North Carolina, Raleigh – The REAL ID is a document that meets certain federal security requirements to guarantee the identity of the person carrying it.
In North Carolina, like the rest of the states, it is delivered by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). For that reason, it is recommended to consult your state's DMV site for more information on how to obtain a REAL ID.
Who needs a REAL ID nationwide?
As of May 3, 2023, People who need to board a plane on domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings will need to have a REAL ID. , or some other official documentation such as a passport.
“The process for the REAL ID is almost exactly the same for obtain and renew a standard driver's license or a state ID,” said NCDMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin. “In fact, the cost is the same, too,” he noted.
The REAL ID is displayed with a star in the upper right corner of the driver's license or state ID.
What is the REAL ID law?
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, in response to the September 11 attacks.
REAL ID, which is a more secure way to verify the identity and address of the bearer, was delayed for many years.
The law went into effect in North Carolina and across the country on October 1, 2020. However, due to the Covid pandemic, its implementation has been postponed until May of next year.
At the beginning of 2020, 1.3 million REAL ID documents had already been issued in the state and it was expected that another 1.8 million people in the state would require it.
¿What documents must be presented to obtain it?
- Birth certificate or US passport, lawful permanent residence or temporary legal status in the US.
- The Social Security card or tax document with the complete Social Security number.
- Two documents verifying current address, which may include: current driver's license or state ID, vehicle registration, voter registration card, any government correspondence, bank statement or utility bill.
- Additionally, if the name on the birth certificate is not the same as the current one, you will need to have proof of name change. A marriage license, divorce, or court document indicating a name change may be accepted.
Although these documents are an essential requirement to obtain a REAL ID in North Carolina, the truth is that the rest of the states must comply with the same regulations.
Therefore, if you are in another state, you will be required, at a minimum, to have these documents. I searched here information about the DMV office in your state.
¿Who DOES NOT need to process it?
Goodwin said not everyone needs a REAL ID by May 2023, including those who don't plan to take a flight or enter a military or federal base, federal courthouse or prison.
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Those who have a current US passport will not need a REAL ID, nor will those under 18 years of age, only adults.
For more information on the requirements and acceptable documents to obtain a REAL ID, you can visit NCDOT or this link.
Offices open an extra hour in North Carolina
The commissioner's request for drivers to obtain REAL ID comes as the state has reported a 33% vacancy rate at its DMV offices.
“We now have 35 license offices around the state that are opening an extra hour, so you can make plans to apply for your REAL ID or renew your driver's license in general,” Goodwin said.
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