2019 You’ll want to check the DHS website to find out your state’s REAL ID status. Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. Thanks for reading! Rather embarrassing as I lived in Texas until recently. Christy, My wife just renewed her driver’s license in January of this year. It is imperative when you are making travel arrangements that if you are not familiar with the airline and TSA requirements, today, either study up well before making purchases or seek a local travel agent. Also, it never hurts to bring another form of TSA-approved ID (noted above) as well. Since I will be getting a new Real ID between now and then, how many years will it be good for until I have to renew again? That being said, this could definitely change in the next few days, so be sure to check here for the most current information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/california, Christy, I’m concerned that your advise may not be correct. A. Twenty-three states received DHS Determinations of Compliance from 2012 through 2014. You won’t need any of the additional documents you noted above. Federal buildings where no ID checks currently occur — like museums, benefits offices, and government hospitals — will not be among those covered by the increased enforcement. However, this is an approximation of revenue. And yes, your new standard license will be good for another 5 years. Hope this helps! Hi, If your current license doesn’t expire until 2022 and you go to the Registry to get the Real Id, will the license still expire in 2022 or will it renew for another 5 years? No. Am I mistaken? Hi Will! You might have seen signs about the change in the TSA line, but not realized it. Check out the article above for all of the details of what to check for and links to your specific state’s website to check if your license is already a REAL ID. DC DMV REAL ID Driver License requirements. You are not required to get a REAL ID if you choose not to. We appreciate the kind words. They can’t discriminate against me with it? If you still have concerns, be sure to check out DHS’s website here: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs. Is there a character limit regarding the name on the driving license (Real ID or not)? The extension relates to the state that your ID was issued in, not where you are flying in and out of. © 2021 Upgraded Points™, LLC. Hi Cheri! States may choose to re-verify an applicant's SSN and lawful status when issuing a duplicate driver's license or identification card. No, you do not. I went to the DMV for my Real ID in the State of California on Monday. Bottom Line: To fly internationally, you will always need your passport. Yes. Thank you. Step 1: Make an appointment to visit a DMV field office before your state’s deadline. If you are simply driving, you would just need your Illinois-issued driver’s license. If the name provided when you bought your airline tickets is not what you show on your required ID when you arrive at the airport, especially for international travel, you probably won’t be taking the flight you had initially booked…and unless you have deep pockets, nor will you be departing on the day you intended. (They like to make it confusing!). Just be sure that you bring along your passport when traveling domestically starting on October 1, 2021. We can direct you to the REAL ID FAQs by the DHS where they note “REAL ID does not create a federal database of driver license information. Is my driver’s license all I need to vote? Hi Joe – sorry to hear you’re finding this process confusing. Name, Maiden Name, Married last name =Driver’s License vs Name, Maiden name = Passport. Social security told me to go back to DMV and talk to them. What else may I provide as proof to get the real ID? I am going to not only lose thousands of dollars that were paid for getting my class A, looks like I am going to lose my class A itself. Has the highest level executive state official overseeing the state’s Driver Licensing Authority committed to meet the standards of the REAL ID Act and implementing regulation; Has the state documented: the status of both and unmet requirements; plans and milestones for meeting unmet requirements; and a target date for beginning to issue REAL ID compliant documents; Has the state participated in periodic progress reviews with DHS on the status of unmet requirements. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer. This doesn’t sound right or fair! This may be a state basis (would you know about Ohio)? Just one quick question (since I hear different responses from different sources)…my partner and I are planning a trip to Florida later this year, I have a regular CA license (not Real ID) and he has a CA license that says “Federal Limits Apply.” We can still use these to travel CA to FL and back, correct? If we are given a choice then there is no way a person could be forced to get one to go to the IRS office. Basically, they are telling me, if I DO NOT get a (real ID) I will and could lose the privilege of driving! I keep seeing/reading about this whole “must have a star” on the ID/license, however here in WA state, I just renewed/upgraded to the enhanced license(with NO star on it), and I am told it is in compliance w/ the Real ID law. Why would the New Jersey DMV send me a letter stating that my South Carolina Real ID is not valid? However, many people with records can go on to obtain driver’s licenses! States may choose the kinds of documentation individuals should present as evidence of this traceability. In your case, this sounds like Hawaii, not California. The Federal REAL ID Act of 2005 requires that a gold star be placed on the Utah driver license and identification cards. As long as you have your documentation in order (either the Passport, REAL ID, etc) then you should be set! It will NOT be published. Can you clarify? Enjoy your trip and thanks for reading! I’m part of an address confidentiality program (ACP) and am allowed to use a PO Box for a regular license (not REAL ID or Enhanced ID) because I am a domestic violence victim. I am flying to Orlando in June 2020, do I need a real ID? Yes, you can fly with your regular license until October 1st, 2020. You will still need a passport (or passport card, etc.) I can’t find a DMV open in NM right now. I’m assuming my retired Military ID card meets the requirements for this? However, it should be noted that if on or after October 1, 2021, the traveler cannot provide an acceptable form of identification, they will not be permitted through the security checkpoint to board their flight. A.  DHS will consider the following factors in determining if a state has provided adequate justification for noncompliance: A.  Extensions are renewable at the discretion of the Secretary provided the state has provided adequate justification for continued noncompliance. Hi Howard. Switch to paper billing for a utility, just to be sure. REAL ID cards cannot be used for international sea cruise travel. Hi Michelle, I’m sorry, but I’m a bit confused when you say that you applied for your state’s REAL ID before your driver’s license since a REAL ID is also a driver’s license. I have barely got by all my life and finally pulled myself up enough to start this new career and because of this simple easy to see situation am going to lose it all. DHS received 69 responsive comments and completed its preliminary review of the responsive proposals. I’ve heard that this has been the case in many states since these non-compliant IDs are still being issued. Thanks for your response. You didn’t mention which state your license was issued in, but validity varies by state and also based on how old you are. That is part of the document’s cover page that shows on the front of mailed documents. Found on the MVA website, “Maryland residents who currently have a driver’s license with the small star in the upper right hand corner will still need to submit the same documentation to the MVA in order to get the REAL ID.”, The easiest way to know would be to see if you had physically gone to the MVA and produce additional documents like a passport, social security card, proof of residency, etc? She doesn’t have a passport. With the COVID-19 crisis closing motor-vehicle department offices around the country, citizens will not be able … 202(c)(2)(B)(viii)]  Under the REAL ID regulation, applicants with approved deferred action who hold valid Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and Social Security Numbers (SSNs) may qualify to receive temporary REAL ID driver's licenses and ID cards. It is very likely that there will be additional extensions, but they just can’t be guaranteed. However, if the extension is not renewed (and specifically for CA, currently the extension is set to expire on April 10, 2019), then an ID that is not REAL ID-compliant would no longer by sufficient to get through TSA security. Can I just renew to another standard Massachusetts license online? I also own a house in Hawaii. I’ve removed your birth date for your protection as well. A.  DHS recommends that jurisdictions submit both a hard copy and an electronic copy. This sounds like a very difficult situation for sure. As in, if every driver in each state got a new license for the REAL ID Act. No. We will not have utility, mortgage, lease, employment proof. My license expires in Aug. 2020. In addition, you’ll see that it also notes that this applies only to boarding commercial airlines. My license was renewed in 2015 and expire in 2021. This Act amends the REAL ID Act of 2005 to authorize states to issue full-term REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards to citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (collectively known as the Freely Associated States, or FAS) who have been admitted to the United States as nonimmigrants pursuant to a Compact of Free Association and who meet the identification requirements of the REAL ID Act. This is a big royal pain to people like myself who have no job and no bills because we are living with parents. We actually have a section on this above – TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. Hope this helps! According to their government page, it seems that there quite a few locations that are open M-F. However, the credit card information that we publish has been written by experts who know these products inside out, and what we recommend is what we would (or already) use ourselves. There’s lots of information on the new