American security isn’t just beefed up at the border. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristie Noem announced that Real ID is now required to take domestic flights and enter some government buildings. This includes buildings on military bases and nuclear power plants, but could also include federal buildings around the country.
The requirement began May 7. Those without a Real ID-compliant driver’s license could be denied boarding a plane or entering a building but won’t face any other penalties.
Many who have gotten their driver’s licenses renewed in recent years may already have it. It is a system of identification implemented through driver’s license bureaus. A non-compliant driver’s license is still valid for driving but won’t be accepted for domestic plane travel or entering certain federal properties.
You know you have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license when you see a gold or black star in the top right corner. Otherwise, it will state “Federal Limits Apply” on the license or identification card. Enhanced driver’s licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are also acceptable even though they don’t contain the star.
While this enforcement is new to most people, the Real ID law has been around since May 11, 2005. DHS said the law established minimum security standards for identification cards and driver’s licenses as part of a response to the 9/11 Commission report.
The problem is the law hadn’t been fully implemented or enforced everywhere and had never been a part of domestic travel or federal building access until now. All states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. five territories are issuing Real-ID compliant licenses.
Those who have gotten their Georgia driver’s licenses renewed in recent years may have noticed that the process was different. You had to provide more documentation proving you were who you claimed to be, even if you had your license renewed before. Married or divorced women had an extra step in they had to provide documentation of a legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce papers. Anyone who has had a name change needs to bring their legal paperwork to the DMV office when they renew or obtain a Georgia license.
Those applying for licenses or renewing their licenses now will need their Social Security card to get their license. Other forms that are acceptable are a W-2 form, a SSA 1099 form, a non-SSA 1099 form, and a paystub that has the applicant’s name and Social Security number on it.
Alternatives to Real ID exist that will allow you to travel. You can use a passport or other Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) – )-approved ID for boarding.
Melody Dareing is a freelance writer for publications in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Germany. She is a former news director at Adelphia Channel 4 and WBHF Radio.