Real ID standards are set to go into effect nearly two decades after they were approved by Congress and countless delays in implementation, with the final rush coming as the deadline nears.
As the May 7 deadline approaches, efforts to ensure the public is in compliance with the new standards for driver’s licenses and IDs have ramped up. Here is what to know about those efforts and Real ID.
What is Real ID?
A Real ID is a form of identification that has met minimum federal requirements outlined by the Real ID Act.
The minimum documentation needed to acquire a Real ID includes items showing a person’s full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two “Proofs of Address of Principal Residence,” and lawful status, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The standard was created via the Real ID Act of 2005, which was signed into law by then-President George W. Bush. The original deadline was set for May 11, 2008, but was delayed multiple times. The current and seemingly final deadline is May 7, but the final rule published in the Federal Register in January does offer some flexibility for enforcement through May 2027.
Where will Real ID standards be applied?
Beginning on May 7, the most frequent places people will need to show a Real ID will be airport security checkpoints.
A Real ID will also be necessary for entering certain government facilities, military installations, and nuclear power plants. The Real ID standard will only apply to security for domestic flights, as international flights will still require a passport.
How are states preparing for the implementation of Real ID?
For decades, states have been pushing residents to get Real IDs, but the campaigns have ramped up as the deadline looms. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all five U.S. territories are compliant with Real ID standards and can issue IDs that qualify under the standard.
A month out from the deadline, several states, including Virginia and California, are making major pushes for residents to ensure they have compliant IDs and are offering additional services to ensure residents can get their IDs to meet the standards.
In Virginia, the Department of Motor Vehicles is offering extended hours on Saturdays and Real ID appointment-only events at select locations. It is also offering its Connect Service team throughout the commonwealth to process Real ID applications.
“We recommend starting your REAL ID application online,” Virginia DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey said in a statement. “You can easily check the required documents ahead of time and make an appointment to reserve your spot, making the whole process faster and more convenient.”
In California, officials will offer appointments for Real IDs an hour early on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from Monday through June 27.
Other states are celebrating their Real ID compliance figures, with Maryland touting that 99% of its residents are Real ID-compliant. Virginia officials said earlier this week that 59% of all active driver’s licenses and IDs in the commonwealth were Real ID-compliant as of March.
How do I check if my ID is compliant?
Real IDs are marked with a star icon of some kind at the top of the identification card or driver’s license issued by a state. In California, the icon is a white star in a gold bear.
In Washington state, the enhanced driver’s license or ID card is the Real ID-compliant card issued, and it is signified with an American flag.
Those unsure if their state-issued identification cards are Real IDs can check the website of their state or territory’s DMV or equivalent entity.
Outside of state-issued ID cards, there are a variety of other forms of government issued ID cards that satisfy the Real ID requirement.
For TSA checkpoints at airports, other forms of valid ID include passports, passport cards, Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST, Department of Defense IDs, permanent resident cards, border crossing cards, Tribal IDs from federally recognized tribes, among other forms listed on the agency’s website. These IDs do not need to be updated in any form to be valid for use after the May 7 Real ID deadline.
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Where can I get a Real ID?
Real ID-compliant state-issued IDs can be obtained at a DMV or equivalent agency that issues driver’s licenses and ID cards.
Most states offer reservations, and some are offering additional opportunities to get a new Real ID-compliant state ID. Additional information is available at state DMV websites or at the Department of Homeland Security’s website.
