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In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the United States government took significant steps to enhance national security, one of which was the REAL ID Act. Passed by Congress in 2005, the Act mandates a series of security standards for state-issued driverâs licenses and identification cards. By May 7, 2025, U.S. residents aged 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driverâs license or another approved form of identification for certain purposes, such as boarding domestic flights and accessing federal facilities. With the enforcement deadline rapidly approaching, itâs crucial to understand what the REAL ID is, how to determine if your ID is compliant, and how to apply for one.
Key Points About REAL ID Compliance
The REAL ID Act was introduced as a response to security gaps identified after the 9/11 attacks. The Act aims to make it more difficult to forge state-issued IDs by implementing a variety of verification procedures for documentation and secure card production. By May 7, 2025, residents will need a REAL ID-compliant driverâs license to board federally regulated domestic flights or access certain federal facilities. While this requirement was delayed multiple times to give states and residents more time to comply, the new enforcement date is approaching quickly.
To ensure your ID is REAL ID-compliant, look for a star symbol in the upper-right corner. If your ID doesnât have the star, it wonât be accepted for federally regulated purposes after the deadline. However, some states issue Enhanced Driverâs Licenses (EDLs) that meet REAL ID standards without displaying the star.
Applying for a REAL ID
Not all states allow online applications for a REAL ID, but many offer this option under specific conditions. If youâve previously submitted your documentation or if your DMV has verified your lawful presence, you may be eligible to apply for a REAL ID online. However, most states will still require you to visit the DMV in person for initial issuance to verify your documents.
To apply for a REAL ID, youâll need to gather original or certified copies of the following documents:
– Proof of Full Legal Name and Date of Birth (such as a birth certificate or passport)
– Social Security Number (e.g., Social Security card or tax document)
– Two proofs of U.S. residential address (like utility bills or bank statements)
– Proof of Lawful Status (e.g., U.S. passport or permanent resident card)
Once youâve gathered these documents, you can submit your application, either online or in person, and pay the required fee. The fee varies depending on your state, but it is typically similar to a standard license renewal cost.
REAL ID and Domestic Travel
Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or an approved alternative will be required for boarding domestic flights. In addition to a REAL ID, acceptable alternatives for air travel include a valid U.S. passport, an Enhanced Driverâs License (EDL), or a Department of Defense ID. If you donât have a REAL ID, make sure you have one of these acceptable alternatives to avoid any issues at TSA security checkpoints.
Other Uses for REAL ID
In addition to its use for air travel, a REAL ID will be required to access federal buildings, including government offices, nuclear power plants, and certain other secure federal locations. However, itâs important to note that a REAL ID is not required for voting, driving, or banking.
Key Points of the REAL ID Act
- The REAL ID Act requires U.S. states to implement minimum security standards for driverâs licenses and state-issued identification cards.
- By May 7, 2025, residents will need a REAL ID or acceptable alternative for boarding domestic flights and accessing federal facilities.
- Not all states allow online applications for a REAL ID; some may require an in-person visit to the DMV.
- If your ID is not REAL ID-compliant, you can still use it for non-federal purposes, such as driving.
- The REAL ID Act does not affect international travel, as a valid passport is still required for overseas flights.
What Undercode Says:
The REAL ID Act is a crucial step in enhancing national security by making it harder to forge identification documents. However, it also brings some practical challenges for U.S. residents. For instance, the state-specific differences in applying for a REAL IDâsuch as whether online applications are allowedâcan create confusion among residents. This issue is especially problematic for those who live in states that require in-person visits for initial application.
The need for multiple forms of documentation also raises concerns for individuals who may have difficulty accessing certain records. Those without the required paperwork will face additional obstacles when applying for a REAL ID, which could delay or prevent them from meeting the May 2025 deadline. The online application option, where available, helps alleviate some of these burdens, but itâs still crucial to ensure that residents understand the steps they need to take to get compliant.
From a broader perspective, the REAL ID Act seems to be one more layer in the U.S. governmentâs ongoing efforts to enhance security post-9/11. While many view the act as a positive step, it also raises questions about the balance between security and privacy. The collection of sensitive personal data for REAL ID issuance creates concerns about how this information will be stored and protected. Given the growing risks of identity theft and cybercrime, the implementation of REAL ID could place additional pressure on states to ensure they have the security infrastructure to handle this data.
The enforcement deadline of May 7, 2025, is fast approaching, and residents must take steps to verify whether their current driverâs license or ID is REAL ID-compliant. With only a few years left, the urgency is palpable, and residents need to prepare in advance to avoid potential travel disruptions.
Fact Checker Results:
- The REAL ID Act applies only to federal purposes, such as boarding domestic flights or accessing federal facilities.
- The May 7, 2025 deadline is fast approaching, and after this date, only REAL ID-compliant IDs or acceptable alternatives will be accepted at TSA checkpoints.
- While states are issuing REAL ID-compliant IDs, some still provide non-REAL IDs, which will not be accepted for federal purposes after the deadline.
References:
Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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