The pressure to get the REAL ID has become, well, real — especially with a deadline of October 1st, 2020.
Travelers will have to visit the DMV for an in-person meeting but can now submit identification documents online.
The online process will make the process a lot easier and faster.
Chad F. Wolf, DHS Acting Secretary said in a statement, “While progress has been made, the real work is still ahead because approximately two-thirds of all licenses are presently not compliant with REAL ID.”
He goes on to say, “Rest assured, our Department will continue to examine other viable options to improve upon this process and continues doing everything it can to inform Americans on the requirement to obtain a REAL ID before the full enforcement deadline later this year.”
A REAL ID differs from a driver’s license because you have to go through more security checks in order to obtain one.
According to the DHS, there are 48 out of 50 states that are able to issue REAL IDs. Oklahoma and Oregon currently have received extensions.
When applying for a REAL ID, you will need to submit documents like your social security number, driver’s license, passport or tax documents.
For information on what your state requires, check out your state’s government website.
REAL ID’s visually differ from Driver’s Licenses because they have a star on the upper right side of the ID. If you do not have a star on your ID, you won’t be able to board domestic flights.
However, if you have a passport, you can use that instead to board flights.
