Have you ever heard of Real ID? This project has been around for a long time, but the government is making it real now for the United States national security. With the inclusion of the Real ID in our lives we would be able to use it as the only acceptable identification to reavel or entering some buildings. It is not required for every action, but it is important you know about this because, maybe, in the near future it will be compulsary in more areas. Who knows? Nowadays everything is possible.
New identification document for Americans
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to set a norm when it comes to identification documents such as driver’s license or identification card. Entering official buildings or flying around the United States will not be the same, the Real ID will be a must in physical and digital identification – the one used on your smartphone (Mobile Driver’s Licenses).
You may think, ‘why would we need this change on our identification documents?’ Well, all this Real ID concept started due to the attacks on the 11th of September of 2001 to enhance the U.S.A’s national security with more reliable IDs.
Save the date!
Even though the Real ID was thought to begin being used years ago, its date has been postponed because of unpredictable circumstances like COVID-19. Now, we can talk about a fixed date, the 7th of May of this year! You do not need to hurry if you are not going to the federal building or taking an American commercial aircraft, but we do not know yet whether this Real ID will become compulsory or not. So, you had better be prepared.
Are you a Real ID American?
Maybe you do not know, but if you have renewed your IDs you may have been given the Real ID. There is a very easy way to find out about this, in order to have the Real ID your identification document would have a gold or black star in the upper right corner. There you go, you are one of the first ones getting a Real ID.
Don’t worry, if you are not in possession of the Real ID you are not in trouble, because you will still be able to do your daily life and use your normal identifications. The recommendation is that you update this information as soon as possible in case you need to do what the lack of the Real ID does not allow you to, as previously mentioned.
Where to apply for it
This process has some requirements you need to know to find where you can obtain your Real ID. First of all, you should know that if you live in California, Virginia or New York you are lucky to renew your identification online. Be careful! This is not a process to apply for the Real ID, it is just to renew it. For first timers, you have to go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) so they can check your documents are originals.
Let’s talk about the documents, to get this new identification document you need to handle a document validating your legal identity (your passport is okay), Social Security number, receipts proving your residency and your legal status (green card, refugee, etc).
We live in a time when changes are everywhere and they are occurring faster than we think. This new system to secure the nation against identity frauds is a huge step to make American citizens feel safer. National security is a key value for the American government so they are trying to do everything they can to guarantee it. Would you feel safer with this change?