The Real ID Act is a federal law that was passed by Congress in 2005. The law sets new standards for the issuance of state driver's licenses and identification cards, and requires that states verify the identity and legal presence of an individual before issuing a license or ID card.
The purpose of the Real ID Act is to improve the security of state-issued identification documents and to prevent identity theft and fraud. It also aims to make it more difficult for terrorists and other individuals who pose a threat to national security to obtain state-issued identification documents.
Under the Real ID Act, states are required to verify the identity and legal presence of an individual before issuing a driver's license or identification card. This means that states must verify the individual's name, date of birth, social security number, and address, and must verify that the individual is a citizen or legal resident of the United States.
In order to comply with the Real ID Act, states must also implement certain security measures to prevent the production of fraudulent identification documents. These measures include the use of secure identification documents, such as tamper-resistant cards, and the use of technology to verify the authenticity of identification documents.
One of the key features of the Real ID Act is that it establishes a minimum set of requirements for state-issued identification documents. This means that, starting in 2020, individuals who want to board a commercial airplane, enter a federal building, or visit a military base will be required to have a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card.
If you currently have a driver's license or identification card from a state that is not compliant with the Real ID Act, you may need to obtain a new card in order to continue to use it for these purposes. However, not all states have implemented the Real ID Act, and some states have received extensions from the federal government to continue issuing non-compliant licenses and identification cards.
Overall, the Real ID Act is an important step towards improving the security of state-issued identification documents and preventing identity theft and fraud. While it may require some individuals to obtain new identification documents, the law is ultimately intended to protect the safety and security of all Americans.
How Do I Get Florida Real ID?
To obtain a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, you will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. When you visit the DMV, you will be required to provide proof of your identity, legal presence in the United States, and address.
The specific documents that you will need to provide will vary depending on your state, but they may include:
- A birth certificate or passport to prove your identity
- A social security card or other documents that show your social security number
- A current driver's license or other identification card
- Proof of your legal presence in the United States, such as a green card or other immigration documents
- Proof of your address, such as a utility bill or bank statement
- It is important to note that not all states have implemented the Real ID Act, and some states have received extensions from the federal government to continue issuing non-compliant licenses and identification cards. If you are unsure whether your state is compliant with the Real ID Act, you can check with your state's DMV or equivalent agency for more information.
Once you have gathered the necessary documents and visited the DMV, the process for obtaining a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card should be similar to the process for obtaining a regular license or ID card. This may involve completing an application, passing a vision test, and paying any applicable fees.
Overall, obtaining a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card may require some additional steps and documentation, but it is an important step towards ensuring that you can continue to use your state-issued identification for certain activities, such as boarding a commercial airplane or entering a federal building.
