The Facts About Real ID Act

 

Imagine this scene: you’re checking in for your domestic flight with your current driver’s license as your ID. But wait! They hand it back to you. “I’m sorry, your driver’s license is not REAL ID compliant. You’ll need to produce an acceptable alternative identification.”

This could happen to you, but it doesn’t have to if you plan ahead now.

The REAL ID Act that Congress passed in 2005 is finally going to go into effect on October 1, 2020. It might seem too early but I promise you it’s not. Start to plan now for when you will apply for your REAL ID compliant driver’s license. What I’m going to share will help you save time, money and hassle.

If you travel within the United States by air, you will have to show a compliant ID. This could be your passport if you have one. But if you don’t you will definitely need a new Driver’s License beginning October 1 2020.

Driver’s licenses that follow the Act will have an extra feature. This extra feature is a star in a circle in the upper right corner of the license. Standard driver’s licenses will not have the star.

If your Drivers License is due for renewal anytime within the next two years, go ahead and get your Real ID compliant driver’s license. You’ll be all set when the Act goes into effect on October 1, 2020.

What do I Need To Do

The renewal for a REAL ID Compliant Driver’s License requires an extra document to prove identity. You must documents that prove:

• full legal name

• date of birth

• social security number

• Ohio Street Address – through two different sources

• proof of legal presence

• Proof of name change, if any.

Let’s make this easy.

The big difference is you’ll need to prove your residency with two documents instead of one and proof of name change. That’s it! Click Ohio BMV website to learn about the acceptable documents for identification. This website will take you through choosing the documents you will bring. When you finish, you’ll know exactly what to take with you. Here’s also the link for the Kentucky BMV and the Indiana BMV.

As the old Burt Bacharach song says: “make it easy on yourself.’

 

As a travel advisor with over 30 years experience, I would love to assist you with planning your next vacation. To be directed to my calendar and set up your complimentary 30 minutes consultation, click here.