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The deadline for the Real ID has once again been postponed. This time its delayed until May 3, 2023. The deadline was previously Oct. 1, 2021. The pandemic, which has disrupted most everything, is cited as the reason for the delayed enforcement date. The Real ID, sometimes called the Star Card (because most states mark their cards with a gold or black star) is encoded with a machine-readable zone and after May 3, 2023 it may be required to enter a federal building such as a courthouse or to fly on an airplane. If you have a valid passport, you will not be required to get a Real ID.
When you are ready to apply for a Real ID, there are several documents you must gather and take to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The most important thing is to make an appointment and go prepared with all the necessary documents. Otherwise, you'll be sent home to revamp, gather the correct paperwork; then reschedule an appointment. It can be a long process if you aren't prepared.
There has been a lot of confusion around what is required for the Real ID and if you actually will be required to have one. If you have a passport, you'll not be required to have the Real ID, but you'd have to have the passport with you to enter federal buildings and airports. That may be a problem as a passport is a little larger and most people don't carry their passports around with them.
When you read the requirements online, the documentation sounds pretty simple, but it gets a little technical if you've had a name change, are divorced or even married. The basics are: one (1) valid proof of identity; one (1) valid proof of Social Security number; and two (2) valid proofs of residency. Obtaining those four things are where the problem lies.
MDOT says if you are married, bring your marriage license. If you are divorced, bring your divorce papers. If you have a court-ordered name change, bring the court-ordered document.
Also, have your birth certificate (original or certified copy) with you. MDOT website says, "Documents issued by a hospital, notification of birth registration, birth registration cards, and foreign birth certificates are not accepted". Some of you may need a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. For adopted individuals they may need adoption records with full name and birthdate.
If you've changed your name through marriage, you must bring a marriage certificate to prove your name has changed.
As stated above, you will be required to present documents proving your age and identity. For proof of address, a utility bill from your home, a tax return, or a signed lease or deed can prove residency. It MUST have YOUR name and address on it. Other acceptable forms of identification include a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a permanent resident card, or a Global Entry traveler card. For proof of age, you need a birth certificate, a passport, a Social Security card or a recent tax form such as a W-2.
The Real ID is also a driver's license, although, in Kentucky after May 3, 2023, you can still use a "regular" driver's license for driving. Kentucky is trying to clear the confusion by calling the Real ID a "voluntary traveler ID."
Basically, it is voluntary, but after May 3, 2023, a regular driver's license will not get you through security at the courthouse or other federal buildings, into an airport or onto an airplane. According to AARP, "The Real ID technically is not mandatory because you can instead use other approved documents, including a passport, passport card, U.S. military ID, Enhanced ID (offered in some states) or an ID from the federal government's Trusted Traveler Program, such as a Global Entry card."
For international travel, a passport is still required.
Real ID paperwork much be brought to DMV offices in person. There are sometimes long wait lines. You are required to make an appointment. For more information call your local DMV office, or look online where you'll find all the info you need.
