What’s REAL ID and Why You Need It?
The REAL ID Act, enacted by Congress on May 11, 2005, was a response to 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 purpose of the ID is for accessing Federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial aircraft.
There is a lot more about the REAL ID Act like waiving laws that interfere with construction of physical barriers at the borders and updating and tightening laws on application for asylum and deportation of aliens for terrorism. However, the most important aspect of the law that affects all of us is the driver’s licenses. Starting October 1, 2020, every air traveler will need a REAL ID compliant license or another acceptable form of id like a US Passport for a domestic flight.
Prior to the REAL ID Act, licenses were issued by the states. Each state set its own rules and criteria regarding the issuance of a driver’s license or identification card, including the look of the card, what data was on the card and what documents were needed to obtain one. About nine months ago my sister-in-law told me about the REAL ID Act, which I was clueless about. I soon learned that if I wanted to be compliant, the Federal Government required certain pieces of identification for me to obtain this new driver’s license. When I went to the DMV last month I had to show a photo ID that included my legal name and birthdate. A birth certificate was needed, as was my Social Security number, and two documents showing my name and principal residence address. (I used a power bill and phone bill.)
As we move closer to the October 1, 2020 date, states are agreeing to share their motor vehicle database with all other states. The database is designed to “improve the ability of law enforcement officers at all levels to confirm the identity of the individuals” holding an id.
Here’s what you need to do. First, make an appointment with your local Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) office for a REAL ID. When I made my appointment in late August, I had a three-month wait. Lines are long at the DMV, so this is definitely the way to go. As we get closer to October 1, 2020, those lines will get longer, so make your appointment ASAP. While waiting for your appointment, pull together these documents: Driver’s license, passport, Social Security Card, and two documents showing your legal address like utility bills.
When I showed up at the DMV I first had to take a driver’s test and read the eye chart. Once I passed that and showed all my documentation, a picture was taken of me as well as my thumbprint. Once I paid the $36.00 fee, I was finished. Two weeks later, my new California Driver’s License arrived in the mail.
REAL ID affects every American no matter what state you live in. This is my experience in California. If you’ve applied for and received your REAL ID, as I have, please describe your experience for our readers.
I tried to get a Real ID before my 76th birthday when I had to renew my license .I was unsuccessful and the experience was a nightmare. I spent about 5 hours at the DMV and then had to come back on another day when I spent another 2 hours.
I made an appointment like you suggested. One of the things they said you should bring if you didn’t have your social security card (which I didn’t) was a form 1099. So I brought a 1099; however, mine was a 1099-R which they said was inadequate; It had to be a 1099 without a letter after it. You would think that the a-holes writing the instructions would mention this. So since I couldn’t get my Real ID that day they switched me to just get my license.They gave me a number and I sat down in a room with a zillion people to wait for my number to be called.
They said it would be quick because I had a appointment. After waiting about 4 hours without my number being called I finally went up to complain; I found out that when they switched me to just get a license they forgot to put me in the queue. To make matters worse it was too late to complete the process so I had to come back another day. They said I would have a priority when I came back. There was no apologies or anything like that. Despite having a so called priority when I came back it still took 2 hours to finish the process (taking my vision exam, the written test and getting my picture taken).
By the way after that experience I thought it wound be prudent to get my Social Security card. I haven’t had one since I got one when I was 11 years old. I went to the Social Security office and I was in and out of there in less than 5 minutes. All they wanted to see was my birth certificate which I had also brought to the DMV. I got the social security card mailed to me in about 2 weeks. So why wasn’t it good enough to just show my birth certificate to the DMV?
After that experience I am giving up on the Real ID and will just use my passport which I now understand (but didn’t know before) is as good as a Real ID.
Wow! What a story. it took me about 90 minutes to get my REAL ID.