After the horrific events of September 11, 2001, the federal government 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. These purposes are:
- Accessing Federal facilities
- Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
- Entering nuclear power plants
The final enforcement deadline is May 7, 2025. By this date, not only must all states be issuing Real ID- compliant licenses or IDs, but individuals must also have visited their state’s driver’s licensing agency and obtained a REAL ID compliant card, or acceptable alternative such as a U.S. passport, if they wish to fly on commercial aircrafts or access federal facilities. Airport Executive Director Derek Martin said, “the Airport, County Executive, or the Mayor’s office will not be able to assist passengers with Real ID noncompliance after the May 7, 2025 deadline.” Mr. Martin added, “We would hate to see passengers stranded or denied boarding due to noncompliance with the Real ID requirements.”
How can citizens get a real ID. They must visit their state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID. At a minimum, you must provide documentation showing: 1) Full Legal Name; 2) Date of Birth; 3) Social Security Number; 4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and 5) Lawful Status.
States may impose additional requirements, so check with your state’s driver’s licensing agency website, before visiting them in person, for additional guidance and assistance.