TSA id but nothing that says either way if you have to get it or not. In Ohio do you have to get this new TSA-approved id? A REAL ID is NOT a substitute for a passport for international travel. Will I be able to fly with my drivers license, I should be good until 2020 correct? If I need all this information to prove I am safe to travel, why did some people just get a star on their license without providing any additional information? No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments. No where does DMV say that. If you fly after, you MAY need to bring another TSA-approved form of ID (listed in the article above) if you don’t have a REAL ID and an additional extension is not granted. Please view our privacy policy here. The length of an extension is determined at the discretion of the Secretary. I only travel to different states. For purposes of the photograph, the face should be visible from the hairline to the chin and forward of the ears, and be free of shadows. She is now aware of the Real ID and plans to go to the DMV after her New York travel. Check our graphic below for specific costs. Each state has their own requirements and is unable to rely on other states’ processes. I live in NJ. Keep in mind that the REAL ID act is only effective starting October 1, 2020. In addition, a license can still be current and not be a REAL ID. Just to be safe, I would advise you to bring another TSA-approved form of ID (listed above in the article) on your trip. We have a strange scenario. First, you will always need your passport to travel internationally. But she did not have to provide any additional information. We are Upgraded Points, a website publishing helpful content based on travel so readers can be better informed to travel in the least stressful way possible. I was born in NJ but my ID is from PA. Since the name on my birth certificate is different than my current name, I know I have to show some sort of documentation showing the name change, unfortunately, I was married over 30 years ago and divorced 10 years ago, and retained my married name, and no longer have these documents, do I need to get a copy of my divorce decree or my marriage license? When you apply for a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card after July 1, 2019, you will need to present: One document that establishes identity, date of birth, and proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, or temporary lawful status in the U.S. Additional extensions may be granted, but this isn’t a guarantee. Other categories of non-U.S. citizens in a “temporary lawful status” as defined in the REAL ID regulations remain eligible for temporary (limited term) REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card with a validity period no longer than the period of authorized stay in the United States, or if there is no definite end to the period of authorized stay, one year. I guess I confuse the rules if you are flying into a compliant state while mine is on an extension. Use this strategy to lock in pennies-on-the-dollar pricing in 2021, all without being a frequent flyer... Disclaimer: Upgraded Points, LLC and its website, UpgradedPoints.com, provides information on credit cards, reward programs, travel information and ancillary information concerning travel and credit cards. PennDOT will need to verify your identity, your social security number, and your Pennsylvania residency, even if you already have a Pennsylvania driver's license or photo ID card. It was never explained to her that there is another type of license that had the star. Hope this helps! I travel internationally and domestically and this is the first time I have heard or read anything on this Real ID Act. In 2020, this is required for all access to military bases and federal facilities, nuclear power plants, and commercial aircraft. Travelers will be required to provide either a REAL ID or another TSA-approved form of identification in order to fly after October 1, 2021. I live in Maryland and have read scary stories along the lines of: If I am stopped for a traffic violation and do not have a Real ID-compliant license, my license will be confiscated. Hi Annette, a REAL ID isn’t required to travel. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). March 26, 2020 Update: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID deadline to October 1, 2021 (one year later than previously announced). But if you have a driver’s license from one of the states that has been granted an extension, your license is good for air travel through the dates noted in our chart below unless additional extensions are granted. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This sounds like the reason you were turned away. If passed, this bill would require the TSA to accept proof of TSA PreCheck enrollment in lieu of REAL ID-compliant identification through April 1, 2022. On March 26, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security released the following statement regarding REAL IDenforcement deadline. She could simply renew her existing license without providing the additional documentation required for a REAL ID. However, there are many other TSA-approved forms of identification that are also acceptable.