We’ve told you a few times about the government’s new Real ID and how it was supposed to take effect in 2020. It’s been delayed again — you can guess why — and won’t take effect until October 1, 2021.
You’ll need your Real ID not only to board a plane, but to walk into a federal building or even a nuclear power plant.
So this gives you plenty of time to get your new Real ID-compliant driver’s license from your state’s DMV. Of course, you can’t just go into the DMV right now, but you’re now able to upload your documents to your state’s DMV website. This will help you figure out which documents you need, get them to the DMV, and let you just walk in, fill out the necessary form, get your picture taken, and walk out with your finished ID.
Right now, everyone is allowed to submit their documents electronically so that their state -issued IDs can be counted as compliant by REAL ID. This can be done in the comfort of your home or office by submitting the documents via your state’s DMV website.
Be sure to check with your state website to see which documents you need to complete the application for a REAL ID. They can include (but aren’t limited to):
- Driver’s License
- Passport
- State-issued ID
- Social security card
- Alien registration card
In case you do not have your Social Security Card, you may present any of the following as a replacement according to DHS:
- A W-2 form
- An SSA-1099 form
- A non-SSA-1099 form
- A pay stub with the applicant’s name and SSN on it.
You should start the process now while you’ve got plenty of time to do it. Just submit your documents electronically and finish the application at the DMV. The sooner you’re able to submit your documents, the more prepared you will be for your next plane trip. And you’ll have peace of mind for getting this all done early.
More information can be found at your state’s DMV website or on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.
Do you have your Real ID yet? Have you run into a situation where you needed it? Tell us about it on our Facebook page, or on our Twitter stream. You can also find us on our Instagram page at @TravelproIntl.
Photo credit: Department of Homeland Security (Public Domain)